Coping with Changes: The smart mom’s approach to infant feeding

Providing the right nutrition that matches your baby’s development stage is a very crucial step to secure your child’s well-being.

Breastfeeding is the best nutrition every mother can give her baby up to two years of age and beyond.It is rich in many protective benefits that can never be replaced by any infant formula.

When unavoidable circumstances do not make breastfeeding possible, it is best to consult a pediatrician for your baby’s feeding needs.

With so many alternatives to breast milk available in the market, even the smartest mom would find it difficult to determine the most suitable one for her baby.

A pediatrician will provide sound advice to determine which among these alternatives would be suitable for your baby.

Transitioning from Breast milk to Infant Formula

Although the quality and quantity of nutrients in an infant formula are suitable for infant feeding, these are not exactly the same as those found in breast milk. Transitioning from breast milk to infant formula is often smooth, but in some instances, it may result in the baby showing some adaptation reactions due to the change in feeding. Some, typical reactions include increased frequency and volume of spit up (burping) and changes in stool color and consistency.It is important to keep your pediatrician informed of these changes so he can help you manage the transition and make it easier for both you and your baby.

Shifting to a new formula

Similarly, some babies may experience mild, gastrointestinal responses when being transitioned from one infant formula to another. Their immature and developing digestive system may initially take some time to adapt to the feeding change. It is best to advise your baby’s pediatrician though, to ensure that the baby continues to feed well despite the transition. He can also check if there are other factors that may be causing the observed symptoms and provide the necessary course of action.

Smart moms and parents should know that adaptation changes are part and parcel of baby’s growth and development. And that these transition periods do happen because each baby is unique, with different needs and circumstances. What is suitable for one baby may not necessarily fit the needs of another. Hence, take the smart route always. Consult your pediatrician.