Formula Feeding
Proper nutrition for children is essential for the continued health of the child, as it has both a short and long-term impact on the child’s healthy life, Based on this, we must be fully aware of the importance and methods of healthy nutrition for children.
In this article, we will briefly review the importance of breastfeeding and talk more about formula feeding, the reasons for resorting to this type of nutrition, methods of formula feeding, and the amount of formula feeding that the child needs.
After birth, the mother has to start feeding her newborn through breastfeeding, but in some special cases the child may face some obstacles in obtaining breast milk for many reasons, whether related to him or his mother, the child may be born with a congenital defect that impedes his breastfeeding or refuses to. Because of a health problem. On the other hand, the mother may suffer from something that prevents her from breastfeeding, such as having an infection in the breasts or suffering from a lack of milk production.
In this case, other methods must be searched, such as formula feeding, but under the supervision of a specialist doctor to give the infant the nutrients he needs.
We will examine together the conditions for correct formula feeding, and the amount of formula feeding for the child.
The benefits of breast milk are countless. Therefore, we must note again that the mother should not resort to formula feeding except when necessary, and after consulting a doctor or a breastfeeding specialist.
These are the main reasons for resorting to formula feeding:
- The mother’s milk supply is weak, not enough to help the little one grow.
- Low birth weight or premature babies.
- Poor health and physical condition of the mother, which makes breastfeeding negatively affect her health.
- Infants and young children suffering from malnutrition.
- The presence of an infection in the breasts or nipples, which hinders the mother from breastfeeding the child.
- The presence of deep wounds in the nipples and the mother is forced not to breastfeed her little one until the wounds have healed.
- Mothers with HIV.
- Teenage mothers
- Some other health problems that the infant may have.
The amount of formula feeding for the child
It is important to use the appropriate amount of milk for your child and to stop breastfeeding him when he is full, and the child should not be forced to end the amount so that he does not become obese or start vomiting:
- Newborn: (45-90 milliliters) every 2-3 hours. This amount increases as your baby grow and can take more at each feeding.
- 2 months: (120-150 milliliters) at each feeding and the feedings maybe every 3-4 hours.
- 4 months: (120-180 milliliters) at each feeding, depending on the frequency of feedings and his or her size.
- 6 months :(180-230 milliliters) every 4 to 5 hours. This also depends on whether you’ve introduced any baby food.
Correct formula feeding:
If you decide to start formula feeding, here are some important tips you should keep in mind:
- Use the milk prescribed by the doctor or formula-feeding specialist.
- Do not follow the rumors about this.
- Use clean, filtered water to prepare the milk, after boiling it and leaving it until it becomes lukewarm.
- Prepared milk should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 48 hours only.
- Not leaving milk out of the refrigerator, and not using it after 48 hours.
- Do not let your baby sleep with the bottle in his mouth, as this may cause your baby to suffocate if he catches it wrong.
- Avoid heating a bottle of milk in the microwave.
- Follow up with your child’s doctor and stick to what he tells you.
Finally, make resorting to correct formula feeding the last decision in the absence of any other solution to giving your baby breast milk, and consult the doctor if you face problems before resorting to formula milk, to find the best solution for you and your baby.
