Page 30 - GreenBook

We strongly encourage breast feeding for all women who want to nurse, but
some women have very definite negative feelings about breastfeeding and we
respect those feelings. You as the parents need to feel comfortable about how
you feed your child and take your own feelings into consideration first. Both
choices are appropriate and you should feel good about whichever one you
make. In certain situations where there is a family history of juvenile diabetes or
severe allergy, or where mother has a medical problem which requires treatment
with medications, very specific feeding recommendations may exist. Please
discuss these with your pediatrician prior to the birth of your child.
Whether you are nursing or formula feeding, you will be able to hold and cuddle
your baby and attain the pleasure of bonding with your infant. Bonding will be as
strong with either method of feeding. The most important point is that you are
comfortable with the decision that you have made and enjoy feeding your baby.

Cow's milk is a great food for baby cows but not for human babies, and therefore
should not be used as a source of nutrition for infants during the first year of life.
It is much higher in salt (sodium) than human milk or formulas, and is not suited
for an infant's kidneys, which must work hard to get rid of this excess salt. The
proteins are much "harsher" than human milk and are not complete. They
require other protein sources to complement them. Milk should not be
introduced until the child is one year of age. Introduction of milk prior to the first
birthday has been shown to increase risk of developing allergies.

A. BREAST FEEDING

1. General Information

When you are nursing your baby, it is important that you are relaxed and rested.
Infants are quite sensitive to your fatigue or tension and do not feed as well
under these conditions, whether they are breast or bottle fed.

When your baby cries, you may experience a natural feeling called the "let
down" reflex. This occurs when your milk starts to flow in anticipation of your
baby nursing. Prepare for nursing by getting into a comfortable position and
take a few deep breaths. Sit with a straight well supported back. The baby's
position before feeding begins should be on a pillow, and his nostril, not mouth,
should be in line with your nipple. Your infant's navel should face yours. Try to
have the baby come up to your breast from below. It is important to put the baby
to your breast not your breast to the baby. Support your breast if needed, but be
sure not to squeeze your breast to make room for the baby's nose. The infant's
chin and nose should touch the breast. Entice the infant onto the breast by
touching her upper lip to your nipple, move the baby away slightly and repeat
until the infant opens her mouth wide. When the infant is latched properly, his
lips should be turned outward, not pursed like drinking from a straw. You should
see sucking and may hear swallowing. Remember to alternate nursing positions
(cradle, football hold and laying down on your side) to help avoid sore nipples. If
your breasts are too full, you may have to express some milk before he can latch
on to the breast. If you have retracted nipples, there are ways to help you nurse.

Please contact our office.

To take the baby off of the breast when he is done, insert your finger into the

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