Mom Forums

Many important studies have been published over the past decade proving what Mother Nature has known about infant feeding all along: breast milk is the healthiest source of sustenance for newborn babies (it's also the most affordable).  Scientific research supports the benefits of breastfeeding, from the many nutritional benefits of breast milk on the immune system, to the psychological nurturing that occurs between mother and baby when nursing.New mothers need access to reliable information on the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as resources to help them with difficulties that may arise.  From engorgement to low milk supply, plugged ducts to an overactive letdown, a new vocabulary must be learned, as well as a greater knowledge of biology.  And don't be surprised if you find yourself marveling over the many awesome functions performed by a new mother's body.  Speaking from personal experience, I know just how difficult things can get and how out of control those early days spent... read more »

There's no doubt at this point that breastfeeding is the best option for baby and for mom too.  But in many cases, for whatever reason, breastfeeding is not a possibility, and yet baby still needs to be fed successfully?and often.  Nearly all parents turn to a baby bottle to help them get the feeding job done during their baby's early feeding days.  Occasionally you will meet a mother whose baby was exclusively fed from the breast but this is such a rarity that research by the CDC identifies this portion of the population as statistically insignificant (although kudos to you if you're able to pull this off!). When selecting a baby bottle most parents believe they will make the final decision about what bottle their baby ends up using.  Not so.  Unlike a water bottle where one-size-fits-all solutions are the norm, successful baby bottle feeding can require significant time and effort.  Many different options may need to be tested and, in some of the most difficult cases, finding the ... read more »

In Your Eyes.  The time spent feeding your baby is one of the strongest bonding experiences of parenting.  Looking down into your baby's face while feeding - that cute little nose, those pink little lips, and those eyes! ? can send a wave of love crashing through your entire body.  It's really is one of those cloud-parting, sun-beaming, bolts-of-warmth moments reminding you life is good.  No.  Life is great!If you haven't already heard ? breast is best.  However, at some point during a baby's feeding days, most parents turn to a bottle to help them get the feeding job done.  Bottle feeding allows fathers to experience the bond created between parent and baby during the feeding process, and gives mom a chance to take some much deserved time to do whatever she pleases (translate: eat, shower, and on those lucky days, nap).So far so good, right?  Not so fast.  What happens if feeding your baby isn't as easy as you thought it would be?  Do you have a plan in place to address feeding iss... read more »

In theory, babies who are breastfed prefer the wide neck model because the nipple is shaped more like a mother's breast; however, this isn't always the case.  In reality, there are anatomical features within a baby's mouth that can dictate which bottle is best for baby.  A high arched pallet and/or a tight frenulum (the delicate piece of tissue attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth) can make it difficult for babies to latch on to a wide neck nipple.  If your baby has difficulty latching to your breast or a baby bottle, consider seeking help from a certified lactation expert. Q. When do you use a 5 oz. baby bottle vs. a 10 oz. baby bottle?A. A 5 oz. baby bottle is typically used for newborn babies.  At around 4 ? 5 months (sometimes earlier, sometimes later), your baby will want to eat more than 5 ozs. in one feeding session.  At this time you will move up to a 10 oz. bottle.  Another option would be to feed smaller 5 oz. meals more frequently, which many lactation special... read more »