Feeding Tips: From Day One, Keep Bottles Away

Here are some guidelines for successful breast-feeding from La Leche League International:

* Feed on demand. Forget about schedules; breast milk is much more easily digested than formula and doesn’t stay in a baby’s stomach as long. That may mean feeding as often as every hour or two in the early weeks. Let baby set the pace.

* Ban the bottle. After delivery, have your baby stay in your room or ask hospital personnel to bring the child to you for feedings rather than giving bottles of water or formula. Any liquid taken in will cut down on time at the breast and could adversely affect your milk supply.

If you plan to use bottles at all, hold off introducing them until baby is well established on the breast, for at least three weeks, preferably four to six weeks. Earlier use of bottles can confuse the baby and bring an unintentional end to breast-feeding.

* Have something to drink whenever you are thirsty.

* Encourage baby to nurse at both breasts at each feeding in the early weeks. Let baby nurse to satisfaction on both sides; time limits are unneccessary. Start the next feeding with the side you ended with at the previous feeding.

* Remember that demand creates supply. The more often your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. As baby’s needs are met, the supply levels off. Expect increased demands around growth spurts, at about six weeks and three months.

* Practice and persevere. It usually takes at least six weeks for mother and baby to become a comfortable nursing team.

For free help from other nursing mothers, contact your local La Leche League chapter or telephone, toll free: 1-800-LA LECHE (525-3243).