Nourishing your Baby

So the bonding begins! Although breastfeeding can be the most rewarding experience of a woman’s life and provides what nature intended as the best start for your baby, it actually may not be possible for everyone. Whether you choose to nourish your baby by breast or bottle, the one-on-one time you spend together is priceless.

Almost immediately you’ll be encouraged to breastfeed your baby and form that special bond. If you assume that feeding is a natural and automatic process, you wouldn’t be alone, but actually, feeding is something that both you and your baby have to learn how to do. For a variety of reasons, breastfeeding may not be an option for you and there are a number of things to think about when choosing between breast and bottle feeding. Flourish can help make decisions easier. This section explains what to expect in the first few days and months of feeding and looks at some of the potential hurdles you may face.

 

 

Premature babies in particular may experience feeding difficulties and may need help with alternative feeding methods. Here we cover breast milk and colostrum; the establishment of breast feeding; medications and their effect on breast milk; and ways to increase supply. It also contains comprehensive information about infant formula feeding and the various types of formula available; what's best; and when specialised formulas may need to be used. It also offers a section on introducing solids.