I’d like to propose that we ask the question in a different way.
“How are you feeding your newborn baby?”
This is an open-ended question that welcomes curiosity, exploration, opportunity for learning, and openness to the parents’ choices.
Perhaps, as new parents, you have more specific questions such as,
“What does a newborn baby eat?” and “how does a newborn baby eat that food?”
What does a baby eat?
- For (about) the first 6 months of a baby’s life they need only exclusive MILK feeds – formula or breastmilk.
- No water or other foods.
- Breastfed babies should get a daily dose of 400 IU Vitamin D.
- From 6 months- 1 year, they eat complementary foods, but breastmilk or formula remains the primary staple of nutrition.
- Babies shouldn’t be switched to cow’s milk from breastmilk or formula until after 12 months.
How does a baby drink milk?
Baby can be fed by:
directly latching (nursing) or bottle (formula or pumped milk).
So, it is your responsibility to choose:
How will you feed your newborn baby?
Whatever choice you make, it is YOUR responsibility to be informed on exactly how to execute that choice and where to find trusted, expert guidance.
If we focus the question only on what you can control, the clearest question is:
Are you committed to maintaining the physiological function of lactation?
If you have any interest in breastfeeding your newborn baby, you’ll need to learn the three breastfeeding rules.
