Yes, thank you all for your recommendation. I would like to avoid all of those things from happening to us and be able to take advantage of the initial bonding time. It is funny to me though, that supplementing is considered old school and breastfeeding is considered trendy. Mankind has only been bottle feeding for such a small part of our existence. Pretty soon gardening is going to be the wave of the future.
Excuse my complete ignorance here (i don't have kids) but may wish to do so and this seems important. Why is it important for them not to give formula and what are you supposed to do at first and why? (like why is skin contact straight off important longer term)? Thanks
Well momma has to get the chance for special hormonal reactions to occur that lets milk be produced and flow. Some special tactile things are necessary for this to occur. Then we don't want a baby to get off easy. Imagine if you just openned your mouth and all the beer you ever wanted free flowed. Even if it was of poor quantity it would make you think twice about learning how to brew your own and do all the work necessary right?
The whole idea of what they call "attachment parenting" is so that mommy and baby live in biological and emotional harmony. There is room for daddy now a days too. Daddy-baby bonding during the newborn period is called "engrossment". It gives the daddy a similar immediate bond that baby has with mommy because of breast feeding. Here is a great article on bonding: Welcome to Attachment Parenting International The list of reasons why breast milk is better than formula is a long and ever growing one. Here is a link to a ton of information why breast is best: LLLI | Benefits of Breastfeeding A mother's milk does not usually come in for the first few days after birth. The baby survives on what does come out, which is called Colostrum. It is full of antibodies and helps the baby's digestive system to start working properly. Because it is low in fat and limited, the baby loses weight and nurses try to supplement formula for weight gain or blood sugar level. The fact of the matter is that it is not necessary and might even make it more difficult for mommy to BF.
It's not like that here in Canada. I was asked if I wanted ot breast feed even though I had two preemies. I pumped milk for my son for almost 1.5 months while my son who was born at 28 weeks grew big enough to get breastfeed. Once he was able too he was started on the breast and take is where he fed for 9 months. Before being on the breast he was gavage feed my breast milk only. The hospitals usually have consultants but you know what I guarantee if you want this for your baby you will do fine. Patience is huge when they are learning. The reward is not cleaning of baby bottles and making formula. Breastfeed then ween them to a cup.
KTDLP, while I don't post in this thread a lot I do lurk here. Steve's recommendation for Tracey is spot on. Get connected and raise a healthy baby!!!
This Video explains beautifully why babies should be left skin to skin with mummy after the birth. [ame=]YouTube - Newborn Crawl Tracey xxx
