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5353 Balboa Blvd
Suite 104
Encino, CA 91316
(818) 789-7181
Browse through these articles to view more
information on how to care for your child.
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Feeding Your Newborn
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 Your infant needs only breast milk or formula until 4 to 6 months of age. Breast milk is the most natural food for infants. It offers health advantages for the infant and satisfaction for the mother. We recommend breast feeding as long as possible during the baby's first year. Breast milk or formula should be continued until your baby's first birthday. Cow's milk is not an appropriate feeding for infants. Water is not necessary in the first few months of life. Breast milk and formula have adequate water content for your baby.
Breast milk, when initially produced, may be a thin yellowish fluid called colostrum. This may be present during the first few days and is loaded with nutrients and anti-infective substances. Have your baby nurse as often as she wants to help stimulate milk production. When breastfeeding have the baby take both the nipple and areola in his mouth. You can accomplish this by cupping your breast with your free hand (fingers below, thumb above). Keep fingers and thumb back away from the areola. If you gently touch your baby's cheek nearest the breast with your nipple, he will instinctively open his mouth and turn toward your nipple. When this occurs, pull him forward onto the nipple and areola. Do not be alarmed if she does not seem interested initially as she is also recovering from the birthing process. Your milk should then come-in within two to five days. The baby will likely nurse eight to ten times daily. Alternate the first breast used with each feeding to ensure equal milk production. Make sure to burp your baby after each feeding. As long as he has six to eight wet diapers a day, be assured that your milk supply is adequate. You should continue taking your prenatal vitamins and a good diet as long as you breast feed. If you are worried about your weight, cut down on sweets and starches, but not on milk, fruits, vegetables, or meat. These are general recommendations, and it should be remembered that the nature of breast feeding is highly individual. Please let us know if you are having difficulties or experiencing discomfort with breastfeeding and we would be happy to see you and help make this a delightful experience for you and your baby.
Infant formulas are made to be as much like breast milk as possible. In general, infants in the
newborn period will take 2-3oz every 2-4 hours. Sometimes, your baby will take every drop in
the bottle, and sometimes not. You can usually tell when you baby has had enough to eat
when she stops sucking, frequently turns away, or falls asleep. You should never force your
baby to finish a bottle. Throw out anything left in the bottle. When you are feeding a bottle,
your baby's head should be slightly raised and resting in the bend of your elbow. Hold the
bottle so the nipple is always filled with formula. This helps your baby receive formula instead
of air. Air in the baby's stomach may cause discomfort. Also note that a baby may continue to
suck on the nipple even when it is collapsed, Therefore, take the nipple out of your baby's
mouth occasionally to make sure it hasn't collapsed. Never prop a bottle or leave your baby
alone to drink as the bottle could slip and make the baby choke. Remember, too, your baby
needs the security and pleasure of being held at feeding time. Face-to-face contact is very
important for your baby. After feeding time, rinse the bottle with cool water and squeeze
water through the nipple hold to keep it from clogging. While warming is not necessary, a
bottle of milk can be warmed in a pan of hot (not boiling) water. The cap should be loosening
before warming; failure to do so may result in increased pressure, which would cause the
bottle to crack. Or, hot water can be run over the bottle. A microwave oven should not be
used because the formula may be scalding hot while the bottle remains cool to the touch or
the formula may be heated unevenly. Always test the temperature of warmed formula by
shaking a few drops on your wrist.
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