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breastfeeding

Discussion in 'Breast Feeding' started by lalisiva, Jul 1, 2010.

  1. lalisiva

    lalisiva Bronze IL'ite

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    Hi ladies, this is my first pregnancy and i have few questions. Since i planned on breastfeeding, do i still need to buy baby bottles? If so which bottle brand and the formula is the best?
    How much a newborn is capable of drinking milk and how often you feed your babies?

    thanks
    Lalitha.
     
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  2. mridusudha

    mridusudha Silver IL'ite

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    Lalitha,

    If you decide to exclusively breastfeed then you don't need bottles.. Are you planning to get back to work? Or do you want someone else to feed when you are away?? If so, yes you would need bottles. But don't introduce bottle in the first 6 weeks because babies will have nipple confusion. Once your LO is 1.5-2 months old then you can introduce bottles if you wish.

    I am using Dr. Brown's bottles for DS. They are anit-gas and anti-colic and are the best...I love them..

    If you decide to formula feed then the most famous brands are Enfamil and similac. There are other brands available in the market too...I can't remember the names right now..But your baby's Paediatrician will tell you which brand to use..

    For newborns you feed on demand..There is no set time to feed them..But typically every 1.5-2 hrs sometimes sooner sometimes later...Eevry baby is different so it is hard to say how much a new born can drink...

    If you breastfeed then a newborn can sometimes latch on for an hour too. If you bottle feed(formula feed) then I can think a newborn can take anywhere from 1-3 ounces at a time...But like I said every baby is different.. So it is hard to say..

    When you are at the hospital for delivery, a lactation consultant will come to your room to talk about breastfeeding...They give very good tips and help a lot in latching..Make use of them...Nurses also can help you latching..So make use of them very well at the hospital..There is not additional charge to consult a lactation specialist...It will be billed under your hospital bill..So make use of them and ask lots of questions...

    If you haven't taken breastfeeding classes then I strongly suggest to take a class..I found them very useful and was able to get first hand info from a lactation specialist...

    Good luck with your delivery..
     
  3. lalisiva

    lalisiva Bronze IL'ite

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    Hi dear, thanks for answering to my queries. It was very helpful indeed. No i don't go to work, I'm a homemaker. I was wondering what if i have cracked or sore nipple or not having enough milk to feed my baby after delivery, i would need alternative way to feed my LO that's why i was thinking whether i should get baby bottles just in case.
    If it's a bottle feed i know how much milk LO is having but if BF how do i know my LO is getting enough milk?
    i guess i have to take that breastfeeding class as you mentioned.

    thanks for your suggestions and wishes dear.
    Lalitha.
     
  4. ilite

    ilite Senior IL'ite

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    Hi Lalitha,

    Congrats!

    If you are worried about sore nipples, you could start preparing them once you are 25-26 weeks. Either get a good nipple cream and start applying after shower or you can just try to express a little breast milk after shower and apply on the nipple. Be sure not to over stimulate as this may lead to contractions.

    All the best!
     
  5. sumanr

    sumanr Silver IL'ite

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    Lalitha - Don't worry on how much milk LO is taking. Babies know best. And know how much they want. With some experience you will know if they are full or not.
    As Mridu said, it is good idea to introduce bottle after 1.5-2mo so that you can feed BM or formula through bottle (when shopping, travelling etc).
     
  6. Vishalini3

    Vishalini3 Silver IL'ite

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    Lalitha, you would be a great mommy, dont worry :)) We loved Avent bottles for my elder one. Younger one is not bottled at all. Newborns are BFd on demand, they know how much to drink, how long, how often, everything :D They are born genius, lol :) Keep us posted, when your baby bundle is in your hands and your breastfeeding experience :):thumbsup
     
  7. mridusudha

    mridusudha Silver IL'ite

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    For cracked nipples - you can use Lansinoh cream. They are safe even for breastfeeding.

    Enough wet diapers is an indicator if your baby is getting enough milk or not. I think for newborns 6-8 wet diapers is normal. And also your baby will let you know once he/she is full or need more..

    Like I said in my previous post, take the breastfeeding class. I think the class costs only $ 60-75 and it's totally worth it..Don't forget to take your DH along with you. YES you can take your husbands along with you and YOU SHOULD. Because that way even they are aware as to how to feed the baby and how much time is requried to feed the baby. Don't be shy to take along your husband...

    I took my husband along and it was very helpful because at times I could not remember what the lacatation consultant told and my DH reminded me that...So take your DH along..In the class they will teach about different ways of latching, how to improve milk production, how often to feed, how to hold the baby etc...They also give you books with pictures in it..It was very helpful for me to visualise..

    So check out your hospital..I strongly recommend this class for every first time pregnant women..

    In addition to this, I also suggest you to take the "Labor & Delivery" class if you haven't taken it already..it is very useful and they give you lot of tips..I used all the exercises they mentioned when I was dilating at the hospital...Very useful classes for first time moms..

    Don't worry. I am sure you will be a Good mom...Good luck!!

     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2010
  8. lalisiva

    lalisiva Bronze IL'ite

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    Hi Vishalini, thanks for your kind input dear. you have a lovely children there. It's good that you didn't introduce bottle to the younger one.
    I would surely post my birth and breastfeeding experience. I'm very excited and nervous at the same time. I'm not nervous about labor pain but after bringing my LO home. there's so many questions and doubts on how to take care of the baby. can you believe that i haven't took care or hold a baby in my life? this will be my first experience. :)
     
  9. lalisiva

    lalisiva Bronze IL'ite

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    thank for your wishes and tips dear. it was very helpful.
     
  10. lalisiva

    lalisiva Bronze IL'ite

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    Hi Sumanr, thanks for your input dear. I'm thinking of not to travel for the first 2 months after LO is home like driving to a long distance or taking a flight to my hometown.
     

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