Bottle Feeding

In New Zealand, if you ask about anything relating to bottle feeding in the majority of antenatal or postnatal classes you’ll get the reply, 'sorry, I can't help you with that, we don't talk about that here.'  This is because most parent organisations, hospitals and midwives sign a well-meaning policy called the ‘Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.’  This is an international policy that many countries have signed.  It is geared toward teaching breastfeeding as the only form of feeding a newborn.  There is no doubt that the policy has and continues to contribute hugely to the success of teaching breastfeeding to mothers, which is wonderful.  However, the same policy leaves mothers inappropriately prepared for bottle feeding which, when delivered incorrectly, can form digestive issues for newborns.

So, over the next year or so, I will intermittently blog about bottle feeding techniques, formula choice, formula ingredients and equipment in order to promote a balance of education that empowers parents to bottle feed their newborn in the best way possible (you can also read about this in my up-and-coming book).

I would love to include your thoughts, comments or answer any questions in these blogs so please feel free to leave your comments below.

For my first bottle feeding blog I have made this brief video to celebrate Multiple Birth Week 2013, ‘How to bottle feed twins at the same time.’  If you only have one baby, there is still helpful pointers throughout.