Breast Feeding:

We support the practice of breast feeding. Breast feeding is nature's way and is the best possible way to feed your baby. Please take advantage of the educational materials made available by the nursing staff. Please ask us any questions that remain unanswered after your reading and review. There is but one cardinal rule: BEGIN GRADUALLY. Your baby should nurse each breast only a few minutes initially; this time may gradually be increased as milk supply comes in and your nipples become more resistant to chafing.

Should You Choose to Bottle Feed:

Today's infant formulas are total foods and they supply all the nutritional needs of your baby. Always use a formula that contains iron; all commercial formulas already contain supplemental vitamins. It is very important that you do not offer solid foods or change formula without consulting your doctor. Cow's milk may be a fine beverage for older children and adults, but it is not appropriate for bottle feeding. Supplemental water feedings are not necessary unless we specifically direct you to do so. Bottles and nipples should be washed in a dishwasher or in hot soapy water. If washing by hand, rinse and dry bottles and nipples thoroughly. Sterilization is not necessary unless we specifically request it. Most full-term babies will eat about every four hours, but his schedule is not followed by every baby. Do not wake a sleeping baby in order to feed him; let him call you. Microwave heated bottles have caused scalding injuries in children.

Burping:

Babies who swallow air when sucking often benefit from burping. Some babies do not do this and do not need to be burped. Some babies are harder to burp than others, so you may have to try different ways of holding or jiggling until you find a successful combination.

Spitting:

Most babies spit up during the first 4-5 days of life. Many continue to spit up throughout infancy. If spitting seems to be getting worse, please tell us.

Colic:

No one knows the causes of colic or even what it really is. A baby with colic lies with his/her legs drawn up, crying almost constantly. Often he/she will not quiet down no matter what you do. A car ride will often settle the baby when other methods fail. If colic symptoms are present day and night, please let us know. By 5 or 6 months common colic will disappear, often as quickly and mysteriously as it started. Fortunately, true colic is uncommon. All babies will have some brief periods of seemingly inconsolable crying; these episodes are better left untreated.