How to Feed & Burp a Newborn

Feeding your newborn isn't rocket science, but it isn't without its pitfalls, either. Every baby is unique; what works for your first might not work with the second. Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it makes sense to follow the same basic guidelines: let your baby set the feeding pace and schedule, and use feeding times as opportunity for cuddling and bonding.

Instructions

1

Wake your baby every four hours to eat if he doesn't wake on his own. Don't let him sleep through the night for at least the first two weeks of life. Newborns need frequent meals so they grow normally and don't become dehydrated. If he's doing well at his two-week checkup, it's okay to let him sleep through, if you're so lucky, pediatrician Dr. Ari Brown, author of "Baby 411" and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics explains on CNN.com.

2

Hold him closely, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby. Obviously, you can't breastfeeding from a distance; that's one of breastfeeding's big advantages for your baby. Hold your baby the same way when you bottle-feed, including skin-to-skin contact if you want. Never prop a newborn's bottle; babies need close contact with their caregivers.

3

Interact with him during feedings. When you're a new mom, it's hard not to use feeding times to multi-task. But don't use feeding times as a time to talk on the phone or watch TV, at least not exclusively. Look at your baby, talk to him and get to know him during feeding times.

4

Position him for burping every few ounces while bottle-feeding or when you switch sides when breastfeeding. Hold him up over your shoulder, sit him up with support, or lie him on his stomach over your lap to burp him.

5

Pat or rub his his back gently while burping; if you pat too hard, he's more likely to spit up. A little spit-up is normal during burping; report projectile vomiting to your baby's doctor. Do your best to get the burp up before lying him down. It's tempting to just lie him down if he hasn't burped and he's asleep, but he's more likely to wake up in a short time with gas pains if you don't.

6

Watch your baby for signs that he's had enough. Don't force that last ounce of formula down him just because it's in the bottle; let him decide how much he needs to eat and how often, as long as he's growing and gaining weight. If you're breastfeeding, let him empty one breast, sucking for 15 to 20 minutes, before switching sides. He needs the hind milk, which comes at the end of the feeding and contains more fat, which will help him feel full.

7

Feed your baby on demand; he knows best what he needs and when. As he gets a little older, every cry might not be a hunger cry, but when he's a newborn, if it's been 1 1/2 hours since his last feeding, assume he's hungry and feed him. As long as he's getting eight to 12 feedings per day, he should get what he needs to grow, according to MayoClinic.com.

Breastfeeding & Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis has been called an "old woman's disease" because it afflicts some many women in their 60s and 70s. But osteoporosis is actually a pediatric condition with a geriatric outcome because bone density is primarily built during the adolescent years. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding have an effect on osteoporosis.

Identification

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that cause loss of bone density which may result in painful bone breaks. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services it is most common in women who have a small frame and a family history of osteoporosis. Women of Caucasian and Asian decent are more likely to develop osteoporosis than those of Hispanic or African decent, but women of all ethnic backgrounds are at risk.

Effects

Although osteoporosis typically presents in older women, it can be diagnosed at any stage of life, including during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Osteoporosis in the spine may result in sloping of the shoulders, a curvature of the back, loss of height, a protruding abdomen, back pain and a hunched over appearance. Easily broken bones are a common effect of osteoporosis, particularly in the wrists and hips.

Features

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases pregnancy adds an additional demand on the mother's calcium supply because developing babies need a significant supply of calcium in order to properly develop their skeletal system. Breastfeeding mothers may lose between three and five percent of their bone mass during breastfeeding. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases notes that most breastfeeding women recover any lost bone mass soon after weaning.

Considerations

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, teenagers who become pregnant may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis later in life. In order to minimize bone loss during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends pregnant teenagers get sufficient calcium, either through diet or supplements.

Benefits

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes foods that are rich in calcium. Regular weight-bearing exercise, eliminating smoking from the mother's environment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to build and maintain bone mass. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases also notes that pregnancy may be good for a woman's overall bone health and may actually result in greater bone density and a lower risk of fractures. According to AskDrSears.com, women who have never breastfed are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than breastfeeding women.

Breastfeeding & Baby Allergies

Allergies are more commonly diagnosed in the world than ever before. La Leche League claims that one in five children shows signs of allergies by age 20. Allergies are more documented today because doctors are more easily able to recognize and diagnose allergies than they were years ago. Breastfeeding has many health benefits to infants that carry on through life. One of these benefits is protecting the child against allergies.

How Allergies Occur

Allergies are caused by the body viewing an otherwise harmless substance as harmful. The body will then produce large amounts of immunoglobulin E, an antibody that works to protect the body from allergens. The antibodies attach themselves to tissue and blood cells once they come into contact with the allergen, and proceed to release inflammatory chemicals such as histamines and prostaglandins. These chemicals are what cause the allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Baby Allergies

Food allergies cause symptoms such as diarrhea, spitting up, cramping, constipation, gas and poor absorption of nutrients. Allergies also effect the eyes, nose and skin. This causes rashes, and discharge from the eyes and nose. It can be hard to tell exactly what's wrong when a baby is young, so parents who have concerns should always visit the family doctor.

Breastfeeding Effects on Child Allergies

Breastfeeding has many benefits, one of which is adding protection against allergies in children. Breast milk contains immunoglobulin A, which prevents foreign proteins from passing into the bloodstream and causing allergic reactions. Breast milk also contains antibodies to pathogens that are in the mother's milk. These antibodies help to protect babies from any allergens that may be in the mother's milk

Breastfeeding and Infant Milk Allergies

Up to three percent of babies have a milk protein allergy. Most children outgrow this allergy by age five, but it can be troubling for parents to feed an infant with a milk allergy. Milk protein can pass through a mother's milk, so doctors of breastfeeding mothers may recommend that a mother limit or eliminate dairy from her diet if the child has a milk allergy.

Treatment of Infant Allergies

If a breastfed infant has allergies, the mother can try an elimination diet for herself. This means cutting out all allergens and then slowly adding them back in one by one. Mothers should keep track as they add foods back into the diet to be sure which is causing the reaction. If parents suspect that a baby has an allergy, the baby should always be taken to the doctor. The doctor can perform a number of tests to discover the cause of the allergic reaction. This includes blood tests, stool tests and a skin test.

Alternative Treatment to Control Postpartum Bleeding

Normal postpartum bleeding is similar to a heavy period, necessitating changing pads every 4 to 6 hours. Blood may pool when lying down and seem to gush when standing up, but still be within normal limits. Soaking a pad an hour and continually passing large clots are signs of a hemorrhage. Hemorrhage occurs when the uterus relaxes and loses tone. Action and home remedies may quickly stop excessive postpartum bleeding. Women should know what to do and when to seek help to prevent shock and other complications.

Emergency

Within hours or days of giving birth, get medical assistance or call 911 if there is repeated passage of large clots, or if symptoms of dizziness, nausea, faintness upon standing, pale and clammy skin, restlessness, anxiety and thirst are present. These symptoms of impending shock can also develop with a slow hemorrhage that initially may not have seemed serious. Blood loss can quickly escalate to a dangerous situation as blood pressure, pulse and respirations become unstable.

Uterine Tone

After giving birth, the uterus contracts into a hard ball that puts direct pressure on the open wound left by the placenta. Excessive bleeding occurs when the uterus becomes soft and flabby. The most common reason the uterus relaxes is because it is displaced by the mother's full bladder. As soon as she urinates, the problem resolves. A uterus can also have poor tone because of maternal nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin K, or it may be due to traumatic birth factors, such as a long hard labor or the rapid delivery of a large baby. A soft uterus is more likely in mothers who have several children and in those who are not breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of hormones in the mother's bloodstream that contract the uterus and prevent hemorrhage. Getting the baby to latch on may be all that is needed to stop a heavy flow.

Massaging the uterus will trigger contractions. Place one hand below the uterus to support musculature while massaging the fundus, or top. Don't forget to rub the sides as well. Do this vigorously until a firm ball is felt in the abdomen. Check and repeat every 15 minutes until it has remained firm for at least 2 hours.

Elevating the feet and placing an ice pack over the uterus may also help slow blood loss and prevent shock, but the ice pack must be removed and the fundus checked for firmness periodically.

Herbal Remedies

Plant sources of hormones that contract the uterus include Blue Cohosh, Cotton Root Bark and Cannabis. They work well when given with herbs that constrict blood flow such as Witch Hazel or Lady's Mantle. Tinctures work quickly when given under the tongue.

The favorite of midwives, Shepherd's Purse, is a blood coagulant, or vasoconstrictor, and promotes uterine contractions. Used alone, one teaspoonful under the tongue can stop a hemorrhage in less than 30 seconds. According to Susun S. Weed, author of "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year," dried Shepherd's Purse loses potency quickly, and the best tinctures are made from fresh herbs.

How to Make Lactation Cookies

This is a great cookie for breastfeeding mothers who need or want to increase their milk supply. This recipe contains some lactogenic foods (foods that increase milk production), such as oats, brewer's yeast and almonds. These cookies also taste great and make a great treat for even people who are not nursing moms.

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2

Mix the flaxseed meal and water together in a small mixing bowl, and set the mixture aside for three to five minutes.

3

Cream together the butter and sugar in a separate bowl, then stir in the eggs.

4

Stir flaxseed mix and butter mix together, then stir in the vanilla. Beat until well blended.

5

Combine all dry ingredients (except oats, raisins and almonds) in a separate bowl. Add the butter mixture to the dry mixture. Stir well

6

Stir in the oats, raisins and almonds.

7

Drop dough balls onto greased baking sheet using an ice cream scoop. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Breastfeeding at Beaches

As a breastfeeding mother, you've quickly learned that your little one needs to eat no matter the place, and she might start showing hunger cues at the most inopportune times. When you're headed to the beach with your family, don't forget to throw in your nursing supplies along with your sunscreen and beach towel because your baby is probably going to need to nurse during your day on the sand. If you're well prepared, breastfeeding at the beach can be as easy and comfortable as it is from the comfort of your home.

Routine

A day at the beach certainly isn't your average day, but you should remain on your regular breastfeeding schedule with your baby. Keep an eye on the time throughout your day, making sure that your baby is fed at normal intervals. If you have a newborn, he might be eating as frequently as every two to three hours -- or less. Older babies might not nurse as often, but they'll need the regular sustenance when you're at the beach. Although your location has changed, your baby's feeding schedule should not.

Location

When you're setting up for a day at the beach, check out the area for a spot that's breastfeeding friendly. Find a shady spot, if possible, where you can keep your baby out of the sun while you breastfeed. If the beach is crowded and you're shy about nursing in public, opt for a more secluded location or a spot where you can at least face away from the crowds as you breastfeed. With a breastfeeding-friendly setup, feeding your baby at the beach can be a breeze.

Supplies

As a breastfeeding mom, you probably don't think much about feeding your baby because you always have all of the supplies you need. However, a trip to the beach might require a few additional supplies to make your breastfeeding experience simple and hassle-free. Choose a lightweight receiving blanket or nursing cover that allows you to shade your baby -- and give yourself some privacy -- when breastfeeding at the beach. If no natural shade is available, bring a beach umbrella that allows you to create a shady spot suitable for nursing. Wear a swimsuit that makes it easy for you to nurse -- one with a high neckline, for example, might be tough to slip out of, while one with a lower neckline would be easy to pull down. Toss a portable, battery-powered fan in your beach bag so that you can keep your baby cool while she nurses.

Legal Right

Whether you're a nursing-in-public pro or a first-time mom breastfeeding outside of the house for the first time, you can be confident thanks to laws that keep your rights protected. Forty-five states have established laws that protect mothers who nurse in public, which includes breastfeeding on the beach. Even more, the National Conference of State Legislators reports that 28 states exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws. After all, your baby needs to eat, whether you're at home or at the beach, which is why laws are in place to allow you to feed your baby wherever and whenever you please.

How to Stop a Breast From Leaking

Lactating mothers often experience breast leakage during the early weeks and months of breastfeeding. The oxytocin hormone causes the milk ejection reflex (MER), known as letdown, causing the milk to flow freely from either breasts. According to lactation expert, Susan Condon, leaking breasts are a sign that lactation is going well, and are the body's way of preventing breast engorgement. If you are currently nursing, there are a few ways to stop your breast from leaking.

Instructions

1

Apply firm pressure on both breasts by crossing one or both arms over the nipples when taking off your bra. Breasts will get heavy due to the accumulation of milk hours after your last nursing. Feed your baby right away to relieve the feeling of fullness from your breast. If the baby is not hungry, pump your milk out and store it in the refrigerator for later use.

2

Press your nipple firmly on one breast with your palm when your baby is feeding on the other side. Leaks often happen during the time when your child is sucking milk from one breast while the other side is full of milk. Allow the baby to feed on the other side as soon as you feel that he has sucked some of the milk out from the other breast.

3

Lie down on your back when resting or sleeping. Do not sleep on your stomach to prevent your breasts from getting squeezed. When laying on your side, avoid putting your weight on your breast.

4

Use washable or disposable breasts pad under a comfortable-fitting nursing bra when you are going out. They are designed to absorb leaking milk and keep your bra dry. Change them right away as soon as they get wet to prevent nipple soreness and fungal infections. If breastfeeding at home, use a cloth diaper to absorb the leaks.