Feeding

General Feeding Guidelines

Babies typically eat every 2-3 hours. Newborns have very small stomachs and only need 1-2 oz in the first week of life. In the first few weeks of life, babies will generally breastfeed for 10-15 minutes per side or take somewhere from 2-4 oz of formula at a time. Formula often comes out more quickly, and babies will sometimes overeat when fed from a bottle. If your baby is spitting up a lot, try reducing the amount of formula and feeding more slowly. In general, you can be satisfied that your baby is getting enough to eat if they: seem satisfied after meals, have at least 6-8 wet diapers a day, have regular, soft stools, and are gaining approximately 0.5-1 oz of weight a day.

Feeding FAQ (click to open)

Breastfeeding Guidelines

We definitely recommend breast milk as the primary nutrition for your baby. The recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics are to breastfeed exclusively for six months, and, after the addition of solid foods, to continue to breastfeed until your baby is at least 12 months of age. Newborns generally breastfeed every 2-3 hours, but can breastfeed as frequently as every 1.5 hours. It is common to feel like you are feeding your baby all the time, but that will improve as your baby grows. You also may feel that you aren’t able to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat. If they seem satisfied at the end of a meal and are having plenty of wet diapers, it usually means that your supply is sufficient. Babies have very small stomachs and generally only need 1-2 oz of breast milk per feeding in the first week of life.

The benefits of breastfeeding include:

• Breast milk protects babies from illnesses because it contains antibodies against common infections
• Breast milk has a just-right balance of fat and protein
• Breast milk has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS
• Breastfeeding helps the mother get back to her pre-pregnancy weight
• Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancers to the mother and reduce risk of some childhood cancers
• Breastfeeding is much less expensive than formula feeding

Although breastfeeding is natural, it is not always easy. Just like the rest of getting to know your baby, nursing is a learning process. The right latch and hold may not come immediately, and we will work with you and the lactation consultants as much as you need to make your mother-baby team successful. Please feel free to call or email us with your questions about breastfeeding. We have a room that is specifically set up for breastfeeding mothers where you can be comfortable with your baby during your newborn visits. Our team has both professional and personal experience with breastfeeding, and we are available to answer any of your questions.

Breast Milk Storage

If you are breastfeeding, you may want to pump and store your milk at some point in time. Breast milk storage follows the rule of 5’s. Breast milk that has not been refrigerated or frozen will stay good at room temperature for 5 hours. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days, and is good for 5 months when stored in the freezer. Remember to always write the date that milk was expressed on your storage container.

Formula Feeding

If you choose to use formula, there are many different types available. You may want to continue with the formula that the baby received in the hospital or you may want to switch to another brand of formula. All formula brands generally contain the same nutrients, but babies may prefer one to another. There are not many indications for soy formula, so talk to your pediatrician before switching to a soy formula. If your baby has a specific medical condition, they may need to be on a special formula such as a lactose-free formula. Babies only require 1-2 oz of formula every 2-3 hours during the first week of life. Your baby will slowly start to demand more and act hungry after a feed. You can increase the amount of formula that you are feeding the baby when they start to show these signs. Formula often comes out more quickly, and babies will sometimes overeat when fed from a bottle. If your baby is spitting up a lot, try reducing the amount of formula and feeding more slowly.

Formula Preparation and Storage

Formula can be mixed from powder and stored in the fridge for 24 hours. Formula that has been fed to a baby should be discarded if not finished within 1 hour. Powdered formula should always be mixed according to the directions on the can. In general, most formulas require one scoop of powder to two ounces of water. If your baby is premature or having trouble gaining weight, your doctor may instruct you to mix the formula differently to increase the calories.