Feeding Your Special Needs Baby:Breast or Bottle

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In making decisions about feeding your special needs baby, here are some things to think about. First, you need to know that you can usually breastfeed a special needs baby.

For each new mom, the decision to breastfeed or formula feed is a personal one. Breastfeeding is not always feasible. There may be health factors involved for mom or baby. Some new mothers just don’t feel comfortable with breastfeeding. Sometimes a new mom has to return to work before breastfeeding is established. In the end, what works for you and your baby is probably what’s best. Feeding your special needs baby may not be easy at first, but believe me, ho or she will catch on!

Benefits for Baby:

A mother’s milk has just the right amount of milk, fat, sugar, water, and protein needed for your baby to grow and develop.

Since breast milk has just the right amounts of nutrients for the baby There is less of a chance for baby to become overweight

Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula

Breast milk contains antibodies which help protect you baby from illnesses.

Milk that comes straight from the breast is always sterile and available anywhere any time. (No bottles to wash!)

skin to skin contact is great for mom and baby bonding.

Benefits for Mom

Breastfeeding will save you time and money. (Shopping money!)

No measuring, mixing, and warming formula.

No washing and sterilizing bottles!

Breastfeeding uses up more of the calories you take in. This means, of course, weight loss!

Nursing also helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.

Breastfeeding forces a new mother to sit down and relax (while the baby is nursing) helping her gets the rest she needs.

For more information on (breast) feeding your special needs baby go to Love Your Baby

Formula Feeding

If you decide not to breastfeed, formula feeding is the only other safe way to feed your baby in the first year. Cows milk should never be given before your baby turns one, and then only with the pediatrician’s okay.

Infant formulas provide infants with necessary nutrients; however, it can never duplicate the exact chemical makeup of breast milk. Infant formulas will not contain the antibodies breast milk has to help fight disease.

If you are going to use infant formula make sure you use a reputable brand that is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). You ca check the FDA website for current information on infant formula in the U.S. , as well as any recalls due to health and safety problems.

Remember though, breastfeeding for even a short time will benefit you and your baby!

One final note, whichever method of feeding you choose for your special needs baby, it should be your decision, and you should feel comfortable with it. If you choose not to breastfeed don't let others talk you into feeling guilty. Not breastfeeding does not mean you love your baby any less.

References: National Women's Health Information Center at womenshealth.gov

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