Some mothers bottle feed their babies from birth or soon after. There can be many reasons for this including medical or physical factors, employment demands, or simply a lifestyle choice. The reason doesn't really matter.
If a mother decides that this is what she wants to do then that is her choice. Bonding between mother and baby will still occur and it certainly says absolutely nothing about her as a mother. No woman should ever feel guilty because she isn't breastfeeding.
Bottle feeding raises some additional questions such as the use of expressed breast milk or formula - and, if formula, then which one? Your medical advisors are the best people to consult on this. They know you and your baby and they will be able to suggest the one that is best for baby.
All mothers who have bottle fed know that there are plus sides to bottle feeding. These include the ability to prepare feeds in advance and knowing exactly how much nourishment your baby is getting as well as allowing your partner and other family members to experience the bonding that comes from feeding baby.
More information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Why isn't my baby sleeping at night?
Many mothers get anxious and stressed if their newborn is not settling in the evening, is waking up earlier than usual, and/or is crying on and off. Not only doesn't baby get the sleep he or she needs - you and your partner don't get much sleep either!
One common cause of this is that baby is hungry.
Quite often I find that, by the end of the day, mum's milk supply isn't enough to satisfy baby. There can be a number of reasons for this, but the one I most frequently encounter is that mum hasn't been drinking enough water both during and between feeds.
Always have a large glass of water to hand when you are feeding - and drink it both during the feed and when baby has finished. Drink plenty of water again in the interval between feeds - this will help ensure you have a good supply of milk for baby at the next feed.
Another tip is to eat plenty of healthy, nutritious food - small frequent snacks are recommended.
And as for sleep? Well, a good idea is for you to try and get some rest when baby does. It can be difficult if you have other children to care for and, yes, there are other things that need doing: but, when you can and as often as you can, grab a bit of sleep at the same time as baby.
More information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
One common cause of this is that baby is hungry.
Quite often I find that, by the end of the day, mum's milk supply isn't enough to satisfy baby. There can be a number of reasons for this, but the one I most frequently encounter is that mum hasn't been drinking enough water both during and between feeds.
Always have a large glass of water to hand when you are feeding - and drink it both during the feed and when baby has finished. Drink plenty of water again in the interval between feeds - this will help ensure you have a good supply of milk for baby at the next feed.
Another tip is to eat plenty of healthy, nutritious food - small frequent snacks are recommended.
And as for sleep? Well, a good idea is for you to try and get some rest when baby does. It can be difficult if you have other children to care for and, yes, there are other things that need doing: but, when you can and as often as you can, grab a bit of sleep at the same time as baby.
More information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
Monday, February 8, 2010
Baby Knows Best
You're used to being in control.
Whether at work, socially, or at home you are used to having a significant say in what you do and when you do it. Coming home with a new baby, things aren't going to be all that different. ......
Or are they!
No matter what you may have heard from family members and your friends: no matter what you have read in magazines and books: no matter what "the experts" may have told you, the reality is different.
Babies have a mind of their own and they know when they are hungry, tired and/or uncomfortable. And they'll let you know. Big time!
You have your own routine (or you did!) and you'd like to stick to it.
Fine in theory but, just when you're in the middle of doing something important there is this urgent little cry. Now routine must wait. Your program becomes secondary to the needs of this helpless, new little person who is totally dependant upon you for everything.
You and baby need to work together to develop a routine that suits both of you. And that will take a few weeks.
A little planning can help.
When you get the chance, prepare meals beforehand and freeze them; do 'housework' in small batches, say 1 room at a time. Don't get fussed if things aren't being done in as orderly a fashion as you might like.
Allow plenty of "me-time" for rest and renewal -try to catnap when you can because your normal sleep is going to be disrupted for quite a few weeks. Drink plenty of water and get as much exercise as you can so that you remain as fit as possible and your milk is not in danger of drying up.
And find time for friends. Having your spouse and family around to talk with is great - but you need a wide circle of friends for "girl talk" and "baby chats". The bigger your support group the better.
And have fun. Enjoy your baby. Right now he or she (or they) are probably the most important thing in your life - and that's the way it should be.
More information about me and how I might be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
Whether at work, socially, or at home you are used to having a significant say in what you do and when you do it. Coming home with a new baby, things aren't going to be all that different. ......
Or are they!
No matter what you may have heard from family members and your friends: no matter what you have read in magazines and books: no matter what "the experts" may have told you, the reality is different.
Babies have a mind of their own and they know when they are hungry, tired and/or uncomfortable. And they'll let you know. Big time!
You have your own routine (or you did!) and you'd like to stick to it.
Fine in theory but, just when you're in the middle of doing something important there is this urgent little cry. Now routine must wait. Your program becomes secondary to the needs of this helpless, new little person who is totally dependant upon you for everything.
You and baby need to work together to develop a routine that suits both of you. And that will take a few weeks.
A little planning can help.
When you get the chance, prepare meals beforehand and freeze them; do 'housework' in small batches, say 1 room at a time. Don't get fussed if things aren't being done in as orderly a fashion as you might like.
Allow plenty of "me-time" for rest and renewal -try to catnap when you can because your normal sleep is going to be disrupted for quite a few weeks. Drink plenty of water and get as much exercise as you can so that you remain as fit as possible and your milk is not in danger of drying up.
And find time for friends. Having your spouse and family around to talk with is great - but you need a wide circle of friends for "girl talk" and "baby chats". The bigger your support group the better.
And have fun. Enjoy your baby. Right now he or she (or they) are probably the most important thing in your life - and that's the way it should be.
More information about me and how I might be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
Monday, February 1, 2010
Settling In
It takes time to settle in at home with your newborn. There are just so many demands from every quarter such as housework and maybe other young children. Then there's the shopping, perhaps dropping older children off at school or playgroup, and, for some, there's activities after school - music lessons, sport's practice etc. Its really busy - and we haven't got to your partner yet! No matter how supportive your partner may be, you can't afford neglect in this area.
The pressures build up - because, through all of this, the new young person (or people) in your life is making his or her demands. Sometimes the pressures can get to you - especially when you're going through the hormonal changes that always occur after birth. Its easy to wonder if its really all worth it! And you can feel so alone.
The important thing is to get support. You are not alone. Almost every new Mum goes through the same sorts of feelings. Almost every new Mum faces the same sorts of pressures and demands. So meet with them and share: get and give support.
In most areas of Australia there are local Mothers' Groups, Play Groups, or Nursing Mothers' Groups. If you don't know how to get in touch with these, your local Baby Centre or your Doctor will know where these are and how to contact them. In some areas they are also listed in the Yellow Pages or the local newspapers. Get involved with these because it gives you a safe forum where you can talk with other mothers about any issues or concerns you may have.
Of course, I may be able to help you, too. More information about me and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
The pressures build up - because, through all of this, the new young person (or people) in your life is making his or her demands. Sometimes the pressures can get to you - especially when you're going through the hormonal changes that always occur after birth. Its easy to wonder if its really all worth it! And you can feel so alone.
The important thing is to get support. You are not alone. Almost every new Mum goes through the same sorts of feelings. Almost every new Mum faces the same sorts of pressures and demands. So meet with them and share: get and give support.
In most areas of Australia there are local Mothers' Groups, Play Groups, or Nursing Mothers' Groups. If you don't know how to get in touch with these, your local Baby Centre or your Doctor will know where these are and how to contact them. In some areas they are also listed in the Yellow Pages or the local newspapers. Get involved with these because it gives you a safe forum where you can talk with other mothers about any issues or concerns you may have.
Of course, I may be able to help you, too. More information about me and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
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