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When is the Right Time to Switch to Formula?

Breastfeeding offers benefits for both mother ...

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Breastfeeding is a beautiful act that helps to nourish your baby with what you created with your own body and helps to bring you and your baby closer together. However, there may come a time when breastfeeding isn’t practical. How do you decide when it’s the right time to switch to formula?

  1. When your child becomes dependent on you and you have decided that the breastfeeding has become a crutch. If your baby reaches to breastfeed in an effort to be comforted – before he goes to sleep, when he wakes up or when he’s upset in any way, that’s an indication that your baby may be using breastfeeding not just for nourishment, but also for comfort.
  2. Breastfeeding becomes an inconvenience that negatively affects your life. This inconvenience or negativity can take many forms, depending on each mother and child’s personal situation – from fatigue or illness or embarrassment or even time constraints. It’s also the reason to switch to formula feeding that seems to garner the most negative attention from mothers who feel guilt over putting themselves over the perceived health or happiness of your child. However, keep in mind that your child is going to have a hard time being happy if you’re not and it’s hard enough with a new baby without added stresses.
  3. Your child has expressed interest in a bottle or cup. Some mommies want to extend the closeness they feel when they breastfeed their baby, so they ignore the signs that their child is ready to grow up. While you can certainly pump milk to provide, don’t be scared to make the switch to formula.
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Newborn Bonding for Dads

Many fathers tend to feel left out from the mother-newborn bonding process. Let’s face it, fathers don’t carry children in their stomach and they certainly don’t breast-feed. Babies come out of the womb with a natural connection towards their mother. However, the most important things for new dads to remember is that a prior bond shouldn’t intimidate them from bonding with their own child. Here are some ways to do just that.

1.) Take part in feeding time.
Dads can still play a major role in feeding even if you decide to breast-feed your baby. Simply have your wife pump enough for at least one feeding and use a bottle to feed your infant. If she pumps enough, you get to play a part in the midnight feedings as well. While that may not sound remotely appetizing, you’ll be surprised how much it makes you bond with your child.
2.) Don’t be afraid of comforting.
Okay, maybe your baby quiets quicker when she’s handed to Mom. You can still comfort too, even if it takes a little longer. Soon you’ll develop your own cuddling and comforting strategies for a wailing baby.
3.) Participate in bath time.
You may even want to consider taking your child in the bath with you.
4.) Read to your baby.
Read the books you loved as a child to your newborn. It’s a great way to bond, especially before bed.
5.) Coax your baby to sleep.
Whether your method of choice is rocking, patting, or a bedtime story, find a way that works for both of you.

Bonding with your baby basically boils down to one thing: spend time with your baby. Don’t be afraid of your newborn infant. Sure, a baby is delicate and fragile; but you shouldn’t let that intimidate you. You’re just as good of a parent as any mom. Now get out there and participate in your baby’s 4 AM wake-up calls!

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A Heathy Diet for Moms with Newborns

Breastfeeding an infant
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So you gained a few pounds in pregnancy. Newsflash: everyone does. Don’t sweat it. If you’re in a huge rush to lose those post-pregnancy pounds, you may be hurting your baby too. After all, if you’re breastfeeding, you’re responsible for his nutrients, too. Even if you opt not to breastfeed, you’re going to need tons of energy in order to care for both you and your baby twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

Here are a list of foods that WebMD recommends for new moms.

1.) Dairy products that are low in fat.
Your breast milk will keep your baby happy and chock full of calcium. However, if you aren’t consuming enough calcium for two, your baby won’t suffer, but you will. Make sure you get enough calcium in your diet. One of the best ways to do this is to consume dairy products. Dairy products like milk, cheese, or yogurt will also provide you with healthy vitamins, so eat at least three cups of dairy products every day.

2.) Lean beef.
Beef that’s lean in fat content will provide you with a healthy source of iron, protein, and vitamin B-12. Lean beef provides you with all of this. Having enough iron in your diet helps to ensure your energy levels won’t plummet, something that will be important when you’re trying to live your life around a newborn’s schedule.

3.) Salmon.
We all know that fish is one of the healthiest proteins around and that eating fish instead of fattier proteins will help you shed pounds faster. However, salmon has something even more beneficial for you and your baby: Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. DHA is an essential dietary requirement for newborns, and salmon contains lots of it. There have been studies which found that DHA may also help relieve symptoms of post-partum depression.

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All About Breast Pumping

A baby breastfeeding.
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If you’re considering breastfeeding but are nervous about having to nurse all the time or have your breasts exposed in public, a breast pump can be your new best friend. The benefits of breast pumping are endless. If anyone besides you is watching your baby, particularly if you’re a working mom, you’ll need to pump breast milk, no questions asked. If you’re in a public setting that doesn’t bode well for breastfeeding (or maybe it’s just really cold), you’re going to want a bottle of breast milk in your diaper bag. Lastly, what many breastfeeding women don’t realize is that they can allow dads to bond with babies at feeding time by pumping and allowing him to do at least one feeding. Breastfeeding your child is an incredibly unique, intimate experience, and allowing Dad to feed the baby will ensure he gets that special bonding time too.

Breast pumping generally only takes around fifteen to twenty minutes. Some companies even make double pumps now, which expedites the pumping process by pumping from both breasts at the same time. Breast pumps come in a multitude of varieties and costs. Hand operated models may be best for stay-at-home moms who won’t need to be away from their baby for very long. They can run as little as fifteen dollars. Pricier (but more convenient) models can run all the way up to $200 or more. There’s no need to pay this much if you do a little research. If pumping is going to be an everyday affair for you, you should probably consider springing for an electric pump. If you plan on switching to formula in a short amount of time, buying an expensive pump probably isn’t the best plan for you. The aforementioned double pumps can be pricey, but they’re transportable and convenient for busy moms who are on the go.

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