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At
such times, you can still feed the baby your own milk by expressing breast milk
and refrigerating it till it is required. Breast milk can be safely stored for
4 to 6 hours at room temperature and 24 hours, if refrigerated. It is imperative
to pay meticulous attention to hygiene. Always remember to warm the milk in a
sterilised container, before feeding your baby. If
you do find it difficult to breast feed your little one initially, try and be
patient and do not give up easily. The way to make breast feeding a success is
to continue to breast feed, as the production of milk in the breasts is dependent
upon the amount the baby feeds. In
case you do need to start substitutes like top milk (milk of cow or buffalo) or
powdered milk, consult your pediatrician as he will know what's best for your
baby.These substitutes will also satisfy your baby's nutrient requirements just
as breast milk. Pediatrician recommend breast milk as their first choice because
it contains valuable antibodies that strengthen baby's delicate immune system. Cow's
milk is the ideal substitute as its nutritional quality is very close to that
of mother's milk. However, research shows that the protein content of cow's milk
is triple the amount in breast milk and such high proteins are not required for
your baby at this stage. So if you choose cow's milk, then it is important to
dilute three parts of this milk with one part of sterilised water. Buffalo's
milk, on the other hand, has a higher fat content and may be difficult for your
little one to digest in the early months. Powdered
milk formulas should be given second priority, as the chances of over and under
dilution are higher as compared to cow or buffalo's milk. If you choose to start
on formula milk, follow the instructions given on the package accurately. If you
feel the need to make any changes in the dilution instructions, do so only after
consulting your pediatrician. Remember to sterilise all the containers that will
be used to prepare formula and to feed your baby. Also ensure that sterilised
water is used to dilute formula milk. While
preparing a feed for your baby, one objective needs to be top most on mind - to
provide a safe, easily digestible, hygienic and nutritious meal for this precious
life. Whether you choose cow's milk or buffalo's milk, boiling the milk prior
to feeding is essential and will ensure safe and micro-organism free milk for
your baby. If the milk is refrigerated, you will need to warm it to room temperature.
It is always safe to check the temperature of the milk by pouring a few drops
of milk on your wrist or the back of your palm to ensure that it is tepid. Also,
check for the quality of milk by tasting it. If it tastes sour, discard it immediately
as it may be harmful for your little one. Do
not be anxious or feel guilty if, for some reason, you cannot breast feed your
baby, as this may only be a temporary phase. Above all, its important to remember
that your baby's future is shaped more by good parenting and less by the kind
of milk you choose.
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