The choice of whether to breast or bottle-feed is a personal
decision. While we strongly encourage and support breast feeding, we also
feel that formulas today are excellent alternatives for those families
who choose not to breast-feed. Breast-feeding can be an enjoyable, rewarding,
and successful experience if you are well prepared.
Breast Feeding
Useful breast-feeding resources include:
Bestfeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right For You. Renfrew, Celestial Arts, 1990.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League International.Also, after delivering your baby in the hospital, a consultation with a lactation specialist (breast-feeding specialist) is available. Your consultant is also an excellent source for information even after leaving the hospital.
Formula Feeding
Bottle Feeding and Infant Formulas:
Infant formulas are a safe alternative to breast milk. Most formulas, like Enfamil with Iron® or Similac with Iron®, are derived from cow's milk that has been extensively modified so that a baby can digest and utilize the nutrients. Because some babies are allergic to or cannot tolerate cow's milk protein, soy based formulas, like Prosobee with Iron® or Isomil with Iron®, are also available.
It is important to use a commercial formula that is iron-fortified to prevent iron deficiency anemia. The amount of iron in iron-fortified formulas is too small to cause any symptoms, like colic or constipation. Low-iron formulas are not appropriate for any infant, unless your doctor recommends one.
It is preferable to use either the powder or liquid concentrated formula. In this way, your baby will receive adequate fluoride, which has been added to the tap water in this region. Sterilizing the water is not necessary unless you have well water. Adequate cleaning of bottles entails washing and rinsing with soap and water, with a final hot water rinse (a dishwasher is adequate).
Frequency and Quantity of Feeds:
Feed your baby when he seems hungry (every two – four hours). Stop feeding him when he seems full and the vigorous sucking has stopped. Trying to impose rigid four-hour schedules on a little baby is pointless. Feed your baby "on demand", which means letting him take what he needs when he needs it.
Formula intake per day varies from infant to infant. A 6 pound infant may eat 15 ounces per day, and a 10 pound infant may need 25 ounces per day. Note, however, that the size of your baby may not correlate with how much he will eat. Some very large babies thrive off of 16 - 20 ounces per day, whereas some smaller babies may require 32 - 36 ounces per day. Each baby's metabolism is different. If the baby is content and growing, then all is well.