Every mother has a right to decide what she chooses for her baby and how to nurse the baby. If she is properly informed and well educated on the matter then she can make her own educated choice.

Breastfeeding

Feeding your baby can be very rewarding and a time to enjoy a real feeling of closeness. Breastfeeding not only provides good nutrition to the baby but also a feeling of comfort and satisfaction which they receive from the cuddling. In addition to this it also has an impact on his health not just in infancy but in the long term, too.

Breastfeeding provides all the necessary nutrients which are required for the baby for the first few months of the newborn. It is a natural way to feed a baby. Take out time and consult your doctor and find out different feeding preferences and up to date information on baby feeding.

Researchers show that the babies who aren’t breastfed are more likely to fall sick during the first year. Knowing that breastfeeding is important for a good start for the baby is not just enough. Many mothers need help and support to breastfeed, and access to good information to overcome problems.

If everything is ok then you can start breastfeeding straight after birth. It takes only a while for you and your baby to be comfortable and know how to enact. It’s convenient and easy.

Almost every mother produces milk and breastfeeding is all your baby needs for the first six months. It contains antibodies which helps in protecting your baby against infections and lower the risk of conditions like eczema, asthma and diabetes. Breastmilk is convenient as it does not require any prior preparation and it of course it comes free of cost. Breast milk is always the right temperature for the baby.

If you are unable to feed your baby while you are away or you have kept a caregiver and you still want your baby to have your milk then you can express the milk out and store it in a bottle. Milk can be stored in the refrigerator for between three and eight days, depending on the temperature of the fridge, or in the freezer for up to three months.

You don’t need anything extra but you might want to consider few things like

Nursing bra: To make access easy and more comfortable for you and your baby.

Breast pads: To absorb any leaks during the early days. If not the breast pads, folded cotton hankies will also do the same job.

Breast pump: A breast pump will be helpful to express the milk and store it.

Bottles and Teats: You need atleast of 6 bottles and teats available anytime.

Bottle feeding

It’s completely your choice whether you want to give breastfed milk or the formula milk to the baby. You have the right to choose the best feeding option for your baby given in particular circumstances.  In order to make a well-informed decision, mothers have the right to receive information and resources about all infant feeding options.  Whatever a mother’s decision, she should be supported and counseled in her choice. So if you choose any infant formula then make sure it is a recognized formula which falls under all the federal norms. Formula milk is based on cow’s milk. The main types of formula for babies under six months are:

Whey-based milks – Can be used for the babies from birth. The protein content has more whey in it which reflects breast milk.

Casein-based milk – Again good for babies from birth, casein is less easily digestible, and is supposed to keep the baby feeling fuller for longer.

Soya formula - Used for babies who can't tolerate cow's milk formula and some other specialist formulas are used for babies who have other special needs, for instance pre-term babies who are unable to get the mother’s milk and are unable to tolerate the cow’s milk formula. The protein in these formulas is hydrolyzed, which means it's partially broken down, and this makes them easier to digest. Consult your doctor and decide on what formula should be given for your baby.

Ordinary cow's milk, goat's milk, condensed milk, dried milk, evaporated milk or any other type of milk should never be given to the baby who is under 12 months old.
Ready to feed formula is readily available in cartons and you can also prepare milk mixing the dried formula with water. It is very important to keep all the feeding equipments clean as the formula-fed babies are more susceptible to infections than the breastfed babies. You must sterilize the bottles and teats between uses for the first six months.

Make up each bottle as you need it and throw away any leftover milk. The Food Standards Agency has full guidance on preparing and storing formula milk. Try to follow the instructions on the pack and prepare the formula so that you get the right proportion of water and the formula.

Bottle feeding needs more equipment, especially if you plan to give more than the occasional bottle. You should consider the following:

Bottles and nipples: You need at least 10 bottles and teats.

Sterilizing equipment and a brush/scrubber for cleaning the bottles.

Mixed Feeding

Giving your baby formula milk as well as breastfeeding can be a way to maintain some breastfeeding if you return to work, or if breastfeeding alone isn't working out for you. Because you need to breastfeed often to keep up a supply of milk, mixed feeding can lead to breast milk production dwindling sooner than you wish. Talk to a breastfeeding counselor, or other knowledgeable person, to help you work out a plan that suits you.

Some mothers express breast milk so that their baby can continue having breast milk when they're not around. Breast milk is made in direct response to your baby feeding - giving formula alongside breastfeeding could affect your breast milk supply, but it's possible to combine successfully.

Wait for atleast five to six weeks so that the breastfeeding can be well established and the formula will have less effect on your breastfeeding. Waiting will also reduce the chances of your baby preferring the bottle.

If you're giving formula at the same feed as breastfeeding, breastfeed your baby first to keep up your supply and then provide the formula.

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