Any way you look at it, diapers stink. You can buy cotton diapers, make your own, rent them, or buy disposables, but you still have to change them. And frequent changing of diapers is the key to a healthy baby’s bottom. Never changed a diaper before? You’ll be a pro after the first five…….and don’t let Dad off the hook here! Changing diapers gives you one more opportunity to interact with your baby, and show your love……what is more intimate than caring for the basic needs of your baby? And it’s not that bad! Wet diapers are a breeze, and breastfed babies’ stools are practically inoffensive to all but the most sensitive noses. But slip that baby his/her first bite of “real food” and get out the clothespin for the nose.
Colic
This is probably a good place to discuss colic. Simply stated “infantile colic” is a state of irritability in babies, exhibited by unconsolable crying and sleeplessness. The colicky baby continues to cry even after the diaper is changed, food has been offered, love has been tendered, and the rocking chair is out of gas. At some point all babies show some colicky behaviour. But, only about 10-20% of babies are colicky enough to get the label.
If You Don’t Breastfeed
Babies who are not breastfed should eat only infant formulas (fortified with iron), with the introduction of age-appropriate solid foods beginning at 4-6 months of age. Cow’s milk as purchased in the liquid form from the dairy case at the grocery (whole, 2%,1%, or skim) or any unpastuerized milk is NOT suitable for infants under the age of 12 months.
Pumps and Supplemental Systems
The breast pump can be an invaluable tool to all breastfeeding mothers. Unless you have the luxury of spending every moment with your baby or you intend to supplement with a formula, you will need a good pump. Prices start at about $40 and a top-of-the-line pump can cost hundreds. Even an expensive pump (complete with convenient travel case) is cheap compared to the price of formula. But an inexpensive pump will usually suffice for most mothers.
Getting Started with Breastfeeding
Instead of attempting to present a complete treatise on the art and science of breastfeeding, this discussion is intentionally lacking in scope. If you chose to breastfeed, it is too important to entrust your preparation to a website or even a single book on the topic………..if you have even small problems, you need a local expert to help you, one-on-one. Getting started well may determine whether or not you are successful.
Breastmilk
Unlike circumcision, the experts all agree……”Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding…” This is the essence of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation on the feeding of our youngest human beings. It’s a “no-brainer” from the nutritional point-of-view. How could any other food be better for any mammal than the milk which comes from that little mammal’s mother?
Your Baby’s Health Care System
Your newborn and infant need special health care services. By their very nature, newborns and infants are highly dependent life forms. They need the services of health care providers who have been trained to care for their special needs. Although they are pretty tough little critters, compared to young children and adults, a newborn’s first year of life is full of opportunity for poor health.