A decision that is up to you
Breastfeeding exclusive maternal care is now recommended until the child is 6 months old. There are several reasons for this recommendation: breastmilk is perfectly adapted to the needs of the baby, it contains valuable antibodies to fight infections and is digested more easily. However, some mothers cannot or do not wish to breastfeed. It is in any case a very personal decision which should be taken without external pressure. “It’s an intimate story that only concerns the mother, insists Catherine Vericel, midwife in the Loire. What is essential is to develop a harmonious relationship with her baby, but when women feel forced to breastfeed, this often happens in physical and moral pain. “As for infant milks,” great progress has been made in their manufacture “, we note in the book” J’élève mon enfant “written by Laurence Pernoud and updated by a multidisciplinary team around Anne Grison ( ed. Horay, 2011). Their composition and manufacture are subject to strict regulations.
The suggestion of Dr Bernard Bedouret, pediatrician
“If you don’t want to breastfeed, I suggest doing at least one welcome breastfeed right after birth. “
Which infant milk to choose?
There are different infant milks. Infant milks are suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. Their composition is as close as possible to breast milk. Follow-on milk can be given to the child as soon as he eats a complete meal without milk, that is to say rather around 6 to 7 months. The growth milks are intended for children from 1 year and up to 3 years. Most infant formulas are made from the components of cow’s milk. It should be noted that it is not recommended to give cow’s milk to a child under one year old: “It is not adapted to his nutritional needs and would risk giving him digestive disorders”, specifies the guide “Health comes eating ”from the National Health Nutrition Program (PNNS).
What is the ideal temperature for infant milk?
Milk can be given perfectly at room temperature. “We simply advise against drinks that are too cold”, specifies Dr Bernard Bedouret, pediatrician in Paris. If it can make your life easier, then why not? No need to take the bottle warmer everywhere or to wait desperately for the device to ring to finally satiate the hungry little one!