>We need current research that states how much a baby should be fed
>via the bottle, especially related to formula feeding. (Now you and
>I know a stomach is a stomach and how breast fed babies feed is
>normal, but....management wants information stating this is how a
>formula or bottle fed should feed. We are all tired of the over
>feeding that is going on but we need something they will hopefully
>listen to.
>
>I know you feel my pain, but if you have info that will be helpful,
>please let me know asap! Wed I must have something current in my
>hand. I have the ABM protocols.
>
>Thank you!
>
>Pamela A. Hendrix BA RNIII IBCLC RLC
I've been checking this out for my organisation. I am finding it
hard to get clear evidence of a fixed 'stomach capacity' and I am now
inclined to reject the whole notion - given that stomachs are not
rigid and can expand when needed :)
The focus on volumes, eg volume per weight of baby, is unhelpful, I
think....at least for healthy babies (pre-terms and otherwise
vulnerable babies are a whole different story). It's certainly
unhelpful for mothers who are breastfeeding, and I think we could
also start thinking it's unhelpful for mothers who are giving
formula, either alongside, or instead of, breastmilk.
Babies feed for emotional connection, social and psychological
reassurance, cognitive development, as well as to meet nutritional
and hydration needs. That applies to *all* term babies, however they
are fed.
Would it not be possible for mothers to be supported to watch their
babies and respond to their behaviours and cues, and to
hold/cuddle/interact/feed them as they guage their baby is needing?
If it is important for mothers (and their HCPs) to have an idea of
what sort of capacity is normal at any one time, then that can be
given as a 'window' - so they can be told a healthy, term baby of
normal weight can be expected to take in between X and Y mls at any
one time. As well as this , they can learn about not feeling they
need to 'insist' that the baby takes more than he is 'asking' for,
and that it is common for babies to feed little and often, and to
snuggle up close to mum between times. Both bf and bottle feeding
mothers can learn the signs their baby is feeding effectively, too.
Given that volumes don't really mean much for the healthy, term
breastfed baby, can we work towards getting away from being
prescriptive for the bottle fed baby, too, and think of feeding as a
set of behaviours and needs that go way beyond just the nutritional?
I'm dreaming, aren't I ? ;) :)
Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, tutor, UK
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