Breast-fed babies put on weight at a lower rate than bottle-fed babies, but medical reports encourage and advise mothers to breastfeed their babies for at least the first six months of life. Normally, babies are expected to double their birth weight by the time they reach about five months of age and triple it by the time they reach one year. Generally, the difference between breastfed babies and bottle-fed babies is due to faulty breastfeeding.
Instructions
1. Talk to your doctor in detail about your baby's growth chart and special needs, if any. If this is your first baby, pay extra attention to your nipples. Normally, the nipple protrudes a bit, which makes it convenient for the baby to suckle. However, if the nipple is too small, pull it a little until the baby is comfortable with it. The baby needs to be kept in an inclined position in the nook of your arm so she does not take in air while suckling milk.
2. In the first month, your baby will need to be breastfed about every two hours around the clock. You need to be prepared for this grueling routine. You will know your baby is feeding well by counting the times he urinates. Ideally it should be six to eight times in 24 hours.
3. At night in particular, keep your baby close to you so you will know when she asks to be fed. Also, you can both sleep more in between feedings.
4. Be prepared to feed at higher frequencies around the fifth or sixth week. Fortunately, your amount of milk will increase accordingly. The hunger spurt will subside around the eighth week and re-emerge when the baby is about 12 weeks old.
5. Your diet should exclude cabbage, smoked fish, shell fish, soft drinks, coffee, alcohol and kidney beans. Include greens, fruits, milk and dairy products, chicken, fish and vitamin supplements.
