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One major concern for mothers when they go home from the hospital with their baby is how often and how much they should feed the little infant.  One common mistake of hospitals after discharge is not teaching first-time mothers how much the baby would demand breastfeeding and why.

Breastfed babies need more feedings compared to formula fed babies because breastmilk is digested faster than formula milk.  This is because the protein molecules in breastmilk are made by nature to be smaller in structure to help your baby’s tiny and underdeveloped digestive system to break down and absorb.  You will notice the difference when you see compare the poop of a breastfed baby to that of a baby who is formula fed.  The poop of a breastfed baby is loose compared to the poop of a formula fed baby.

Breast-fed babies usually feed every 1 ½ hours to 2 hours.  Unless your baby has a medical condition, your pediatrician will tell you to breastfeed your baby on demand.  At night time, you must make sure that your baby does not go beyond 4 hours without feeding.  You must also need to consider the stomach capacity of your baby.  At the first day of life, your baby can take only about 1 teaspoon per feeding, and by day 5, your baby will be able to take in about an ounce of breastmilk.  Every two to three months, the capacity will increase by an ounce or 2.  However, your baby will be the one to determine if she’s full or not.  Don’t force her to feed more than she would need for she may vomit the excess milk.  If you change wet diapers 6-8 times, with stool of 2-3 times a day.  Your baby should be steadily gaining weight, and will look content after each feeding.  If you wish to help your baby gradually increase her stomach capacity, feed your baby in a quiet environment free of distractions.  Research has it that babies consume an extra 25% of normal stomach capacity when her concentration is centered in feeding.

Premature babies are to be fed in a different manner.  You need to stick to your pediatrician’s advice on when to feed your premature baby.  Premature babies are as they are: premature so the reflexes and cues normally seen in hungry and full-term babies are not observed.  They need to be stimulated and even awaken at night in order to feed. You can stimulate them by coaxing them with a finger or a nipple rubbed at their cheek.

It is important to take into consideration how to properly feed your baby.  This would ensure that your baby is well fed and will develop properly.  This would also ensure that any possible eating problems in the future will be avoided.

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