In the previous article I discussed some of the behavioural reasons behind fussy feeding. This month I would like to take a closer look at those children who are plainly not comfortable while eating or are literally starving themselves. These babies are often labelled ‘Failure to Thrive’ babies. They are babies and toddlers that are not gaining weight they should or are under weight.
Having worked amongst many babies and toddlers who either fuss at the breast/bottle or are refusing or fussy with their solids I am often asked why these children have started to struggle and even refuse their feeds when clearly they have not eaten enough to sustain themselves. I hope this article will help sheds some light on this distressing occurrence as we take a closer look at a possible cause for this phenomena.
Fussy feeders covers quite a large age range from newborns through to childhood and as previously mentioned can be due to various reasons including behavioural. If you have, for several days or even weeks, tried to encourage your baby/child to eat and they are clearly not interested or not comfortable to continue feeding and, you are sure it is not behavioural as your baby looks quite uncomfortable or is becoming distressed, then you may need to take a closer look to decide if there is possibly another more sinister cause. It is this more sinister cause I would like to explore.
As a mothercraft nurse I am often called out by distressed parents with children as young as 2 month who are fighting at the breast or bottle, refusing to drink or babies, toddlers and children who are struggling to enjoy their solids. Why is something that most of us as adults enjoy such an effort for some so young?
So what is the one possible reason for both babies and toddlers to refuse or fuss at their feeds? Firstly you need to eliminate all possible behavioural causes. Then take a close look at the behaviour of the baby or child, are they distressed when it comes to mealtimes?
Feeding Issues
Unlike a sleep issue you will not have to think this one through. You will definitely see the signs of a baby fighting at the breast or a child who refuses to have more than a mouthful of food or possibly totally refuse to eat.
Some of the symptoms may be:
Baby pulling of and crying after an initial quick gulping at the breast or bottle.
Fighting at the breast or bottle – baby is hungry but after a few sucks pulls away. This pattern may be repeated through the remainder of the feed. (don’t get these confused with an initial fast flow which will soon settle and the baby will continue to feel calmly)
You have begun to dread feed times.
Short frequent feeds often within an hour or two from the last feed.
Your baby/child has had only ½ their normal intake. This leads to -
Constantly offering your baby/child milk/food to encourage them to eat more.
Poor weight gain or under weight for their age.
Baby often has an irritable time during the day when they cluster feed.
Baby constantly looks hungry and feeds fast and furiously as if they haven’t fed in hours but the last feed was only 2 hours ago.
Sucky babies often those that depend on a dummy to sooth them.
A child who is a finicky, fussy feeder preferring purees to lumpy food. These children often fill up on milk or haven’t given up their bottle feeds during the night.
Children who have over sensitive gag reflux who seem to gag on anything that is not pureed.
If any of these circumstances describe your situation then you may have a baby who has Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). See our Article on Signs and Symptoms of Colic/Reflux.
Reflux
During my years of assisting parents I have seen many babies who literally refuse their feeds even after only having 30-50 mls from the bottle or 5 -10 mins on the breast. These babies usually come off crying and refuse further attempts to get them to feed. This is very stressful for mums, bubs and dads. Many of these babies have had reflux for quite some time but because it has gone undiagnosed it is now quite severe causing so much distress that baby now associated the breast or the bottle with severe discomfort.
There are some babies who have been diagnosed with reflux and may even be on medication, but the medication is not enough to prevent discomfort while feeding. Adjusting their medication will improve baby’s feeding so have a chat to your doctor. If the situation is ignored it usually becomes worse. In a very severe case a client’s baby was hospitalised for two weeks and the baby fed through a nasogastric feeding tube till the medication was working and baby gaining weight. This baby had not previously been picked up with oesophageal reflux.
Before diagnosing your baby with reflux your doctor will usually:
check baby/child isn't sick.
check baby/child doesn’t have a temperature.
check baby/child doesn't have a ear or urine infection.
If you suspect your child may be suffering from reflux I suggest you have a chat with your doctor or paediatrician.
If your baby/child has been checked and cleared by your doctor yet continues to be unsettled you may like some assistance to teach them how to self settle. If so please don’t hesitate to give Sally a call on: 0409 721 145 or for more information read about our Newborn Care, Baby Care and Toddler & Child visitations on these links.
This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.
All articles on this website have a copyright any the use of any
material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
Disclaimer: Articles on our website are for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.
Having worked amongst many babies and toddlers who either fuss at the breast/bottle or are refusing or fussy with their solids I would like to discus some of the reasons I have found are quite common causes of this fussiness. Fussy feeders covers quite a large age range from newborns through to childhood and can be due to various reasons and therefore should be looked at closely to decide if or not is behavioural or is there some other more sinister cause. In this article I would like to look at some of the behaviour that is a common causes of fussy feeding.
Newborns
Firstly let’s take a look at newborns. When first learning to feed breast fed babies often fuss with attachment, bobbing their heads around trying to latch or coming off and on if the flow is too fast or too slow or to adjust their latch. A fast teat can also cause a bottle fed baby to come off and on the teat. This behaviour is all quite normal and the fussing will eventually subside as they and their parents learn to adjust.
Babies
From the age of 3 months babies become very aware of their environment and are often distracted while feeding. They may stop sucking just to give you a smile, look around the room or come off when someone comes into their view just to be social. This is quite normal behaviour. If you want to feed without to many distractions find a quiet room and wait till after the feed to interact with your baby.
Toddler and Child
Toddlers on the other hand have realised they have some control over when, how and what they what to eat. They are trying out their independence and their new found power in making their own decisions and choices (typical for two year olds). They may fight to get into the highchair, fight with who feeds them or want to totally feed themselves. They now know what foods they prefer and what they dislike and may begin to refuse these foods. Some children who fuss at mealtimes are attention seeking, it has become a game of ‘watch my parents reaction when I refuse to eat’. All these behaviours can be just a normal part of growing up.
Force Feeding
Unfortunately many parents aggravate the situation through having unrealistic ideas of how much food should be eaten. Never force a child to eat even if you think they haven’t eaten enough they will make up for it at another meal or on another day.
Behavioural Fussy Feeder
In most situations it is better not to bring attention to fussy eating as this frequently generates a greater problem. Children are attention seekers and if they can’t get the attention through good behaviour will use disruptive or negative behaviour to bring attention to themselves. If we praise our children for their good behaviour and ignore much of their antisocial behaviour they are less likely to continue the bad behaviour. Never fight with your child over food it just becomes a battle of wills. It is better to pretend to be indifferent to what they eat and eventually their eating will improve.
Children’s Meals
As long as your child is not grazing on snacks all day or filling up on milk between meals they will generally eat because they are hungry. Some children are happy with one good meal a day, others, one every second day. When offering morning and afternoon tea offer nutritious foods such as raw vegetable or fruit.
Allow your child to feed him/herself, even if it means cleaning up a big mess after them. Don't always mix all their food together, give enough variety so they have nutritious foods they like as well as the choice of foods they may not enjoy. Dieticians have noted that a child needs to try some foods 10 times before they like them. Don't be afraid to try new foods.
Keep in mind this fussy feeding phase usually passes if you do not made a fuss of it. If your child really doesn’t like some foods such as vegetables then there are ways to disguise them in different recipes. Take a look at our recipe page.
If you are concerned about your child’s eating seek advice from your family doctor or Paediatrician.
If you would like more information on topics relating to children from newborn to 5 yrs old, such as breast or bottle feeding, encouraging your child to eat, table manners, or other behavioural issues please take a look at our e-book Publications.
Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions also has home visit to help with various issues. If you would like to know more please give Sally a call on 0409 721 145.
Next month we take a look at the fussy feeders who really don’t eat enough.
This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.
Disclaimer: Articles on our website are for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.
All articles on this website have a copyright any the use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
We advocate breastfeeding and suggest that if you are having problems or doubts about breastfeeding it would be best to talk to your parenting coach about your concerns. If on the other hand you choose to bottle feed possibly because of a bad experience or there is some other reason you can’t, or you have just chosen not to breastfeed this chapter will help you with the next best thing. Bottle feeding. If you are expressing and giving breast milk in a bottle this chapter can help you understand such things as sterilising, choosing the right bottle and teats.
Formula
There are many different formulas on the market no brand is better than another but some babies may react to certain formulas. Their reaction may be seen as a rash, diarrhoea, constipation, unsettled irritable baby. Some babies may have lactose intolerance or a cow’s milk intolerance. Some of the ‘Gold’ formulas are renowned for causing constipation. If your baby begins to shows any of these signs it may be wise to change formula within the brand or to a different brand all together.
Teats and Bottles
Again there are a variety of types of teats and bottles available. The most popular brand are not always the best. The long thin bottles or the wide bottles are suitable but make sure they have clear measurements. If you are going to exclusively bottle feed I suggest you invest in six large bottle. Look for teats that are long and straight or slightly cone shaped. Avoid short or irregular shaped teat and those that bulge at the neck. These may cause baby to slurp and are not assisting in the development of the correct muscles for speech. For this reason I don’t recommend buying orthodontic or anti colic bottles or teats. When feeding, if baby is heard to be slurping the teat is not fitting snugly in her mouth. Baby’s lips should flange out while drinking and not role in. Some teats are interchangeable with other brands of bottles so I suggest you try a few before purchasing the type that suits your baby best. The most recommended brand (at the publication of this book) is Pigeon Peristaltic slow flow for newborns and ‘Y’ teat for three months and older.
Preparation of formula
Before starting make sure you have all the necessary equipment – formula, sterilised bottles and teats. There are several ways to store your bottles ready for use two of which are as follows:
Make up bottles of formula and keep them ready-to-go in the fridge. With this method you will need to warm the milk either in a bottle warmer or boil a kettle and pour the water into a cup or container into which the bottle of milk is immersed. Takes 5-8 minutes. Never microwave milk as some of the nutrition is destroyed.
Keep bottles of measured cooled boiled water in the fridge and add the formula when needed. Take off the teat and cap before warming the bottled of water in the microwave for 20 -30 seconds then add the formula and shake thoroughly. This disperses the hot-spots while dissolving the formula.
Always test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your writs before offering it to baby – it should be luke warm.
Once you have decided on the method you will be using both will require the following instructions:
Always wash your hands before handling food and in particular baby’s food and formula.
All equipment should be thoroughly washed with hot soapy water and sterilised.
Prepare your boiled water (5 mins of rapid boiling) and allow it to cool slightly before measuring it into the bottles. Never use bottled water as many have high sodium and mineral contents which may be harmful to baby. Bottle water is not sterilised.
Read the instructions on the formula label and make up to the exact proportions of water to powder. Always measure the water first then add the powder. * Never add more water to a formula as this will dilute the calories and nutrition, too much powder can cause constipation or dehydration.
If you would like to give your baby additional cooled boiled water it is advisable to offer it a short time after she has finished her formula feed or twenty minutes before bed. This insures she has had her quota of nutrition and gives some time for the milk to go down.
Always use the ladle provided. This ladle should not be packed down or knocked against the side of the tin to compact the powder. Scoop the ladle into the powder to fill it and level it flat with the back edge of a sterile knife. Tap the bottom of the ladle with the knife to empty the powder into the bottle. If the water is too hot the steam will cause the powder to stick to the ladle. Seal and shake thoroughly.
When making up the bottle the powder will always increase the quantity in the bottle. Only give the amount necessary for baby’s weight don’t force her to take the whole bottle just because there is some left. It is better to decant the excess before offering it to her and keeping it in the fridge to be added to then next feed if need be.
Store pre-prepared bottles in the fridge with their caps over the teats.
Formula or sterile water stored in the fridge will last 24 hours. Discard any remaining bottles, wash and sterilise before reusing.
Never reheat milk. Always discard used milk after one hour of warming. Bacteria breeds quickly in warm milk.
Tips on bottle feeding
Baby should take fifteen to twenty minutes to take a bottle feed. If your baby drinks her bottle quicker than this then the teat is to fast and may cause discomfort and possibly vomiting. Try a slower teat. If baby is taking longer than this there may be several reasons. Is she sleeping on the bottle? Is she feeding more than four hourly from the beginning of one feed to the beginning of the next? Is she getting the correct quota for her weight? Is the teat too slow? Is the teat on to tightly and baby is finding it difficult to suck out. Some bottle fed babies don’t know when to stop and can be over fed. Avoid overfeeding by only feeding three and a half (for premature or small babies) and four hourly for term babies. All healthy babies should be on four hourly feeds by three weeks.
Something to be aware of is not to over tighten the collar of the teat. When attaching the teat to the bottle tighten just till you feel it catching. Loose enough to allow bubbles to be seen rising in the milk. But not to loose as the milk will leak out. You can then adjust the flow of the milk by tightening or loosing the collar making sure you can see the bubbles rising. This allows the air to flow freely into the bottle through the collar releasing the vacuum which allows a steady flow of milk. If there are no bubbles rising the vacuum will prevent the milk from flowing and eventually baby will need to break her seal to allow the air to enter the bottle through the hole of the teat. If it is a cross cut or ‘Y’ teat the teat may invert into the bottle.
Watch when you are feeding as the bottle should always be inline with her nose and parallel to her lips not angled to high or to low. You may like to support your arm while feeding baby. Rest her in the crook of your arm tilted back at an angle that will allow the milk to always be in the teat which means she is being satisfied. To dispel a myth - sucking on air does not cause wind. Allow her to drink as much as she wants, she will generally show you when she needs a break. Sit her upright holding her under her chin with two fingers under her arm and the palm of your hand against her chest. The other hand, firmly support her back with your fingers supporting her head. This straight upright or slightly backward leaning position will allow the wind to rise without obstruction. It is not necessary to pat her back. Sitting upright will also help her to stay awake and eventually take an interest in her surroundings whereas resting over your shoulder will very often put baby off to sleep.
Never prop baby up with a bottle or leave them alone with a bottle, this is very dangerous as baby may choke. This includes putting a baby to bed with a bottle when they are older.
If need be change the nappy towards the end of the feed to wake her up. When she becomes more alert leave the nappy change till just before bed so that you know she is clean for bed. Because bottle feeding is quicker than breastfeed you will have a longer play time so encourage lots of tummy time.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education
purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this
information is right for your child.
All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any
material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
As a mothercraft nurse I visit many homes with unsettled babies. Parents pacing the floor, pulling their hair out having tired every remedy and potions family and friends have suggested with little or no improvement. The nightmare some families go through with their babies often results in shattered confidence, mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to postnatal depression, family feuds and marital breakdowns.
So why are these babies so unsettled?
There may be several reasons why a baby is unsettled one of which may be what is commonly called 'colic'. So what is 'colic' any way? Good question. The pharmacies shelves have been filled with remedies for colic, special bottles and teats and liquids. So is it colic or something else that is causing so many babies to be unsettled? And if it is colic why aren't these remedies working as well as they should? Someone said it may be reflux but my baby doesn't vomit.
What is the difference between colic and reflux?
'Colic' is an unsettled baby with lots of wind. Reflux babies also have a lot of abdominal wind. If you look at the symptoms of colic they are similar if not the same as those of a baby with reflux. So what is the difference between reflux and 'colic'? I, and many health professionals will agree with me, believe that colic as it was commonly known is today known as 'silent reflux'.
A word from a Paediatric Gastroenterologist
Dr Bryan Vartabedian in his book Colic Solved says”..colic has evolved into one of our culture’s greatest urban legends – a mythical explanation meant to explain the seemingly unexplainable.” He goes on to say “I’m always amazed at the number of paediatricians who approach me after my presentation and comment, ‘I didn’t know that some of these symptoms pointed to reflux. For years we’ve been calling this colic.’...They’re well-trained practitioners who were never taught that inconsolable screaming, arcing, and pulling from the nipple where symptoms of anything other than colic. Like the babies suffering with this condition and the parents who try to console them, they’re victims as much as anyone else, trying to catch up with the advances in medicine that are now giving us explanations and answers.”
In otherwords Colic is now known to be Reflux.
What is reflux?
Reflux occurs when the acid content of the stomach rises into the oesophagus causing discomfort and burning. This understandably causes a baby to be very irritable. Babies may be seen to raise their legs, back arch and/or to cry inconsolably. Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in babies but often goes undiagnosed as many think it is colic. If untreated reflux can cause complications such as increased risk of SIDS, ear and respiratory infections, ulcerated oesophagus.
There are two types of reflux -
Frank reflux - where a baby will regurgitate frequently sometimes in large amounts.
Silent reflux - when a baby rarely regurgitates but is very unsettled. This type of reflux is rarely picked up and often goes undiagnosed. It may start from birth or it may develop later from three weeks or three months.
What to look for:
When visiting a family I look for things to determine whether a baby has a sleeping, feeding or a physical problem.
Does your baby snack or cliuster feed? (often falling asleep at a feed or have frequent short feeds, feeding under 3 hrs)
Is your baby hungry due to your low supply? Do you need to incurease your supply or tip baby up after a feed?
Is your baby difficult to settle or has an unsettled period during the day or night?
Is your baby able to self settle after the initial 30-45 mins cat nap?
Are you over handling your baby?
How long is your baby awake and how long do they sleep is it according to their age appropriate needs? (See our FAQ Questions relating to Sleep)
Does your baby have an infection - urinary, ear or chest infection?
Depending on your answers you may have a baby who suffers from reflux, hunger or one who just need to be taught how to sleep and how to self settle. Many babies have a degree of reflux. Not all babies suffer from acid reflux, some vomit frequently but are not bothered by it other babies don't vomit at all but are in terrible pain.
An irritable, unsettled baby if encouraged to sleep well between feeds and not cat nap may quickly become a more settled baby but if their irritable periods continue and they refuse to sleep they may be suffering from acid reflux. If you suspect your baby has reflux take a look at questions listed below.
How does one detect reflux
Firstly look at your family tree. Ask your parents on both sides if you or any of your siblings has 'colic' or were very unsettled or vomity babies. These are typical signs of reflux. If the answer is yes or maybe it is more likely that your child may also have reflux.
Is your baby very unsettled at a certain time of the day more than any other? Often in the 'witching' or 'arsenic' hour between 2 pm and 9 pm. Take into consideration whether they are over tired, over handled or possibly just hungry.
Is your baby often unsettled from one feed to the next? Dozing between bouts of uncontrollable crying?
Does you baby prefer sleeping in a rocker, over your shoulder,in a pouch or in an upright position?
When asleep are their periods where he/she wakes suddenly and cries out seemingly in distress? or is grunting in squirming in their sleep?
Does you baby back arch, pull their legs up, fight their wrap and generally look uncomfortable?
Do you use a dummy to help pacify your baby during these unsettled periods?
If you have a family history of unsettled babies and you answered yes to most of the above then read on to see if your baby has any other symptoms of reflux.
Some symptoms that can indicate reflux including silent reflux are:
irritability and pain
poor sleep habits typically with frequent waking
grunting, squirming and wriggling during sleep
arching their necks and back during or after eating or at sleep time
gulping, coughing or re swallowing hours after a feed
teary eyes when gulping
mouth filling with saliva, spit, frothing, excessive drooling
frequent hiccups
sinus congestion
rattle wheezy chest
reoccurring unexplained croup
food/oral aversions
constantly needing to suck
swallowing problems, gagging, choking, coughing
gagging themselves with their fingers or fist (sign of oesophagus)
bad or acid breath
flatulence
running or blocked nose
sneezing
hoarseness
frequent red, sore throat without infection present
neck arching (Sandifer's Syndrome)
vomiting or projectile vomiting (seldom in silent reflux)
irregular, infrequent, watery or firm stool
pulling legs up as if in pain
If reflux is untreated it may lead to:
refusing food or accepting only small amounts despite being hungry or the exact opposite requiring constant small meals or liquid
Tips: Reflux babies are often happier when held upright and therefore sleep well on your shoulder or in a pouch this is not encouraged as long term sleeping problems usually follow.
Remember: Many reflux babies are unsettled only at certain time ‘the arsenic hours’ and sleep well after this time but if left untreated they may become unsettled all day which may eventually become all night as well.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help
Cradle 2 Kindy coaches are trained to recognise signs of reflux and have many tips that will help you through this difficult time. Give us a call now to book a visit so that we can assist you with all your concerns.
Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education
purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this
information is right for your child.
All articles on this website have a copyright any the use of any
material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
Non-infective mastitis can result from a blocked milk duct. The mother notices that an area of the breast becomes tender, reddish and hardened. Sometimes there appears to be a red cord leading from the areola (brown area) up the breast. The inflammation (at this stage it is not infected) is caused by the blocked duct not allowing milk to flow. The milk banks up causing localized distension.
If the blockage is not cleared rapidly, milk is forced into the surrounding breast tissue, and, it is thought, into the blood stream. Quite suddenly (eg. in a matter of hours) the mother experiences systemic symptoms such as high fever, aches and pains, and feels like she has the flu.
What causes mastitis?
Usually poor drainage of the breast, which may result from poor positioning and baby not attaching well or not properly draining the breast due to short feeds or swapping breasts before one side is properlydrained. Quite a few other factors may be implicated. Baby may prefer to only suck in one position at the breast. Even a couple of missed feeds from one breast can predispose towards mastitis. Other reasons could be an ill-fitting bra or lying persistently on one side when sleeping.
How can the mother clear the blocked ducts?
The primary aim must be to clear the blocked ducts. This is certainly not the time to wean, as doing so may well result in a breast abscess developing.
Feed frequently from the breast and try, if possible, to have baby place his lower jaw over the red and tender area. Sometimes it helps to feed from the infected breast first for a couple of feeds in a row. Gently massaging the area of mastitis towards the areola as the baby is sucking, or later under the shower, helps to get the milk flowing. Cold cabbage leaves applied after a feed can help inflammation. Usually, when treated promptly, the blockage clears in 12 to 24 hours.
Warm cloths can be applied to the breast before a feed to assist with the let-down reflex. If the mother is confident, she may try expressing her milk - either by hand or with a pump.
If, after trying these measures for a full 12 hours, symptoms persist, then the local doctor will prescribe antibiotics. On completion of the course (no less than 10 days) the mother must be careful to ensure her milk continues to flow well, with baby sucking vigorously over the previously tender area.
Some form of pain relief and anti-inflammation medication can be taken as soon as symptoms become apparent. They do not harm the breast-feeding baby.
Blockage of ducts can reoccur and mothers become adept at recognizing this and can encourage adequate drainage.
Article by Wendy Back. Lactation Consultant.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help
Cradle 2 Kindy can provide you with support and advice on breastfeeding that will guide you through the first critical weeks at home. Your own personal parenting coach will help you avoid problems such as mastitis and poor attachment.
Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on1300 786 101
Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education
purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this
information is right for your child.
All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any
material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
Over the years of helping parents with their children I have often been called out to homes where babies have refused to take the bottle when Mum decides for some reason or another that it’s time to wean. Many mothers wean when returning to work. Others just want to be able to offer a bottle when they are going out and leaving their child with a guardian or babysitter.
When visiting a mother who is breastfeeding a newborn, I suggest they introduce a bottle early so that the child will be able to adapt to both the breast and the bottle. Suckling from the breast and sucking from a bottle are totally different actions and can sometimes cause ‘nipple confusion’. Supplementary feeding can cause problems with milk supply. Therefore I would recommend to give only 20 mls of EBM (expressed breast milk) twice a week from birth. This will not interfere with milk supply and is not sufficient to confuse the baby - it is just enough for the baby to remember how to suck on a bottle. I would not suggest that you replace a breastfeed with a bottle feed until the baby is at least six week old, the reason being that this can cause your supply to decrease.
Once the baby is over six weeks old you may like to introduce one full bottle feed once or twice a week.
What bottles do we recommend?
If you have a low supply I suggest using the Haberman Feeder which has a variable flow teat. If you are justs introducing a bottle for convenience then be aware that some of the more expensive brands are not always the best for newborns, as their teats can be too fast. Try finding a teat that regulates the flow, such as a Y or X cut teat. This will help the baby to work for his feed, and not just have it drip into his mouth, making him lazy and possibly causing breast refusal.
Tips: Choose a long, straight shank teat, as it is better for the development of the mouth muscles. Try the Pigon Peristaltic teats.
Remember: EBM can be kept for 48 hours in the fridge, and up to 3 months if frozen correctly. Once offered, milk must be discarded after one hour. Wash equipment and bottles in hot soapy water and sterilize the pump, bottles and teats after every use.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help
Cradle 2 Kindy parenting coaches can provide more information on breastfeeding related concerns, bottles, teats and formulas or help you develop a plan for weaning which best suits your needs.
Call Cradle 2 Kindy now and make a booking on 1300 786 101
Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education
purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this
information is right for your child.
All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any
material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
Breast refusal can be a distressing occurrence for both mother and baby. Often the baby has previously fed happily, then for some unknown reason, begins to refuse to feed. Causes may be apparent, but often there does not seem to be a cause. Known factors are: an alert baby being easily distracted, over-feeding or force-feeding, gastric reflux, illness in the infant or mother, oral or nipple thrush, mastitis, medications and hormonal changes (e.g. ovulation, menstruation), There may also be issues relating to mother’s milk supply, such as: low supply, or slow let-down reflex (thus baby becomes frustrated), or the milk flowing too quickly and baby needs a breather.
The mother needs much support and encouragement during these occasions, and usually, after a few days the baby begins feeding again as though there had never been a problem.
If the cause can be located it can be treated, e.g. thrush, gastric reflux.
I find putting a baby to the breast as soon as she begins to stir from sleep enables her to attach well and begin feeding. If you persist in trying to make a baby breast feed when she adamantly refuses to do so, the infant just becomes more upset. Try distracting them for five to ten minutes with a bit of tummy time and try again. If she continues to refuse, it is most likely she has had sufficient.
It is also important not to feed baby too soon after the last feed as she will not feed well and you will only be setting up a bad habit of snack feeding and cat napping. Another possible solution is for mother and baby to get into a warm bath together and after baby has relaxed, she is slowly brought up to the breast. Usually such a baby enjoys the skin-to-skin contact and will begin to suck well.
If mother’s milk supply is suspected to be low in comparison to the demands of her growing baby, measures to increase production can be put into action and after a couple of weeks the infant is often contentedly sucking away as before. If you feel baby is not getting enough and are giving her a supplementary or top up feed from a bottle, this may eventually cause your milk supply to dwindle unless you are expressing to stimulate your breast after every day-time feed. If you are expressing, do not over-express. Five to seven minutes is sufficient but should be done regularly to have any effect. Remember you are not expressing to store milk. If your supply is low you may not express any milk. Expressing is to stimulate the breast to make more.
Also be aware that if you introduce a bottle on a regular basis your baby may refuse the breast totally as drinking from a bottle requires less on a regular basis your baby may refuse the breast totally as drinking from a bottle requires less effort than the breast.
Article by Wendy Back. Lactation Consultant.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help
A Cradle 2 Kindy parenting coach can offer assistance to help you dismiss many of your concerns relating to breastfeeding. We provide the encouragement and support that will help you through these sometimes difficult times.
Call and make a booking for your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101
Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education
purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this
information is right for your child.
All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any
material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
If you have chosen to demand-feed are you feeding to your baby’s hunger or to their crying? Many mothers fall into a trap when demand-feeding and are actually snack feeding their baby and teaching them to cat-nap. A well-fed baby will, of his own accord, begin to ‘demand-feed’ every four hours if encouraged to do so from the beginning.
Feeding baby to sleep, except for the two night feeds, is not a good idea, as he begins to associate feeding as a technique to get himself to sleep. If he falls asleep during a feed, wake him up and make sure he feeds well so he is not hungry later on. If baby wakes after a one hour sleep and you know he has fed well at the last feed it is not hunger that has woken him, resettle him.
Tips: Babies that feed well are generally settled and sleep well. The exception to this is when they have never learnt to resettle themselves after the first sleep cycle, or there may be a problem with reflux or an infection.
Remember: Baby should be getting enough if –
he/she is content directly after a feed,
putting on weight and
has plenty of wet nappies. If the nappies are light and urine is dark and smelly, your baby may not be getting enough to drink.
If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.
How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help
Cradle 2 Kindy parenting coaches are trained to assist with breastfeeding concerns to help you establish good breastfeeding habits and overcome your anxiety and any difficulties you may encounter.
Call and ask how your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach can help you. 1300 786 101
Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education
purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this
information is right for your child.
All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any
material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.
introduce a bottle early so that the child will be able to adapt to both the breast and the bottle. Suckling from the breast and sucking from a bottle are totally different actions and can sometimes cause ‘nipple confusion’. Supplementary feeding can cause problems with milk supply. Therefore I would recommend to give only 20 mls of EBM (expressed breast milk) twice a week from birth. This will not interfere with milk supply and is not sufficient to confuse the baby - it is just enough for the baby to remember how to suck on a bottle. I would not suggest that you replace a breastfeed with a bottle feed until the baby is at least six week old, the reason being that this can cause your supply to decrease. 
What bottles do we recommend? 
Comments
Post has no comments.