How Pediatricians Help Parents With Newborn Feeding and Nutrition

Caring for and feeding a newborn can be both a joy and a challenge for new parents. Pediatricians can help with prenatal and well-child visits after the baby is born. Learn how Dr. Aldo Bejarano can help your family with newborn care advice, including feeding and nutrition, at AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX.

Newborn Feeding and Nutrition

After leaving the hospital with your newborn, your first priority will be ensuring that your child has proper feeding and nutrition for healthy growth and development. A baby's nutrition in its early life can significantly affect their physical, emotional, and behavioral health as they age. Breastfeeding provides all the food a baby needs, but some parents have difficulty getting the child to latch or express milk. Some mothers may also experience pain when breastfeeding. Many new parents want to know if they should consider using baby formula instead of breast milk. Additionally, parents may have questions about how often they should feed the baby in the first weeks and months.

How a Pediatrician Can Help

If you are a new parent, it is understandable if you are unfamiliar with the feeding schedule and specifics on properly feeding your child. Newborns get all their nutrition and hydration from their mother's milk or a doctor-approved formula. Your Pasadena, TX, pediatrician can help you with important details about newborn care, including:

• Testing for blocked ducts or low milk supply in nursing mothers.
• Treatments and management of pain or discomfort when breastfeeding.
• Discussion of how often a baby needs feeding and the duration of each feeding session.

Additional Newborn Care Advice

Your pediatrician can also help guide you with other advice to ensure your newborn’s healthy growth, development, and safety. That may include:

• Sleep patterns (newborns can sleep up to 18 hours daily).
• Bathing schedules.
• Protection from cold and flu viruses.
• Tips for transporting your baby safely to doctor appointments.

Reliable Newborn Care from a Pediatrician

Having a supportive pediatrician is key to quality early newborn care. Don't hesitate to ask your child's doctor for help with any feeding and nutrition questions you may have. Call (832) 386-9200 today to schedule an appointment to discuss newborn care with Dr. Aldo Bejarano at AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX.