During the first 2 months your baby needs to feed at least 8 times in 24 hours if you are breastfeeding. If your baby is on formula, he/she needs to feed at least 6 times in 24 hours. Your baby may have his/her own schedule for feeding and will show you his/her hunger by expressing feeding cues, such as:
- starting to move arms and legs
- sucking motions
- hands to mouth
However, if your baby is not breast feeding at least 8 times a day, or 6 times a day for formula feeding, you may need to wake him/her up to feed to make sure he/she gets enough nutrition.
Breastfeeding
Your breasts will produce a small amount of milk when the baby is born which increases as the baby's feedings increase. For the first few days you produce colostrum, a clear, sticky fluid, which contains many antibodies that protect your baby against infections and boosts his/her immune system. Frequent feedings throughout the day and night will help you to establish your milk supply. Individuals and babies must both learn how to breastfeed properly and there is a nurse to help you any time during your hospital stay. All of the nursing staff in the Perinatal area have had specialized breastfeeding education and information. Every effort will be made to assist you with your choice of infant feeding. If additional breastfeeding support is needed, a Lactation Consultant can be involved in your care
We recommend that you go to a Breastfeeding Clinic within 48 hours of leaving the hospital to have your baby's weight checked and to make sure that the baby is feeding and latching on properly. Check with the hospitals' Breastfeeding Guidelines for the Newborn for more information and guidelines.
LHSC Supports Breastfeeding
The staff at London Health Sciences Centre supports the breastfeeding policy implemented by the World Health Organization.
Resources:
If you are breastfeeding, visit the following sites for more information:
- Telephone: 1-800-665-4324 (referrals) or 613-4481842 (Head Office)
- A website that offers information and support for breastfeeding women.
- Also guides interested women to local workshops regarding breastfeeding.
Middlesex-London Health Unit Breastfeeding Information
Middlesex London Health Unit - Breastfeeding Videos
Breastfeeding Matters - Guide to Breastfeeding (Best Start)
Electric Breast Pump Rental
Formula Feeding
Caregivers who choose to formula feed their babies should not express milk from their breasts.
There are many different types of formula, such as concentrate, powder and ready-to-serve. If you are unsure about the type of formula brand to use, ask your doctor or your midwife. Follow the directions for making formula exactly as written on the container or your baby might become very ill. As the baby begins to eat more at each feeding, the number of his/her feedings will decrease.
Cow's milk is not good for babies, especially when they are under 12 months of age. Check with the hospitals' Discharge Guidelines for the Formula Feeding Baby for more information.
