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Newborn and Infant Feeding Guidelines

Jamie Shayna Chan, DO and Manju Mahajan, MD, FAAFP Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

  • How a parent plans to feed their newborn should be discussed prenatally and subsequent visits.

  • Breastfeeding is recommended as the optimal source of nutrition for early feeding, from birth unti...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Discussions on feeding may begin with open-ended questions on the parent's thoughts, knowledge and comfort level regarding breastfeeding versus formula feeding.

  • Identifying the parent...

TREATMENT

  • Encourage breastfeeding soon after birth to support the development of lactation and a strong suckling reflex.

  • Skin-to-skin contact soon after delivery promotes lactation.

  • Having a good latch ...

ONGOING CARE

  • Parents may pump breast milk to be fed by bottle.

  • Excess pumped milk may be stored in the freezer for later use.

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Continue to discuss newborn feeding at subsequent v...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Helpful Tips for Breastfeeding. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(6):Online. PMID: 30215925.

  • Kalarikkal SM, Pfleghaar JL. Breastfeeding. [Updated 2...

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