Feeding your baby
Feeding your baby is the one of the most important things you will do during the first few weeks of her/his birth. Your baby will show signs of hunger by fussing, putting her hands in her mouth.Most newborn babies will eat every 2-4 hours and you can feed them at regular intervals to set a schedule for your baby.Stick with breast milk or formula
Breast milk or formula is the only food your newborn needs. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for about the first six months. Newborns don't need water, and introducing juice or other fluids too early may cause diarrhea or lead to allergies. You can gradually begin introducing solid foods when your pediatrician instructs you to do so, often by age 4-6 months.
Feed your baby on demand
Most newborns breast-feed eight to 12 times a day — about every two to three hours. Within two to three months, your baby may be satisfied with six to eight feedings a day. Eventually your baby will fall into a fairly predictable feeding schedule, taking in more milk in less time at each feeding.
Follow your baby's feeding cues
Look for early signs of hunger, such as stirring and stretching, sucking motions and lip movements. Fussing and crying are later cues. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a frantic baby. Of course, not every cry means hunger. Sometimes your baby may simply need a clean diaper, a change of scenery or some cuddle time.
When your baby stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple, he or she may be full — or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again. If your baby is ready to end the feeding, he or she will resist more vigorously.
Expect variations in your baby's eating patterns
Your baby won't necessarily eat the same amount every day. During growth spurts — often at 10 to 14 days after birth, as well as at three weeks, six weeks, three months and six months — your baby may take more at each feeding or want to feed more often. After a few days, the pattern should become more predictable. When your baby begins to drop middle-of-the-night feedings, he or she may want a morning "catch-up" feeding.
Consider each feeding a time to bond with your baby
For babies, feeding is as much a social activity as a nutritional one. Your baby's growth and development are based, in part, on the powerful bond that forms during feedings. Hold your baby close during each feeding. Look him or her in the eye. Speak with a gentle voice. If you're using a bottle, resist the temptation to prop it in your baby's mouth while you do other things. This could lead to choking or tooth decay — and a missed opportunity to build your baby's sense of security, trust and comfort.
Trust your instincts
Every baby is unique. Soon you'll become familiar with your baby's eating habits and recognize when they're disrupted. Don't worry about how much, how often and how regularly your baby eats. Instead, look for steady weight gain and contentment between feedings. Your baby's doctor will monitor your baby's growth as well. If you're concerned about your baby's eating patterns, contact your baby's doctor.
very good Kavya Maami.
Wish you ,Kittu and Shreya a very Happy New Year.--SKM
@Sandai-Kozhi : Thanks and wish you a happy 2007 too !