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Breast or Bottle, Follow Your Baby’s Cues
Feeding is supposed to be a time for you and your baby to bond, but instead it is often the source of anxiety for new moms. Below are several pointers to help you relax and enjoy this special time.
- Your baby is a much better indicator than a clock for telling you when it is feeding time. Several signs include crying, nuzzling against your breast, making sucking motions and fussing.
- Bottle-fed newborns will take about two to three ounces of formula per feeding and will eat every three to four hours during the first couple of weeks. During the first month, if your baby sleeps longer than four to five hours at a time, wake her up and offer a bottle.
- Near the end of the first month, your baby should be up to at least four ounces per feeding on a fairly regular schedule. Increase that amount by one ounce per month until she reaches eight ounces. If your baby consistently seems to want more or less than this, discuss it with your pediatrician.
- On average, your baby should take in about two and one-half ounces of formula a day for every pound of body weight. This may vary from day to day as she regulates her intake to meet her needs.
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