The A to Z of Breast Feeding
You are here:
Directory | Breast Feeding | Other Foods While Breast Feeding
Other Foods While Breast Feeding
By Andrew Kelly
Breast milk is actually the only food your baby will need until 4 months of age, although most babies do well on breast milk alone for 6 months or better. There is really no advantage to adding other foods or milks before 4 - 6 months, except under unusual circumstances.
Water
Breast milk is over 90% water. Even in the
hottest days of summer, a baby won't require any
extra water. If a baby isn't feeding well, they
still don't require any extra water - although
they will need the breast feeding problems to
be fixed.
Vitamin D
Although breast milk doesn't contain much vitamin
D, it does have a little. The baby will store up
vitamin D during pregnancy, and remain healthy
without any vitamin D supplementation, unless you
yourself had a problem with vitamin D deficiency
when pregnant.
Exposure to the outside will give your baby vitamin D, even in winter and when the sky is covered. An hour or more exposure during the week will give your baby more than enough vitamin D.
Iron
Breast milk contains less iron than formulas do,
especially those that are iron enriched. Iron
will give the baby added protection against
infections, as many bacteria need iron in order
to multiply.
The iron found in breast milk is utilized well
by the baby, while not being available to
bacteria. The introduction of iron should
never be delayed beyond the age of 6 months.
Breast milk is the best that your can feed your baby, as it provides everything he will need for probably the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, you can introduce solid foods to your baby if he is taking an interest to them.
Author Details:
Andrew Kelly, copywriter for various websites including, The A to Z of Breast Feeding , part of an ambitious project to cover various subjects plus a great many other sites including health sites such as; Microdermabrasion, Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Hair Removal.
NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if the author details and links remain in place.
Related Breast-Feeding Articles:
Breast Feeding Homepage
Breast Feeding - An Introduction to
Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding
Benefits Of Breast Feeding
Breast Compression
Breast Feeding Adopted Babies
Breast Feeding And Jaundice
Breast Feeding And Positioning
Breast Feeding Complications
Breast Feeding In Public
Breast Feeding Toddlers
Engorged Breasts
Getting Started With Breast Feeding
Health And Diet
How Breast Milk Is Made
How To Choose A Breast Pump
How To Use A Breast Pump
Low Supply Of Breast Milk
Other Foods While Breast Feeding
Poor Milk Supply
Reasons To Breast Feed
Refusal To Breast Feed
Returning To Work
Starting Solid Foods
The First Six Weeks
Weaning From Breast Feeding
Your Nursing Area
You are here:
Directory | Breast Feeding |