Newborn Feeding Options
Choosing how you are going to feed your baby is one of the many decisions that new parents face. Women’s Care is here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a variety of resources to help you make the right decision for you and your baby. We want to remind you that it is perfectly fine to have a different schedule or process than those around you. While many new parents opt to exclusively breastfeed their baby, we understand this may not be the best option for everyone. Breastfeeding can take on many forms to fit into what daily life may look like for you.
Mixing things up and doing a combo of traditional breastfeeding (nursing) along with pumping, can provide parents with the option to mix in a bottle of breastmilk for a variety of reasons. Maybe your partner would like to feed the baby, you will be somewhere you are uncomfortable nursing, or you need to leave your baby with another care provider for a short time or because you are returning to work. Pumping is a great option to provide flexibility for parents in their own schedules; many parents even choose to pump exclusively.
Another benefit of pumping your breast milk to feed your baby is that you can monitor how much your baby is taking in. Should you need to monitor how much your baby is eating, providing your breast milk in a bottle is a great way to know your baby is eating enough and being provided with the necessary amount of nutrients needed to thrive.
If you are unable to produce your own breast milk, using donated milk is another way to feed your baby. Women’s Care Lactation can help with the process and help you find resources for donated breast milk. This is a great option for parents who are unable to produce their own breast milk but still want their babies to have it. Supplementing breast milk with formula is a great option, too. This works well for babies who may need to gain weight. Parents are able to monitor more easily how much milk their children are intaking. The addition of formula mixed with breast milk can help with this as well.
At Women’s Care, our lactation consultants are experts at helping you find the best individualized feeding method that works for you and your baby. We highly recommend meeting with our lactation consultants after you give birth. They are here to support you in your breastfeeding journey. Women’s Care also offers breastfeeding classes every month to help give you all the tools and preparation you need.
Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, there is no wrong answer for how you choose to feed your baby. “Fed is best!” Women’s Care has the tools and support to help navigate the best options for you and your baby. Reach out to us today to schedule your lactation consultation and visit our website to sign up for breastfeeding classes.