Although it is a mother’s responsibility to feed a child, nature has still equipped us with an internal feeding resource with amazing properties which cater to nutrition for life time and we all know what that resource is. We have proven facts that breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants not only in humans but in all mammals.  Despite the experts suggestions to feed the babies breastmilk for 6 months, few enthusiastic mothers prefer to add external semi-solid diet from the fourth month onwards. Instead of getting into the debate of when to start the baby food, let us understand what a baby food should comprise of. It is also important to know the correct source between homemade baby food and store bought food.

As long as the infant has meager activities, the breastmilk or formula was sufficient. However, with a progression in the child’s activities, additional nutrition is also required especially in the first year for necessary growth and bone development. Eating capabilities also increase in a baby with the months passing by and parents should start accommodating the necessary solids in a child’s diet.

Why Is It Necessary To Make Homemade Baby Food?

Though a lot of effort is involved in making baby food at home, it has deserving benefits.

Affordable and Economic

If the food is made in various batches by preserving additional units for later, the homemade stuff undoubtedly saves money as there is a huge price difference between these two foods.

Nutritious

You are the one who decide what to include in your baby food and what not thereby having complete control on what the baby consumes. This result in feeding the infant with nutritious food free of preservatives, sodium fillers, food grade dyes etc. which are not necessary for them and are not nutritious as well. Children who are vulnerable for allergies are safe.

Too Many Options

As pediatricians suggest acquainting all the foods to a baby that adults eat by the ninth month, we get a lot of options to try habituating to the child. You don’t have to settle down with the limited options in the baby food available in the market. Instead, you can mix up multiple ingredients to make the meal wholesome and tasty.

Which Is The Better Choice Between Homemade and Store Bought Food?

Many numbers of children from ages have been dwelling on the store bought infant food and you are still a mother undoubtedly if you have decided to avoid making food from scratch. There are merits and demerits to both the foods and you are the one to decide which a better choice is for your baby. In fact, you can opt for both by preparing some fruit purees at home and getting store bought food for the days when you are really low. Either which ways, you are emphasizing on the importance of nutrition before you get some food.

Many working mothers find it extremely convincing to balance the child’s nutrition and the work pressures by opting both the foods. Potato purees, fresh fruits smoothies, vegetable juices etc. are the best ideas to make at home. Use whole ingredients while making homemade food as it can help nourish the child. The store bought cereals are ready made and are instant for mixing and consuming on busy days. However, be wary of the ingredients of the store bought food and opt for a whole meal instead of foods using fillers. These fillers make the baby put on necessary weight but contain meager nutrition.

The post Homemade Baby Food: Is It Right For You? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Pregnancy is the best time to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding so that you can give your baby a healthy start in life. Knowing what to expect will help you make the decision to breastfeed and make it easier to get through the rough patches.

Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for newborns as it contains everything your baby needs to grow. It has just the right combination of protein, vitamins, fat and is easy on the baby’s immature digestive system. It also contains antibodies that help your baby fight common illnesses like ear infections, colds, etc. No wonder breastfed babies tend to get sick much lesser. Breastfeeding is good for the mother too. The hormones released during breastfeeding help the mother’s body recover from childbirth and make the uterus contract back to its pre pregnancy size.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6months of the baby’s life after which nutritious solid foods must be introduced. Breastfeeding can be continued beyond the 6 month mark, alongside complementary foods, for as long as is desired by mother and baby.

It takes about 3 to 4 days for breast milk to come in and most new moms have similar questions when they start their breastfeeding journey. How much milk does my baby need? Am I making enough? The good news is that babies do not need much during the first couple of days.  As days go by your baby’s demand will go up and so will your supply.  You can tell if your baby is getting enough and feeding well if,

• Your baby wets 6 to 8 diapers a day
• He seems settled after a feed
• Your breasts get soft after the baby feeds
• Your baby unlatches on his own
• Your baby is putting on weight

It is essential that both mother and baby are comfortable during the feed. Poor latching and incorrect positions can make it uncomfortable and difficult to continue breastfeeding for 6 long months. Sore nipples, excessive back pain and general discomfort during feeds can discourage a new mother. Work on establishing a good latch with the help of experienced moms or a lactation consultation. There are many positions and holds like the cradle hold, football hold and reclining position. Finding a position that works for both you and your baby will go a long way in making your breastfeeding journey comfortable.

Priya, first time mother of a healthy 9month old says, “I almost gave up on breastfeeding when I had to go back to work 3 months after my little one was born. That’s when I turned to the breast pump.” Pumping breast milk has become a common practice amongst mothers. Mothers need not have to stop breastfeeding when direct breastfeeding becomes infeasible.

However, if for any reason you are not able to breastfeed in spite of your best efforts, fret not as there are alternatives.  Speak to your healthcare provider about it.

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