Baby Feeding Options
What you need to know about your baby feeding options
Think of this as the helpful big sis full of information and experience that dispels the mist around baby feeding, lactation, pumping, formula, bottles, and gets down to earth with solution focused, practical recommendations that are realistic and accessible. Take it all in at your own pace, find answers to your specific questions, and have fun getting to know your baby through your very own personal feeding journey.
Researching and learning about all the different ways you can feed your baby can be overwhelming. I hope we can help you answer the questions you have so you feel confident in your capabilities as a parent as you nourish and care for your little one.
- All about lactation and how it works
- Your body
- Breastfeeding positions and latching
- Feeding in public
- Pumps, pumping, and milk safe handling
- Bottle feeding and other alternative options
- When to get help and who to call
Lactation
The oldest baby feeding method in the books and the inspiration for the naming of an entire classification of animals: mammals- so named for the mammary glands that produce milk to feed their young.
The word “mammal” comes from the same root word as “mammary,” lactating is part of what makes us, us! Just because it is natural doesn’t mean it comes naturally. While some find it is an easy journey, there can be a learning curve and may take a little bit to feel confident in the experience.
Lactation is the process of producing and releasing milk, something unique to all mammals.
When you get pregnant your body goes through a series of changes that start the process of making milk.
Breastfeeding / Body Feeding
Feeding your baby your milk typically looks one of two ways: latching your baby directly onto your nipple or removing your milk from your breast (called expressing) and feeding it to your baby another way. Even within those two primary approaches there are variations and every breastfeeding journey can be unique. When you feed your baby from your body, it is a journey with two distinct individuals; you and your baby each have your own experiences. Even if you have multiple babies the way feeding goes can be unique to each. Often it takes practice and time to build the skills for feeding and while breastfeeding is natural, for many of us it doesn’t come naturally as it is a learned skill. And we’re not the only ones learning, our babies are too!
Set up for success by preparing to feed your baby by knowing what is normal, how you and your baby work together, how to take care of you, and when to call for help.
A Practical Approach to Breastfeeding / Body Feeding
Set up for success with practical information, expectations, and evidence based techniques.
Baby Feeding Positions - Breastfeeding / Body Feeding
Working together, you and your baby will find the right position for you. Tips, images, photo gallery, videos, troubleshooting and more.
Your Lactation Checklist
Short description
Expressing Milk
Many find they need to express their milk as part of their baby feeding journey. It isn’t always necessary but if it is, there are options and some information you need to know. Being prepared to express your milk sets you up with helpful skills for caring for your baby.
Hand Expression & Collection
Removing and collecting your milk with your own hands is a reliable and always easily available method. Here’s how to do it.
Pumping
Using a device to help you remove your milk is often called pumping. Get the answers to why you may pump, what types of pump are available, how to pick one, and how to pump here.
Human Milk Safe Handling
Keep your baby safe and handle your milk properly to protect your baby and not waste your milk. Go here for guidelines, tips, and practical strategies.
Bottle Feeding & Other Alternatives
When it comes to feeding your baby, you'll do whatever it takes. Thankfully, there are safe alternative options available.
The First Rule Is Feed the Baby
Why you may use alternative feeding options and how it is a good thing that there are alternative infant feeding options
It Doesn't Have To Be All or Nothing
Informed is best, making the right feeding decision isn’t an all or nothing consideration.
Alternative Infant Feeding Options
An IBCLC breaks down the specific alternative infant feeding options available with information and resources.
Donor Milk
Every major health organization encourages donor human milk as the first recommended options after their own parent’s milk. Here’s what you need to know.
Formula
Infant formula is a viable infant feeding option after human milk. How to pick a formula, safe handling, and what to be aware of.
Nourishing Your Baby with Bottle Feeding
When bottle feeding is a part of your infant feeding journey, here’s how to nourish and bond with your baby in the process, an IBCLC explains what you need to know.
Picking Bottles / Nipples
What to look for in a bottle for your baby, cutting through the marketing to identify optimal function for your situation.
Baby Feeding Positions - Bottle Feeding
Working together, you and your baby will find the right position for you. Tips, images, photo gallery, videos, troubleshooting and more.
