confers immunity, transferred from mother to baby by antibodies in breast milk
breast milk more readily absorbed by baby
promotes {bonding}
satisfying to both mother & baby
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However, mother may feel breast feeding is socially unacceptable or time consuming. Poor breast development, or inadequate milk supply can also be restrictive.
!i! The advantages far outweigh disadvantages. !n! However, if mother & baby have problems, particularly if baby is failing to gain weight, the only satisfactory solution is to introduce artificially produced milk. {Artificial milk} may be given !i! in addition !n! to breast milk in order to satisfy baby, & give mother enough time to establish total breast feeding.
#bottle feeding
If artificial milk is used, certain !b! essential !n! principles must be applied:
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suitable feeding bottles
adequate {sterilizing} facilities
various latex nipples, with small, medium & large holes
method of keeping bottles & contents at body heat
suitable powdered milk
refrigeration for made-up formula (no more than 24hrs)
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Artificial feeding may be introduced to supplement breast milk or to replace breast feeding. The type of {artificial milk} will depend on advice by your doctor, midwife, or health visitor.
When starting bottle formula, dilute it initially. Make up powdered milk with 1 scoop (provided in packet) to 2ozs (57g) of boiled, cooled water. Offer bottle to baby after breast feeding & if tolerated, up feeds to 0.75 strength, until baby is taking full concentration (i.e. 2 scoops to 2ozs (57g) of water). If the flow & quantity of breast milk becomes sufficient, baby will not take bottle formula.
Should breast feeding fail, it is necessary to change to complete bottle feeds. Begin with diluted formula & up feeds to full strength as described earlier. Regarding quantity, all proprietary powdered milk formulas contain instructions, however the following general guidelines should help you work out baby's needs:
Weigh baby & if up to expected weight, multiply weight (in lbs) by 2.5. The total gives the amount of milk required (ozs) over 24hrs (e.g. 10lb baby needs 10 X 2.5 = 25ozs in 24hrs). If baby is slightly underweight, calculate correct weight & use this figure to make calculation. Young babies usually need 6 feedings in 24hrs. Based on the previous example, offer bottles containing 4ozs.
As baby grows, weight increases with quantity of milk & should be weighed at weekly intervals.
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With feeding, there are 2 different viewpoints:
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feed on demand
feed at set intervals (i.e. 4 hourly)
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Demand feeding simply means feeding when baby wakes & cries. This method suits many babies & they often settle into routine, waking regularly (mothers who breast feed may find this exhausting in the 1st 6 weeks). A developing infant may take up to 3mths to drop night feeds, particularly boys.
