“Can you overfeed a breastfed baby?” this is one of the first questions new moms will ask when they become pregnant. Unfortunately, this is also the first question new mothers can hear from their doctors. Most women are led to believe that breastfeeding is the only safe way to nurse their babies. Unfortunately, breastfeeding does not always lead to healthy, full nurseries.
One of the biggest myths about breastfeeding is that it is unhealthy for a breastfed baby to eat solids. The fact is that babies who eat solid food have just as many nutritional needs as babies who are bottle-fed. It is absolutely true that babies who are breastfed may suffer from more ear infections, mouth problems, and other illnesses than babies who are bottle-fed. However, these same mothers will go out and buy formula to put into their babies’ bottles, even if their own babies are healthy.
Another common myth is that breastfeeding requires a special bonding experience between mother and child. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just as a bottle-fed baby may need assistance to latch on and nurse, a breastfed baby will do the same with assistance from mom. A mother may feel more comfortable putting breast milk in her baby’s mouth rather than him putting his head on her chest.
What can you overfeed a breastfed baby? Eating solid foods too soon causes gas and indigestion in nursing mothers. Within just a few hours of feeding, the body will begin to emit indigestion for a short period of time. To counter this, mothers should alternate solids and liquids (water and breast milk, for example) throughout the day. They should also take a small amount of liquid every half an hour to an hour or so. This allows the body to determine when it needs to break down what it has consumed.
How much can you overfeed a breastfed baby? Typically, an adult can feed a breastfed baby twice a day, provided they have a constant source of food. An infant can be fed twice a day, once in the morning and again before bedtime. Both mothers and babies need their usual breakfast and they can both receive solids from that same bowl. However, it can be very difficult for an infant to completely finish off a bottle of milk when nursing, so mothers should make sure to remove all the milk before their baby is settled to sleep.
What can you overfeed a breastfed baby? Eating dairy is a common sign of overfeeding. This can be quite tempting for a mother who has just introduced solids into the diet. It can be difficult for a new breastfeeding mother to eliminate all sources of dairy from her diet all at once. You can reduce this temptation by introducing more dairy into your child’s diet slowly and only to maintain a high milk supply while breastfeeding.
What can you overfeed a breastfed baby? You can overfeed your own child when you are feeling hungry. Try to balance portions between the two meals. If you feel hungry between meals, or if your child is not responding appropriately, it can be tempting to feed more than the recommended servings every time.
Can you overfeed a breastfed baby? Breastfeeding is perfectly safe when done properly. Most importantly, remember that babies require extra nourishment when they are first born, and they need it for as long as they can. Introducing extra dairy in your child’s diet will help him develop a strong immune system, and it will also help him meet his nutritional requirements for his growing years.