• Contains all the nutrients your baby will need for the first 12 months of life.
• Contains antibodies to help protect your baby from infection.
• Tends to lessen your baby's episodes of colic and constipation.

Your milk production depends on an adequate amount of calories and rest

• Eat a well-balanced diet emphasizing protein and calcium
• Continue prenatal vitamins as long as you are nursing.
• Include several glasses of fluid daily.
• Avoid tension, anxiety and fatigue.

You may notice signs your baby is hungry:

• Sucking on fists or clothing.
• Mouth moving in a sucking fashion.
• Do not wait until your baby becomes frantic, as at this point your baby may fall asleep.

There are several positions you may use to nurse. In general it is best to hold your baby in a chest to chest position so that your baby does not have to bend uncomfortably to reach the breast. Undressing your baby and nursing "skin to skin" will promote bonding. Nursing positions include:

• Reclining. Lay on your side, placing your baby on his or her side facing you. Your baby's head should rest on the upper arm of the arm closest to the bed with the forearm supporting your baby's back and legs. Curl up, bringing your baby's face to your breast closest to the bed.
• Football Hold. Sit upright in a bed or comfortable chair. Cradle your baby with your baby’s head in your hand. Your forearm should support your baby's back and your baby’s legs should be tucked under your upper arm. Bring your baby's mouth up to the breast on the same side as the arm you are using.

There is not a set schedule for infant nursing. Although most babies will nurse 8 to 12 times a day, the timing will be irregular. Most babies will lose a little weight during the first few days of life as they wait for your breast milk to come in. During this time they will be getting valuable colostrum. Most babies regain their birth weight by 7 to 10 days of age. In general:

• Be flexible; don't maintain a rigid schedule.
• Watch your baby, not the clock.
• Remember each baby is different.

Nurse in a position that is comfortable for you and your baby. Begin nursing each time on the side you finished nursing on the last time. Start out nursing your baby for a few minutes on each side and gradually work up to 5 to 15 minutes on each side. When you first start nursing, feed your baby every two to three hours. This will help build up your milk supply. Using a bottle is not recommended until two or three weeks of age to avoid nipple confusion.

• Use your cupped palm and thumb to hold your breast and offer it to your baby.
• Gently stroking your baby's lips downward with your nipple should cause your baby's mouth to open.
• Do not force your nipple into the mouth.
• Your baby's mouth should cover your nipple
  and most of the areola (the ring around the
  nipple).
• If your baby's cheeks are dimpled or your baby is making clicking sounds, your baby may not be latched on properly.
• If it is painful to nurse, your baby may not be latched on properly or may not be sucking correctly; please give us a call.
• Suction can be broken by slipping your clean finger into the corner of your baby's mouth.

If for any reason, you are unable to breast feed your baby, it is possible to pump and store your milk. There are several different types of breast pumps including the hand-held pump and electric pump. We may be able to help you decide which pump best fits you and your baby's needs. We recommend the following guidelines:

• Breast milk may be stored in the refrigerator up to five days.
• Breast milk may be stored in a freezer for three to four month or in a deep freezer for six months.
• Frozen breast milk that has been thawed should not be frozen again.
• Thawed breast milk will separate; shake well before using.

If your baby is being breast fed, there is a concern that your baby is not getting enough vitamin D. This is especially concerning in Minnesota during the winter months where sunlight is needed to activate vitamin D. Partners in Pediatrics recommends a supplemental vitamin containing vitamin A and D for your baby if you are nursing. This is available without a prescription. Fluoride and iron supplementation is recommended in babies who are strictly breast fed after six months of age. If you have any concerns, please discuss this with your provider.

Mothers who are unable or choose not to breast feed should select an iron-fortified infant formula. We do not recommend any low-iron formula. Babies should remain on formula until their first birthday. Formula comes in a variety of forms.

• Ready-to-use. This formula comes premixed in meal-size bottles or bigger cans. No further preparation is necessary. It is the most convenient form but also the most expensive.

• Concentrate. This formula must be mixed equally with water to turn it into a form suitable for drinking. Once opened the formula can be stored in the refrigerator up to 48 hours. Only mix the amount you expect your baby to eat since the remainder in the bottle must be thrown away after each feeding.

• Powder. This formula must be mixed with water and the directions are on each can. Generally, it is one unpacked level scoop of powder for every two ounces of water. This is usually the least expensive formula. Once the powder is mixed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

As a newborn, your baby will probably begin eating only about one-half to one ounce at a feeding. This will gradually increase. Feeding times will range between every two to three hours initially. This will extend to every four to six hours as your baby grows. We recommend you keep a “flexible” schedule.

• Make sure your baby is fully awake.
• Change the diaper.
• Follow label mixing instructions.
• It is not necessary to sterilize the bottle or boil the water if you are using city water.
• Heat the bottle in a pan of warm water; we do not recommend using the microwave to heat formula.
• Shake a bit of formula onto your wrist to make sure the formula is not too hot.
• Hold your baby in a comfortable position.
• Your baby’s mouth should be above the level of your baby’s stomach.
• Be sure the nipple and the neck of the bottle are always filled with formula.
• Never prop the bottle; part of the feeding experience is the security and pleasure of being held and it is dangerous to leave a child unattended when feeding.
• You should continue to feed your baby for mula until your baby is one year old.

 Often when feeding, your baby may swallow air. This may be uncomfortable. Depending on how much air your baby swallows, one burping during a feeding and one after are usually enough. You may burp your baby in a number of ways, all which place infants’ heads above their stomachs.