Neonatal Nutrition Degree




No doubt that when a newborn comes into your life, you should make a lot of decisions. And how you feed your newborn is the first nutrition decision you will make for your child. Think a lot before making it. Pediatricians advocate breastfeeding as best for your baby. It is recommended that babies be breastfed exclusively for about the first six months. Breastfeeding should continue through the first year of life and beyond, if desired, following the introduction of solid foods.

Breastfeeding Advantages

Newborn Baby

Newborn Baby

Breastfeeding your newborn certainly has many advantages. First of all, breast milk is the perfect food for a baby’s digestive system. It contains the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires. All of its components (lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat) are easily digested by a newborn’s immature system. Although commercial formulas try to imitate breast milk, and come very close, still the exact composition can’t be duplicated.

In addition, breast milk contains antibodies that help protect infants from a wide variety of infectious diseases, including diarrhea. Besides, it is said that breastfed babies are less likely to develop certain medical problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, and allergies. Moreover, breastfeeding may decrease the chances that the child will become overweight or obese.

Many mothers find breastfeeding easier and quicker than formula-feeding. First of all it needs no preparation. Besides, breastfeeding costs little. And the last advantage but certainly not the least – breastfeeding meets a variety of emotional needs for both moms and babies.

Infant Formula

Commercially prepared infant formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk. No doubt that bottle-feeding can offer more freedom and flexibility for the mother. Besides it makes it easier to know how much the baby is getting.

Babies usually digest formula more slowly than breast milk. So a baby who is getting formula may need fewer feedings than one who breastfeeds. Besides formula-feeding an make it easier to feed the baby in public. In addition, it allows the father and other family members to help feed the baby, which can enhance bonding. Bottle-feeding can require a great deal of organization and preparation, especially if you want to take your baby out. Also, formula costs can be considerable.

Many moms wonder if their newborn is getting enough to eat. Remember, that a newborn should be nursing 8-12 times per day during the first month. In the beginning, mothers may want to try nursing 10-15 minutes on each breast, then vary the time as necessary.

When your milk supply is established, breastfeeding should be “on demand”. It means when your baby is hungry. It will happen every 1-3 hours. As newborns get older, they’ll need to nurse less frequently. For babies who are getting formula, they’ll likely take about 2 to 3 ounces every 2 to 4 hours. Remember that newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding.

No doubt that a rigid feeding schedule is not necessary. Mother and baby usually establish their unique feeding pattern.

As the time passes and babies gain weight, they begin to eat more at each feeding and go longer between feedings. There may be other times when your infant seems hungrier than usual. Continue to nurse or feed on demand. Breastfeeding stimulates milk production and your supply of breast milk will automatically adjust to your baby’s demand for it.

New mothers are often concerned that their infants may not be getting enough to eat. You can be assured that your baby is getting enough to eat if he/she seems satisfied, produces about 4-6 wet diapers a day, has regular bowel movements, sleeps well, is alert when awake, and is gaining weight.

Many infants “spit up” a small amount after eating or during burping. However, a baby should not vomit after feeding. This can be due to overfeeding, but vomiting after every feeding may be a sign of an allergy, digestive problem, or other problem that needs medical attention.

Although your baby will probably start on some solid foods between 4-6 months, breast milk or formula will remain the most important source of nutrition through the first year of life.

Neonatal Nutritional Supplements

Now some words about nutritional supplements. Breast milk contains the right combination of vitamins and easily absorbed iron that will be sufficient until your baby begins eating iron-rich cereals around 6 months of age. A healthy infant being nursed by a healthy mother does not need any additional vitamins or nutritional supplements, with the exception of vitamin D. It is usually recommended that all breastfed babies begin receiving vitamin D supplements during the first 2 months and continuing until the infant consumes enough vitamin D-fortified formula or milk (after 1 year of age).

Formula contains the right blend of vitamins, including vitamin D, for a baby. So supplements are usually not necessary. As a rule, iron-fortified formula is recommended for a baby’s first year and should contain up to 12 milligrams of iron per liter.

Water, juice, and other foods are usually unnecessary during a baby’s first 6 months. Breast milk or formula provides everything babies need nutritionally until they start eating solid foods.

So, neonatal nutrition degree can be a great chance for your career as nutritionist.

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