Whether you are expecting your first or fourth baby, making that decision about how you feed your child may be based on many reasons, however it’s always important that it’s something you are happy with for you and your child.

I was delighted to have Orla Dorgan, Mum to 3 little people, a General Practice Nurse and who works privately as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to give me her advice, support and top tips for parents who are either breast or bottle feeding their children.

Orla is so reassuring and practical, her passion is helping new mums, partners and their babies to breastfeed successfully. By empowering the parent or caregiver before the baby arrives, this gives great confidence to them and can often lead to a successful breastfeeding journey. 

When to feed a Newborn Baby - Tips for new parents

Whether you are planning or currently breast or bottle feeding your child, Orla has shared some really valuable advice from how often a newborn baby needs to be fed, the signs of when a baby needs to be fed, her top tips when a baby is weaning from breast to bottle and lots more! 

How often do newborn babies need to be fed?

 Newborn breastfed babies feed at the very minimum 8 times up to 12+ times in 24hrs. This can look different for every baby.

Feeding very frequently is important for:

a) giving baby energy, gain weight and breastmilk is easily digestible so, goes through their little body quickly 

b) to encourage milk production for Mum.  More breastfeeding = more milk. 

How do I know when my newborn baby is getting enough to eat?

The nappy output is your biggest clue. What goes in has to come out. 

In the very early days of life, babies start off having 1 dirty nappy on day 1, 2 dirty nappies on day 2 until they are having 3-5 dirty nappies and 5-7 wet nappies. This transitions from a black meconium on day 1 to a yellow, seedy nappy on day 5-7 and going forward. 

If the baby is not having this, we would need to assess feeding. Formula fed babies have less frequent nappies as formula takes longer to digest in the babies’ body. 

Does a newborn baby need nutritional supplements?

Breastmilk has all the nutrition they need as does formula. Breastmilk is not just full of nutritional components but immunological benefits too.

A breastfed baby requires 5mcg of  Vit D3 as a supplement from birth to 12 months.  A Formula fed baby taking less than 10 ounces or 300mls of Formula requires a Vit D supplement.  

What are the signs that show a baby is hungry?

Little movements - hand to the mouth, moving head side to side are early feeding cues in a baby. Mid feeding cues are more vigorous movement and they might let a little cry.

Late feeding cues are crying, going red in the face - they are now hangry and hungry.  

Top Tip: Catching baby at the early feeding cues as best you can is always best as it means a much calmer breastfeed. When a baby feeds in the late cue phase, they can be really unsettled at the breast. 

Which is better for a baby breast or bottle milk? 

This is a decision both parents need to make. Getting all the information they need before the baby is born to make that decision. This will be the right decision for their family. As a GP Practice Nurse and IBCLC,  I support all  families, however they decide to feed their baby. 

Formula also has its place too when we need to support babies e.g. Mums with low milk supply.  Breastmilk has many benefits and not just nutritional. It boosts the baby’s immune system - it can help prevent ear infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections. Some breastfed babies may still develop these but maybe not get as sick.  Breastfeeding helps prevent Obesity and Diabetes. Mothers also benefit too from breastfeeding - reduction in her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, postpartum depression and more. 

Formula fed babies gain lots of nutritional components in the formula too. It can be convenient and flexible for that family and anyone can feed the baby. 

Can I feed a newborn baby after they vomit?

They may vomit because they have drank too much milk, they may have a bug. If they vomit after a feed, best to leave it a little while until the baby shows signs of wanting to feed again. This may happen if the baby gulped down the feed both in formula feeding and breastfed babies. Flow can be very fast at the breast and baby gulps feed down too quickly and some may come back up again. If a formula fed baby gulps the bottle, this may result in vomiting. Paced bottle feeding is very important when bottle feeding every baby. I have a highlight on this on my Instagram page @lactationtalkwithorla    

Orla’s Top Tips when weaning baby from breast to bottle

• Start introducing a bottle at breast area, switch and bait - start off with breast and quickly offer bottle then. 

• The parent could start offering expressed breastmilk in a bottle as they are familiar with the taste.  

• Always ensure the baby is not too hungry or too full when starting to offer a bottle, so, mid-way between feeds is a good time

• Mum tries the bottle as this is who the baby is familiar with feeding them not anyone else. Trust is important.

• Offer small amounts of milk and build up.

• Check the temperature of milk - not too hot or too cold. Breastmilk is naturally just lukewarm. 

• Weaning down breastfeeding by reducing time at breast over 3-4 days and increasing volume in bottle. Do not do it suddenly especially in early days as you run the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis. 

• Ensure baby is still getting as many cuddles : ) 

Whatever you decide there is support available whether it is through your public health nurse, a lactation consultant if you decide to breastfeed or the general HSE guidelines on feeding your baby

More Info about Orla 

Orla Dorgan has many years of experience working with breastfeeding mums, their partners and their babies in her role as a Lactation Consultant & as a General Practice Nurse.  She has breastfed her children for varying lengths of time and is currently breastfeeding her youngest. 

Orla believes every Mum should be empowered to breastfeed her baby with the correct help and support. 

Orla runs monthly online Introduction to Breastfeeding Classes which can be taken from the comfort of your own home, where you will learn everything you need to know on how to have a successful breastfeeding journey. Orla also runs Returning to Work and Breastfeeding Classes to help Mums navigate the journey of Breastfeeding on their return to work. Orla also offers Online Breastfeeding Consultations to help with any breastfeeding problems you may have when your baby arrives. 

Orla hopes she can help you along your journey in whatever way she can, be it in her Class or Consultation. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges with your children, I am here to help. I offer tailored 1 to 1 parent support sessions or corporate parenting talks. Get in touch with me today at aoife@parentsupport.ie, I offer eLearning Parenting Courses on Positive Parenting and Managing Screen Time & Device Use which will help support you in the challenges you may be facing.