Category: Breast Feeding

How to Reduce Infant Spit Up

6/27/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

If you have an infant or are caring for one, you are likely going to deal with spit up at one time or another. That is simply a part of caring for a baby. Chances are you realize that and are looking for information on how to reduce spit up, not eliminate it (which probably won't happen). As a mom and former nanny, here’s what I've learned about how to reduce infant spit up.

Burp Baby Frequently

Sometimes gas can be the cause of spitting up. Making sure to burp baby frequently during and after feedings could help reduce infant spit up. Burping baby frequently can also help prevent other issues and keep baby happy. If burping isn’t working, ask your pediatrician if it’s safe to try Little Remedies infant gas drops. These are usually safe for babies of all ages.

Avoid Cow's Milk

Cow's milk is not recommended for infants. In addition to spit up, feeding cow's milk to infants will not provide adequate nutrition and can cause other health issues. Help reduce infant spit up by avoiding cow's milk until the age recommended by your child's pediatrician. Infants from newborn to 12 months should only drink formula or breastmilk. Solid foods can be introduced as mentioned below.

Be Cautious with Solid Foods

Introducing solid foods to a baby's diet before the stomach is ready can sometimes cause excess spit up. Parents can try to reduce infant spit up by waiting until at least 4 months of age to introduce anything other than breastmilk or formula. This is best for baby for a variety of reasons.

Choose the Correct Formula or Eat Healthier

Sometimes a baby may spit up due to certain types of formula. It may be due to an allergy of that formula or just a sensitivity issue. Breastfeeding mothers may need to adjust their diet to one that better agrees with their infant’s sensitive stomach. With proper research and advice from the pediatrician, parents can help reduce infant spit up.

Use the Correct Feeding Positions

A baby needs to be in a certain position while feeding. The head and chest should be slightly elevated. The baby also needs to latch onto the bottle nipple or breast in such a way that reduces air bubbles. Air bubbles can cause gas, which can, in turn cause spit up. There are also specially designed nipples and bottles for this purpose. Try a Boppy nursing pillow and positioner for correct feeding positions every time, whether a baby is breast or bottle fed. If none of this is working, parents can help to reduce infant spit up by consulting with a pediatrician for the proper feeding techniques.

Breastfeed to Reduce Infant Spit Up

If you can breastfeed, it’s of course a good idea. But it’s understandably not a possibility for everyone. I've heard some moms claim their breastfed infants are less likely to spit up as formula fed infants. I have yet to find any solid, published opinions on this from medical experts, but since breastfeeding has many other proven benefits, it is worth a try if you’re able.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

When to Wean Your Baby from Breastmilk: Transitioning to Solid Foods

4/4/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

If you are breastfeeding, you'll want to know when to begin weaning your baby from breastmilk. There is no generalized answer to that question. However, the following information may be helpful in determining an answer. Some may be weaning in order to go back to work while others may be weaning for other reasons, such as the transition into solid foods.

When Should I Start Weaning My Baby?

According to KidsHealth.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies are breastfed until at least 6 months of age. At that point, it is recommended that a combination of breastmilk and solid foods be given until the baby is at least 1 year old.

Experts will vary on the exact time when moms can begin weaning their baby. Consulting with your child's pediatrician is a great way to be sure that the choice you make is catered to your baby's individual needs. Beyond that, watch for cues from your baby's actions, combining that with the doctor's advice. I always found that combining the doctor's advice with baby's cues led to a successful weaning process.

Transitioning to Solids

Some babies will wean on their own naturally during the transition to solid foods. Others may need their mother to take a leadership role when it comes to weaning. Some are not as willing to wean as others. It may be the easiest to begin weaning your baby when solid foods are a particular interest or distraction. The excitement of new foods may distract the baby's attention from breastfeeding.

When a baby is showing more interest in transitioning to drinking liquids in a cup and eating more solid foods, this is a good indication of when to begin weaning. Baby food and liquid amounts should be discussed with the pediatrician to be sure that baby is eating the correct amount.

Reducing & Eliminating Nightly Feedings

The nightly feedings seem to be the hardest to shy the baby away from. Therefore some mothers opt to use transitioning to solid foods as a perfect opportunity to eliminate nightly feedings. Some mothers may still choose to offer a nightly feeding while transitioning the baby to solids.

Importance of Gradual Weaning

During the process of weaning, you don't want to just stop breastfeeding all of a sudden. Weaning a baby should involve gradually decreasing the amount of breastmilk given, while gradually increasing other forms of nourishment. This helps to ensure that the baby is getting the proper nourishment needed to thrive. If you are at all unsure of what to do during the process, don't hesitate to talk to your child's pediatrician to accurately assess what is healthy for your baby.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

Indications Your Newborn Has Gas Pains

3/27/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © MarkDoliner; Flickr.com

Newborns can have the tendency to get gas pains and there are some signs parents should be aware of. Paying attention to your baby's actions and cries can help aid in determining if your newborn is experiencing gas pains. As a mother and former nanny, I have had plenty of varied experiences related to newborn gas pains. I have also researched the topic extensively over the years.

When a newborn has gas pains, the sooner a parent figures this out, the better for the newborn. This way, steps can be taken to relieve the gas and hopefully alleviate the pain. It isn't always easy, especially for a new parent, to determine which symptoms are indications a newborn has gas pains. The information below is not meant to be a complete diagnostic guide, but may help parents find some of the answers they need.

Crying

Not all crying is an indication of gas or gas pains. Because newborn babies cannot talk, crying is the most common form of communication for a variety of their needs. They will learn to use it as a means of communication. Generally, sharp and piercing cries will indicate pain, but not all babies are the same. If you notice such a cry after feeding, this may be one of the varied indications your newborn has gas pains.

Crankiness

A baby can be cranky for several reasons. Before deciding it's one of the indications your newborn has gas pains, consider other reasons. Is the baby sleepy, hungry, or in need of a diaper change? Does the baby want to be held, swaddled, or given a pacifier? If none of those apply and the crankiness cannot be soothed with conventional methods, your newborn may have gas pains.

Movements

Pay attention to your baby's movements. Some newborns will draw their legs in toward the chest and then push them straight out when gas pains are present. Although, some infants do this for other reasons as well. Another common movement that may be related to gas pains is clenched fists. If your baby is doing one or both, these are possible indications your newborn has gas pains.

Feeding Habits

When newborns are experiencing gas pains, they may refuse the breast or bottle. Refusing to feed does not always indicate gas pains, but it can. The baby may also just be tired, not hungry, or need to burp but is not necessarily in pain.

Sleep Habits

If a baby is having a tough time sleeping, it may be one indicator of gas pains. But, babies can remain awake for a variety of reasons. Pay attention to other cues, like those above as well.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

How To Tell If Your Baby Has A Soy Allergy

1/26/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © iskir; Flickr.com

Oftentimes when thinking of baby formula allergies, parents may think of cow's milk baby formula. Did you know that babies can also be allergic to soy baby formula? In fact, if an infant is allergic to cow's milk, there is often an increased risk of that baby having a soy allergy as well. Perhaps my experiences with infant soy allergies can help you learn how to tell if your baby has a soy allergy.

Soy Milk vs Cow’s Milk

Information found on the KidsHealth.org website states that the American Academy of Pediatrics purports a significant amount of babies with cow's milk allergies to have soy milk allergies as well. That definitely falls in line with my experiences. The first time one of my babies experienced an allergy to cow's milk formula, soy baby formula was recommended. She turned out to be allergic to that as well. Each subsequent child with a cow's milk allergy also had an allergy to soy milk. Even though my situation dealt with soy baby formula, breastfeeding moms who consume soy should also be aware of soy allergies in babies.

Feeding Habits and Detecting a Soy Allergy

To tell if your baby has a soy allergy, pay attention to feeding habits. It is much the same as figuring out if your baby has a cow's milk allergy or is lactose intolerant. Some of the common symptoms of a soy allergy in infant can include asthma, dermatitis or eczema, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, nausea, and many more. Much like any other food allergy, the symptoms may depend on the individual or the severity of the allergy. In rare, but severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur.

Remember that some of these symptoms can also indicate or other issues or may be unrelated to the baby's diet at all. The only way to tell for sure that your baby has a soy allergy is to have it diagnosed by a pediatrician. However, observing the baby's actions can help you gather information that will help tell the pediatrician if your baby has a soy allergy. Therefore, even though you cannot accurately diagnose the allergy yourself, it is still important that you keep track of baby's symptoms and habits.

Colic vs Food Allergies

In some cases, it will be easy for you to tell if your baby might have a soy allergy. The symptoms might be so obvious that you know something has to be wrong. Also keep in mind that a gassy baby or one that is frequently fussy doesn't always indicate colic, even though this is sometimes the first thought. It could actually be a food allergy, such as soy. Look for the symptoms to occur shortly after feedings. They don't always happen like that, but if symptoms are generally appearing after feedings, that can be a good indicator that you're dealing with a soy allergy.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

Sources:
KidsHealth
Wholesome Baby Food
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic

More from Lyn:
What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant
Newborn Feeding Guide for New Moms
5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant
5 Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation
Easy Discipline Tricks For Babies: How To Discipline Your Baby

Newborn Feeding Guide For New Moms

1/26/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Congratulations! You're a new mom. There are many tasks you'll be undertaking for the first time. One of the most important will be feeding your new baby. This newborn feeding guide for new moms can help take away some of the guesswork involved. Always listen to your child's pediatrician first. The following information is based upon research and my experiences as a mother of four (with another on the way) and may help you learn what to expect when feeding a newborn baby.

Breastmilk, Formula, or a Combination?

Before feeding a newborn baby, the mother should choose between the available feeding options. Because babies have specific nutritional needs, for at least the first four months, the diet should consist completely of breastmilk or formula.

According to the Mayo Clinic (and many pediatricians I've talked to), breast-feeding is generally the best choice. This is because of the physical, emotional, and nutritional aspects it can provide.. However, some new mothers may not be able to breastfeed, due to health reasons or other factors.

How Much and How Often Should a Newborn Baby Eat?

Once you have decided your baby's source of nourishment (breastmilk, formula, or a combination), you will need to know how much your infant should eat. A general guide for bottle-fed newborns is about 2-4 ounces to be fed about 6 -8 times in a 24 hour period.

A breastfed baby will likely be feeding 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. However, newborn babies should be fed on demand and some may need more than others. Pay attention to baby's cues to learn hunger cries and other things baby does to signify hunger.

Helpful Hints for Feeding a Newborn Baby

Burping - Don't forget to burp your newborn baby during and after feeding sessions. If a baby is turning away from the breast or bottle, this may signify the need to burp or the baby may be full.

Overfeeding - Do not overfeed a newborn baby. This can lead to gas, excessive spit-up, upset stomach, diarrhea, obesity, or other complications. Paying attention to a baby's cries and cues, as well as the pediatrician's advice can help avoid this issue.

Underfeeding - Do not underfeed a newborn baby. Properly feeding a newborn baby is vital to health. A newborn baby needs a certain amount of nutrition daily. Seeing the pediatrician regularly and following the advice given can help keep this from occurring.

Choosing Bottles - If you are feeding a newborn baby by bottle, be aware that some baby bottles contain BPA (a chemical in some plastics proven to be harmful to infants). Be sure to check labels for BPA-free baby bottles. Also, choose bottles that will keep air bubbles from forming. The less air bubbles created, the less air goes into the baby's stomach. Too many air bubbles can cause gas in babies.

Choosing a Breast Pump - If you will be breast-feeding, you may want to consider choosing a breast pump that is compact. This could be especially helpful to new moms who may be in the care of someone else while the mom is working.

More From Lyn:
5 Tips to Successfully Bottle Feeding Your Infant
Hospital Delivery Bag For Baby & Mom: What Do You Really Need?
How to Help a Newborn Poop
5 Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation
Getting My Baby to Sleep Through the Night

What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant

12/12/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Frequent readers may recall a previous article: "5 Secrets to Successfully Feeding Your Infant." This time you can learn what NOT to do when bottle feeding a newborn. As a mother to multiple children, as well as a former nanny, I've learned a great deal about babies through experience and research. It is my hope that fellow parents and caregivers can gain from my knowledge.

Don’t Use Less Formula Than Instructed

While it may seem harmless to prepare a baby bottle with a little less formula powder or mixture than listed in the directions, it actually can be detrimental to a baby's health. This is one of the most important examples of what not to do when bottle feeding a newborn. Babies need a certain amount of nutrition to be healthy and thrive. Using less mixture can take away some of that nutrition, which can be dangerous for a newborn baby. Only use the measuring scoop that is provided with the formula and follow directions exactly. Not all scoops or formula types measure the same.

Don't Feed Too Much Before Burping Baby

It is important to pause during feedings to burp a newborn baby. Even with the best designed bottles, air bubbles can still get mixed in with the formula or breastmilk. Just the action of feeding can cause the urge to burp as well. Be sure to burp a newborn frequently during feedings, as well as afterward.

Don't Lie Baby Flat

Another example of what not to do when bottle feeding a newborn is to lie the baby flat while feeding. When a baby is lying flat, the formula or breastmilk cannot be fed properly. This can cause gas, choking, and other problems. Be sure baby's head and chest are elevated and supported during feeding.

Don't Prop Baby Bottles

Never use blankets or other items to "prop" up a newborn's bottle. A newborn should be held properly and fed by an adult to ensure that the bottle and the baby both stay in the proper position. In addition to gas and other health problems that can occur due to propping a baby bottle, a newborn needs the bonding and closeness that comes during feeding time.

Don't Place Bottles in Crib or Carrier

Just like propping a baby bottle is not safe, neither is placing the baby bottle in a crib or carrier with baby. Even if a baby can grasp a bottle, not only can a newborn not hold a bottle properly, but feeding baby in the crib can cause baby bottle tooth decay.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

How to Reduce Infant Spit Up

When to Wean Your Baby from Breastmilk: Transitioning to Solid Foods

Indications Your Newborn Has Gas Pains

How To Tell If Your Baby Has A Soy Allergy

Newborn Feeding Guide For New Moms

What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant

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