Page 33 - GreenBook

wrong answer to the need of wearing a bra. The main concern is comfort.

d. Birth Control: Warning! Breastfeeding is not a reliable method of birth
control. Many women have gotten pregnant thinking breastfeeding is protective,
even while nursing a very young infant.
Ifyou have any questions concerning breast feeding please call our office.

B. FORMULA FEEDING
1. General Information

Your first decision is in choosing a formula. There are many different formulas
on the market and choosing one may be confusing. Most infants do well with a
cow's milk based formula. If you have had an infant with formula intolerance, a
soy formula may be chosen.

Formulas come in ready-to-feed, concentrated, and powdered forms. All are
nutritionally equal. The powdered and concentrated formulas are less expensive

to use.

Any time you think your baby is having a formula intolerance, please contact us
before you make any changes. Many problems are not formula related and
changing formulas won't help. Formula intolerance comes in many forms. Colic,
though "normal" for many small infants, can be a sign of intolerance. Diarrhea or
excessive spitting up may be as well. Again, since it is difficult for you to
determine an intolerance, check with your pediatrician first.

We do not recommend the use of whole milk or an evaporated milk formula for
the first year of life.

There are now several "follow-up" and "toddler" formulas on the market. You do
not have to change your child's formula as all standard infant formulas are great
for the first full year of life. At one year of age most children may begin taking
whole milk. If you think your child needs to continue formula please discuss this
with your pediatrician at your child's one year exam.

2. Vitamins and iron

All formulas are fully vitamin fortified and supplements are not needed. If,
however, your drinking water is not fluoridated your child will need to receive a
fluoride supplement beginning at 6 months of age and continuing through 16
years of age.

Iron is an extremely important nutrient for an infant. Infants will triple their weight
and blood volume over the first year of life and need plenty of iron to do so.
Studies have shown that iron in formula does not cause constipation in infants.

3. Sterilization of Bottles and Formula

We recommend that you boil the water for 5 minutes to sterilize it until your baby
is one month of age. Boiling only helps to remove bacteria and parasites, not
chemicals or other minerals. Sterilization of bottles and nipples is not
necessary. Wash with hot soapy water, rinse well in hot water and allow to air

32