In years’ past, breastfeeding educators have taught mothers specific breastfeeding positions, techniques and precise timing patterns. Thanks to new research, we now know there are problems with this approach. Breastfeeding is not only a way for newborns to get food; it is a special relationship between mom and baby. When supporting moms with breastfeeding, suggest she just get comfortable, rather than giving too many instructions. There is no wrong way to breastfeed if mom and baby are comfortable. Baby should be fed whenever baby shows signs of hunger. If moms insist on knowing a more precise estimate of how often to feed the baby, then go with these estimates:
Month 1:
Have mom put baby to breast 10-12 times per 24hrs in the first month. On average, newborns will want to eat every 2-3hrs during the day and every 3-4 hrs overnight. This is just a general guideline however; many newborns are not so consistent. They may snack on and off and they often cluster feed in the evenings. The most important thing to stress with new mothers is that the amount of times per day is more important than keeping feeds exactly spaced apart. Look for hunger cues of opening mouth, hand-to-mouth, increased alertness-crying is a late sign of hunger.Baby cannot go to breast "too much," and the more they nurse in the first two weeks, the more plentiful supply will be and the more spaced out feeds will naturally become in the following weeks.
Month 2:
If the baby has regained birth weight, is gaining weight at a rate of about 5-7oz/week, voiding and stooling normally, it is okay to decrease breastfeeding to 8-10 times in 24 hrs. Baby may be able to go a 4-5hr stretch between feeds at night. If not, do not worry. During the day, continue to feed baby whenever she is hungry.
month 3:
*Still need to write something here
Formula feeding:
It is important to support mothers of bottle fed babies just as much as we support our breastfeeding mothers. Reasons for bottle feeding are varied and we should assure the parents there is no wrong choice. They may feel inadequate if they were not able to breastfeed. We need to assure these parents that there are many ways they can still bond with their baby. They may feel apprehensive about caring for their baby and ask many questions. One of the biggest questions parents of formula fed babies ask is, “How much formula and how often should I be feeding my baby?”
Month 1:
Newborns do not need very much formula in the first days of life, as their stomach is the size of a shooter marble. By day 3 their stomach is the size of a pig pong ball and can hold about 22-27mls. In week 1, try giving approximately 20-45ml and see how they do. Week 2: about 30-60ml, Week 3: about 60ml-90ml, Week 4: approximately 90-120ml. Week 4 on: Some babies plateau and continue to take about 4oz for a while, until around 3-4 months. At this age, babies may increase to taking 5-6oz.
Month 2:
Babies should be taking at least 4oz every 2-3hrs during the day and about every 3-4 hrs overnight. Same as with breastfeeding, babies may be doing a 4-5hr stretch between feeds overnight now. Some babies will take more than 4oz, sometimes 5-6oz, depending on weight. Also depending on weight, babies will eat anywhere from 24-30oz of formula in 24hrs. If amount is consistently lower or higher than this, parents should consult with their pediatrician.
Month 3:
Do not start sleep training until Dr says it is okay. The Dr’s reasoning is based on age, weight and caloric intake. Make sure baby is able to get enough calories during the day time hours so he can sleep at night. If taking calories away from night, be sure to addthem in to the daytime somewhere (More on sleep training elsewhere in this handbook.)
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics- Feeding and scheduling of feeding
Nancy Mohrbacher- Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple
Ameda- belly balls
(I plan on correctly writing out these references later)