Q & A: About Pregnancy, Motherhood and Babies

Here are some common questions moms ask about pregnancy, motherhood and babies: Is breastfeeding better for baby’s development? How do I know the baby is getting enough milk? How often should I change my newborn’s diaper?

Breastfeeding Basics:

1. Is breastfeeding better for the baby’s development?

Breastfeeding can increase a baby’s brain growth by 20 to 30 percent. Researchers have found that a combination of breastfeeding and formula produced better development than formula alone.

2. Is it true that certain foods can help produce milk?

There are no studies that show eating certain foods will increase milk supply. Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, protein and fat.

3. What are some things to try if your supply is low?

Increasing the number of times a baby feeds or pumping directly after feedings, is the best way to boost milk production. Increased stimulation to the breast and good hydration can contribute to an increase in production as well.

4. Are there certain foods I should be avoiding or increasing while breastfeeding?

There is no need to avoid foods when breastfeeding.

5. Is it important to feed from both breasts?

You don’t need to feed from both breasts at all times but offering both breasts stimulate milk production and maintain your milk supply.

Breastfeeding Techniques/Benefits:

1. How will I know when the baby wants to nurse?

Usually the baby will show signs of searching; awake, moving head from side to side or puts his hands in mouth and shows signs of sucking. Crying usually comes after this part.

2. How do I know the baby is getting enough milk?

The baby will be relaxed after nursing and should be regaining his/her birth weight within 10-14 days. The amount of baby’s urine and stool should be around 3-4 bowel movements and 5-6 diaper soaks a day within the first 6 weeks of birth.

3. How many times should the baby nurse?

The number of feedings decrease as a baby grows, during the first few weeks the baby nurses often: about 8-12 times a day.

Bottle Feeding:

1.What’s the best way to choose a formula?

Your pediatrician or the hospital may suggest a formula. Unless you’ve talked to your pediatrician about any milk-based allergies or soy-based allergies that you or a family member have, it will be milk-based formula.

2. How do you know if you should change formulas?

Always talk to your baby’s doctor before changing formula and call your doctor if your baby has any of these symptoms: dry red and scaly skin, diarrhea, extreme fatigue or forceful vomiting.

3. Is my baby more likely to be colicky with formula?

Colic is fairly common, affecting anywhere between 10 and 40 percent of infants. It occurs in both breastfed and formula-fed babies, with no evidence to show more for one group over another. All sexes and races.

4. How often should I stop to burp my baby?

If your baby is premature, he may need to burp several times during feeding.

5. How do you know your baby is colicky?

Has a bloated tummy
Red, flushed face when crying
Tightens’ stomach muscles
Clench’s fists
Bends arms/legs towards belly

Sleep Guide

1. How often should my newborn sleep?

Typically, newborns will up to sleep 16-17 hours a day. But most babies don’t stay asleep for longer then, 2-4 hours at a time, day or night, during the first few weeks of life.

2. How long should you let your newborn sleep without feeding?

Newborns will wake up to be fed about every 3-4 hours. Do not let your newborn sleep longer than 5 hours at a time in the first 5-6 weeks.

3. How can I get my baby to sleep at night?

Establish a bedtime routine.
Be patient.
Stick to an appropriate bedtime.
Teach your baby to self-soothe.

Diapering and Bathing:

1. How often should I bathe my newborn?

No need to bathe your newborn every day, three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out his or her skin.

2. How often should I change my newborn?

Young babies need changing as many as 10-12 times a day, all babies need changing as soon as possible when they have gone number 2 to prevent a diaper rash.

3. How can I treat a diaper rash?

Keep the skin dry and make sure the skin is not in contact with urine or stool.
Gently wash the diaper area with warm water.
Leave diapers off as much as possible.
Protect the healthy skin near the rash with any type if diaper rash cream.

Baby’s Nutrition and Feeding

1. What foods are best for newborns?

Some great foods to start with include:

Avocados
Bananas
Prunes
Sweet potatoes
Lentils
Meat
Broccoli
Blueberries

2. What age should my newborn start eating baby food?

By ages 4 to 6 months, most babies are ready to start eating solid foods as a complement to breast-feeding or formula feeding.

3. Why is baby nutrition important?

Proper nutrition during early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health and development of children to their full potential. Inappropriate nutrition can lead to childhood obesity problems which is an increasing health issue in many countries.

Teething

1.Is it ok to put teethers in the freezer?

Frozen rings are very firm and may bruise your baby’s delicate gums. The freezing can lead to frostbite on your baby’s lips or gums, this is why it is advised to not put teethers in the freezer.

2. Can pacifiers help teething pain?

Pacifiers can help babies to self-soothe. Although, prolonged pacifier can lead to dental issues and lead to what is known as « pacifier teeth« , it is possible to give your baby a pacifier and avoid the problems it can cause in the long run.

3. When should I give my baby a teething ring?

Most babies start teething around 4-6 months, which is a great age to introduce teethers.

4. What is inside a teething ring?

The vast majority of teething rings do not pose a poison danger. Plastic teething rings typically consists of salt-water or glycerin and water.

5. How long does teething last for babies?

It will take around 2 years for all your baby’s teeth to slowly come in. However, teething usually only causes irritation and pain when your baby’s tooth is about to break through the gum. Teething usually stops around age 2-3.

Written by: Melissa Ureten

Resources:

Breastfeeding Boosts the Brain Development of a Baby

Breastfeeding: How to Increase Your Milk Supply

Bottle Feeding and Formula: Expert Q&A

Do I Have a Low Milk Supply?

Tips to Choose Baby Formula

Choosing Baby Formula

Baby Burping: What You Should Know

Colic Symptoms Explained

Should You Alternate Breasts While You’re Breastfeeding?

Baby’s Cues