Breastfeeding Your Baby

• Breast milk is nature’s perfect food for your baby. Not only is it nutritious but it also protects her from ear and respiratory infections and other lifelong problems like diabetes and obesity. Breastfeeding is also the perfect time to connect with your new baby. Make eye contact and talk to your little one. Tell her how precious she is to you. These can be very special moments!

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your breastfeed your baby within the first 30 minutes of life. This helps the baby learn to breastfeed more quickly. The more you nurse the more milk you'll produce. Nursing for 10 to 15 minutes per breast – 8 to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target. You should nurse your newborn whenever he shows signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting around for your nipple. Crying is a late sign of hunger.

• Breastfeeding is the best “fast food” you can give your baby. There's nothing to buy or prepare so it gives you more freedom. A mother’s breasts are always there and the milk is warm and ready. There's less spitting up, no stains and the poop doesn't smell. It's easy and convenient. Breastfeeding your baby also brings you great benefits. You’ll be able to snooze during night feedings; it protects you against some breast and ovarian cancers and can help you to get back to your pre-pregnancy shape quicker. To stay healthy and strong you will need 500 extra calories of healthful and natural foods a day because your body burns that amount while breastfeeding.

Your Baby's Diet

It’s never too early to get your baby on a healthy diet. Your baby will show you when he is ready to eat solids by being able to sit upright in a high chair and to show interest in what you are eating. Remember, it is important to concentrate on what your baby is eating and drinking and not so much what your baby weighs. Breastfed babies usually weigh less than formula-fed babies. When a baby cries between feedings, it is tempting to comfort her with food. But regular “comfort eating” can teach your baby to overeat! Most babies have a need for “non-nutritive” sucking to help them calm themselves down. Giving your baby a pacifier allows her to satisfy her sucking needs without overfeeding. Overweight babies have an increased risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults. Obesity is also linked to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. As your baby gets older, avoid giving much fruit juice or make sure you dilute it. Do not give your baby (or any young child) sodas or sports drinks. Play with your baby and encourage him to be active. Offer water or milk when she is thirsty.