how to breastfeed a baby?

Question

do I burp the baby if he nursed directly from the breast?and do I offer him the bottle of formula

Answer 1

You should burp the baby when you switch breasts and when you're done breastfeeding.

If the baby is gaining weight, making enough wet diapers and messy diapers, there is absolutely no need to offer formula. In fact, to do so could damage your nursing ability. Your body produces milk on a supply and demand system. If you offer an ounce of formula, that is one ounce of milk you are telling your body not to make.

Additionally, babies could develop nipple confusion or nipple preference if introduced to a bottle before breastfeeding is established. You should wait at least four weeks before introducing a bottle of expressed breastmilk.

Finally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for six months. If you can avoid giving formula during that time, it would be optimal. Obviously some mothers need formula, and it is great that it is available to moms who need it, but don't think you have to use it just because it is available. Human milk is perfectly designed for human babies. :)

Answer 2

Hopefully, your baby will be able to get enough breast milk and not need topping up with formula but this isn't always the case.

You may have been advised by your health professionals to offer your baby formula after breastfeeding because of a low milk supply. There is nothing wrong with this and it won't upset your baby's tummy at all.

It is perfectly possible to combine breastfeeding with the bottle and I would positively recommend it!

Following advice from the Contented Little Baby book, I introduced one or two bottled expressed breast milk feeds from two weeks. It meant Daddy could get involved in the feeds, which was wonderful for him and our son. It also allowed me some sleep and enormous flexibility. I didn't always feel like breastfeeding when out and about so it was a relief to be able to take a bottle of expressed milk out with us for my own comfort.

Introducing the bottle so early on helps the baby adapt quickly. My son had no problems at all switching from one to the other, which makes the whole weaning process later on so much easier.

Regardless of how you feed you will need to burp the baby. Try putting him over your shoulder and gently patting or rubbing his back in an anticlockwise motion. It's always a good idea to do this halfway through a feed as trapped wind is uncomfortable and put the little one off his food.

Answer 3

Yes, you need to burp him. I have heard some pediatricians say that breastfed babies have a lesser need to burp and spit up less than bottle fed babies, but this was NOT the case for my child.
Do not give the baby formula, as a mix of breastmilk and formula can give them tummy issues. Unless you have trouble making enough milk for your baby, then the baby will need to have a formula supplement. If you are going to be working outside the home and the baby will not be with you all the time, get a breast pump and pump daily so that your baby can get the breast milk through the bottle while you're not there.
I would seriously recommend getting in with a lactation consultant if you have one available through your doctor/pediatrician/health plan. Or contact your local La Leche League and they can give you all sorts of breastfeeding advice. Check out their website at www.lalecheleague.org.

Answer 4

If you are breastfeeding you do not have to give the baby a bottle of formula. It's one or the other.
Yes, always burp the baby.

Answer 5

Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. If you follow baby's lead and nurse him on cue, your body will make enough milk to satisfy him. There is no reason to offer formula if you are nursing frequently and baby is growing fine.

You may not need to burp baby if he is nursing directly from the breast and is latched on properly. Breastfed babies don't swallow as much air since there is no air in your breast. If he was upset and crying prior to nursing (a *LATE* indicator of hunger) then he may need burped.

Answer 6

If you are breastfeeding you never offer the baby a bottle because it will confuse the baby and yes, you do need to burp the baby if you breast feed.

Answer 7

yes you need to burp your baby no donot offer bottle and breast unless otherwise noted by your dr.I breastfed both my daughter and son what a pleasure and sort of selfish,because i ,mommy,got to feed them ,our special bonding time,its a natural state and every mother should at least give it a try .....what a blessing......