Formula Feeding and Newborn Nutrition
Breast milk provides an infant with the proper balance of nutrients required for growth and development without straining an infant’s developing digestive and kidney systems. Breast milk also contains substances that help protect infants from certain infections. Nursing is convenient since breast milk is always available and does not require preparation or storage. Additionally, both mother and infant can benefit psychologically through this close and warm interaction. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the preferred mode of feeding.
Mothers have the right to choose the best feeding option for their babies given their particular circumstances. In order to make a well-informed decision, mothers have the right to receive information and resources about all newborn feeding options.
A breast feeding mother can pump and store breast milk. Plastic milk storage bags designed just for this purpose are available, or you can use clean glass or hard plastic bottles. If the breast milk will be used in a childcare setting, it should be clearly labeled with the baby’s name. Extreme care should be taken to ensure breast milk goes to the correct baby. Unused expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Frozen breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for three months; thawed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
The AAP recommends iron-fortified formulas for all infants. Standard formulas contain 20 Kcal/ounce and 0.45 grams of protein/ounce. Additional vitamin supplements are not usually recommended. Consuming more than the daily requirement of vitamins is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Depending on the water supply, pediatricians may prescribe a fluoride supplement to help the newborn develop strong teeth and bones.
An infant’s requirement for calories is determined by size, rate of growth, activity, and energy needed for metabolic activities. Calorie needs per pound of body weight are higher during the first year of life than at any other time. Since there is variation among infants, a range of recommended calorie intakes have been developed. For the first four to six months of life, breast or formula feeding can provide sufficient calories. Measuring weight and length, and plotting it on a standardized growth grid, can determine the adequacy of an infant’s calorie intake.
If you decide not to breastfeed, or are unable to breastfeed, commercial iron fortified formulas can provide adequate nutrition for your newborn. Infant formulas contain adequate amounts of protein, calories, fat, vitamins, and minerals for growth. However, formula does not contain the immune factors that are in breast milk. The immune factors that are found in breast milk can help prevent infections.
