Nutrition for newborns
Your nutritional and other health choices
extend for more than just the 9 months
that you were pregnant. After your baby is
born she will still carry many of your
antibodies for months following her birth,
as these are passed through the placenta.
The amount and type of antibodies
depends on your immunity and optimum
nutrition play a big part in this process.
Because this immunity in newborns is only
temporary, breastfeeding is the ideal way
to prolong this benefit and improve your
infant’s resistance to colds and
other infections.
Important breastfeeding tips include:
• Try to attend a breastfeeding class while
you are still pregnant.
• Start early! Put your baby to the breast
soon after birth and at least within half
an hour.
• Breastfeed exclusively and do not give
water or other substances unless
medically indicated.
• Known as the baby’s “first vaccination”,
the thick, yellowish colostrum that is
produced for the first few days after birth
is particularly rich in antibodies. If your
newborn tires of suckling, manually
express the colostrum and use a clean
teaspoon to feed it to her to get
the full benefits.
• Feed on demand and do not time the
feeds, draining one breast at a single feed
and then offering the other at the next feed.
• Seek help from a lactation consultant
early on if you experience any problems!
Rather than fearing “having a winter
baby”, take advantage of the cold
months to snuggle up often with your
infant, as well as enjoy hearty, nutritious
meals. Becoming a mother is the greatest
learning, yet rewarding, experience of
your journey. Make every step worth it!
About the author:
Azza Motara-Abraham is a registered
dietician who consults independently and
is a mother of two. She can be contacted
on [email protected]
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