The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week and aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. Feeding your baby can be a breeze for some, and a real challenge for others. If you’re able to breastfeed, research shows that there are many health benefits for bub, however some cannot, or choose not to breastfeed and in those cases, infant formula is an excellent option. Ultimately whether it’s breast or bottle, it’s what works best for you and for your baby.
Breastfeeding has been shown to have many health benefits and likely many we’re yet to learn about. Breastmilk is formulated to be exactly right for your baby and changes as baby grows to meet their needs and contains nutrients and other bioactive factors for optimum growth and development. The Australian Breastfeeding Association recommends to follow baby’s lead and breastfeed them whenever they need it and they will get the nutrition they need.
Formula feeding is an absolute necessity for many women for a variety of reasons, which might include their comfort, lifestyle, work circumstance and certain medical situations. In Australia, formulas are tightly regulated and must meet national standards and there’s no evidence to show one is better than another. However, it is recommended to choose a formula with the lowest amount of protein to mimic the protein content of breast milk, as many contain more than necessary.
It's recommended that babies under 6 months start on a ‘first’ formula, then between 6 and 12 months move onto a ‘follow-on’ formula, and after 12 months they no longer need a formula. Each tin of formula will advise exactly how to make up the formula, and how much a baby needs and how often based on their age, however ultimately it’s best to follow baby’s prompts and feed them when they need it rather than by the clock. If your baby is also having breastmilk – also known as ‘mixed feeding’, it’s recommended to give them that first, then follow up with a formula feed if needed.
Before you know it, it’s time to begin bub on solid foods and with that also comes a number of approaches, such as using purees or following baby-led weaning. There’s no wonder it can be a very difficult time for many families with so many choices and options and varying information available. Ultimately there are some foundation guidelines to follow when it comes to feeding bub, but the remainder of it can be both a personal choice as well as determined by bub and what they need and when they’re ready.
It's recommended to start introduce solids, or family foods from around 6 months of age, however breast or formula milk will still be the main source of nutrition until 12 months. Initially, starting solids is really about playing and learning new skills for bub, not much food will actually be eaten until at least 7 months. One small meal a day is all that’s needed to begin with, slowly building up to three meals a day with snacks and drinks in between from 12 months-. It’s important to note that each child will respond differently – some will take to solid foods quickly where as others will take a little more time. If your bub isn’t showing much interest in solid foods, focus on iron-rich foods for the foods you do offer, such as cooked meat, fish, tofu, lentils or other pulses, nut butters and egg, as well as iron-fortified cereals to prevent iron deficiency, as the iron stores from birth begin declining from around 6 months
Please note: Jaime's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your healthcare professional.