Babies Tale

Breastfeeding, obviously, is more economical than bottle-feeding. It also provides the baby with more intimate contact, and research has shown it releases hormones in the mother that stimulate maternal, tender feelings. Human milk is especially suited to human babies, is easy to digest, and actually helps the baby from getting sick.

Breastfeeding supplies are minimal:

1. Breast creams-aren’t necessary. If your breasts get sore, the best healer is fresh air and pure hydrous lanolin
2. Rubber nipple shields-don’t work well and interfere with the natural toughening process that eventually makes nursing more comfortable.
3. Nursing bras-come in a variety of styles that either fasten in the front center or have fold-down flaps. Flaps are easier. Some women prefer to use an ordinary stretch bra that they simply lift up. Whatever your choice, wait until your ninth month of pregnancy or until after the baby has been born to find your size, since you won’t be at your maximum size until then. If the bra is too tight, it will interfere with the down-flow of milk and be uncomfortable. Look for a bra that is machine washable. If your breasts are very heavy, select one with large, wide straps and extra support, like under wires. Try on several types and buy up to six of the most comfortable since milk leakage during the first few months will necessitate frequent washing [a damp bra can stimulate bacteria growth]
4. Breast pads-for milk leakage. You can use men’s cotton handkerchiefs tucked into your bra or mini-pads cut in half. Commercial breast pads are more expensive, but those made of washable layered fabric aren’t a bad investment. Disposable breast pads usually have plastic liners, which can irritate sore nipples by keeping moisture in.
5. Breast pump-you may need to pump milk if you will be separated from your baby for prolonged period. It’s best to pump while the baby is nursing on the opposite breast. There are four kinds of breast pumps. Hand operated pumps work with a rubber bulb for suction and can be purchased in drugstores. The problem with these is they usually don’t work well. To get them to work at all you must use an intermittent, gentle, tugging action rather than continual suction. Breast pumps that use piston or syringe cylinders also work with an intermittent tugging action, but are designed to be more effective than hand operated pumps. Get one that has adapters for different breast sizes and bottles for storage. You may prefer a battery operated pump; these are somewhat more expensive than hand operated or piston pumps, but are quicker and easier to use. Electric pumps are very expensive and are usually used by hospitals. They can be rented by the month; if you have a premature baby in the hospital you want to be breastfeeding, this may be the way to go until he is home.

All babies have sucking urges that go beyond feeding, and this sucking urge is at its highest at between three and seven months. By the age of two, most babies have lost the urge, except when they’re under stress. Pacifiers may prevent thumb sucking and other undesirable sucking habits. However, there is the danger that he pacifier will come apart and pieces will become stuck in the throat. There have also been strangulations from ribbons or cords when pacifiers were hung around the baby’s neck. New regulations require that there be two ventilation holes in the pacifier for air passage. The protrusions at the back of shields must be a specific size to prevent ingestion, and the pacifier must be tested for durability to ensure that it won’t come apart. There is also a warning on pacifiers that tells you not to tie the pacifier around your baby’s neck because of the strangulation danger.

Once your baby gets a little older, you’ll want to get her a training cup to make the transition from bottle. The cup should have a snap-on lid with a narrow spout and wide handles. Look for cups that are dishwasher safe and preferably transparent. Avoid cups that look like toys, they will encourage play, not drinking.

You’ll also want baby dishes. You can choose either electric or hot water dishes. The electric ones should have temperature regulations to prevent overheating, and they should have a cold section. If you’re using an electric dish, always unplug the cord from the wall socket before unplugging the dish. If you use a hot water dish, make sure the spout cap locks firmly so that he baby can’t pull it out and ingest it. Either kind should be completely immersible and preferably dishwater safe for easy cleaning. Dishes with steep sides and suction bases to prevent sliding will be easier for self-feeding. Feeding spoons used for a child who is beginning to feed herself should have semi-flat bowls and weighted handles that can be easily gripped by chubby little hands. Avoid spoons with rubber bowls; they taste bad.

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