Welcome to your week 14 update from the SMA® Baby Club. Over three months in and the world is becoming an ever more interesting place for your little one. They may even be reaching for objects around them now - so the fun really begins! In this week's email we look at why you might need to express milk and the importance of Vitamin D...
You and your baby
Week 14 News
As wonderful as breastfeeding is, and as fantastic as it is for your baby, there are reasons why it might not be possible from time to time. Expressing milk and keeping it in the fridge or freezer can take some of the pressure off your hardworking nipples.
A breastfed baby's poo is generally quite loose, so don't get too worried if it's sometimes runny. If you are worried that something you've eaten has upset your baby's tummy though, talk to your health visitor or GP before changing your diet.
From the notorious colic to gastric reflux, feeding issues are common amongst babies. The important thing is to try not to worry, and speak to your GP, health visitor or public health nurse if you have any particular concerns. In the meantime, we've put together our top feeding issues tips and a simple guide to winding your little one.
It's important for baby that mum is getting enough Vitamin D. If there's no sun (it happens!), you can also get it from fortified yoghurts and breakfast cereals. If breastfeeding, a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D is recommended.
As your baby continues to learn how to coordinate their hands and eyes, you may spot them copying your facial expressions. These are always funny moments to look out for!
Get some expert help
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about feeding issues or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The best way to feed a baby is to breastfeed, as breast milk provides the ideal balanced diet and protection against illness for your baby and also many non-nutritional benefits for both baby and mother. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional when deciding on your choice of feeding your baby. Professional guidance should also be sought on the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding. If you do choose to breastfeed, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Infant formula is intended to replace breast milk when mothers choose not to breastfeed or if for some reason they are unable to do so. A decision not to breastfeed, or to introduce partial bottle-feeding, will reduce the supply of breast milk. If for any reason you choose not to breastfeed, do remember that such a decision can be difficult to reverse. Using infant formula also has social and financial implications which must be considered. Infant formula should always be prepared, used and stored as instructed on the label, in order to avoid risks to a baby's health.
