Transferring a child to artificial feeding is necessary if the mother cannot breastfeed him, feeding negatively affects health, or the baby has lactose deficiency. Despite the fact that artificial feeding is a forced measure, you can organize it correctly so that the immunity and health of the crumbs are not affected.
Reasons for transfer
The mother's illness, taking drugs incompatible with breastfeeding, the need for hospitalization or surgery, and a general serious condition in which lactation can worsen the prognosis are the most common reasons for transferring a child to artificial feeding. If, after childbirth, infectious diseases are found that are transmitted through breast milk, then breastfeeding is contraindicated. Mastitis for the most part is not an absolute indication for translation, the issue is resolved on an individual basis. Mom's going to work is considered a good enough reason to switch to formula, but mixed feeding is the best solution. The mother's unwillingness to breastfeed is a rare reason, but it does occur - in this case, it should be transferred to the formula even in the maternity hospital. This will be more convenient for both mother and baby.
In cases where a child needs surgery or long-term treatment in departments where it may be difficult to find the mother, the baby is transferred to artificial feeding in advance. If a child is malnourished, he is diagnosed with lactose deficiency, then feeding with an adapted or therapeutic formula is the optimal alternative to breast milk.
Translation should be gradual
Ideally, the transfer to artificial feeding should take place within a month, the minimum period is two weeks, only in rare cases a sharp transfer is permissible and justified. First, the baby is given breast milk from a bottle or spoon - this reduces the risk of bottle rejection. After the baby gets used to it, they begin to introduce the mixture recommended by the pediatrician. The amount of sweep is calculated individually, based on the age and needs of the child.
First, the child is supplemented with formula, then the least important feeding for the child is replaced, leaving night attachments and attachments before bedtime. Give your child a few days to get used to the new regimen and continue to administer the formula.
Providing adequate nutrition is only part of the breastfeeding challenge. For a child, this is communication, communication with the mother, therefore, more attention should be paid to the child, more often to hold him in his arms. If the child has a great need for sucking, you need to offer him a pacifier.
Basic principles of artificial feeding
The mixture, unlike breast milk, takes longer to digest, therefore the intervals should be strictly observed, offering the child some water during the breaks. Breasts should not be offered unless you plan to resume breastfeeding. Replacement of the mixture should be justified, slight deterioration of the stool is not an indication for replacement. If the child is gaining weight and is feeling well, the mixture is suitable for him.
The child should be drunk and offered a dummy, but vitamin D is usually canceled - almost all mixtures already contain it. The mixture is always prepared before consumption. If you are feeding in a dairy kitchen, the bottle should be warmed up before feeding. The easiest way to check the temperature of the mixture is to drip it onto your hand. If you don't feel anything - the temperature is optimal, feels warm - cool the mixture, if you feel cool - warm it up.
The baby's stool when feeding with formula should be daily. If the baby is already 4 months old, complementary foods can be introduced to prevent constipation. These are vegetable or fruit purees with prunes. If a child urinates at least 6 times a day, then he has enough fluid and food. It is optimal if the child urinates 8-12 times a day.
Requirements for cookware
It is better to select a bottle physiological, that is, imitating the shape of the breast. If you purchase a regular bottle, then the hole in the nipple should be as small as possible, otherwise the baby will choke and swallow air along with the mixture.
Bottles and dishes should be washed very carefully, sterilization of dishes, especially for young children, is a must. If the child is older than 5 months, spoon feed him. After six months, the sucking reflex begins to gradually fade away, feeding from a spoon will provide you with an easier transition to complementary foods and eliminate the need to wean you from sucking from a bottle. In this case, water is given either from a sippy cup, or also from a spoon.
What to do with your breasts
Try to wear tight-fitting clothing that makes it difficult to reach your chest. Draw your baby's attention away from the breast. To avoid mastitis and lactostasis, you can resort to taking medications that reduce lactation. A tight bra and a T-shirt are also required to prevent overfilling of the breasts. If the child should be transferred to the mixture urgently, taking medications is required.
Don't blame yourself for having to feed your baby with formula. Breast milk is very important, but the health of mom and baby is much more important.
