The way we plan to feed the child must be decided way ahead of birth. To a great extent, how firm our decision is in this regard and how well we familiarize ourselves with the chosen feeding method, will determine its success or failure.

In order to make a decision we should understand the possible alternatives: breast feeding and bottle feeding. Breast feeding is by far the most advisable. Without a doubt, breast milk is the feed best suited to satisfy all the needs of the newly born. With few exceptions, all mothers can succeed in breast feeding their child. Only when breast feeding is definitely not possible should we consider the second alternative: bottle feeding with milk manufactured from cattle milk.

To understand the benefits of breast feeding it is important to first understand the superiority of breast milk over the so called artificial milks.

Breast milk is the only one whose composition is precisely adapted to the nutritional needs of the newly born. Its basic content of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and many other nutrients is ideal for the proper development of the child. As it is in fact a live element, it continuously adapts itself to the changing needs of the infant.

The composition of breast milk not only changes as the child grows, it also changes along a single feeding session. At the beginning of it, the milk is thin and sweet. This serves to satisfy the thirst of the child. As the session progresses, it turns thicker and richer in fats. This change is important in regulating the appetite as it helps in providing a sensation of "being full".

Aside from supplying nutrients in a well balanced and exact fashion, breast milk also supplies the enzymes required for its digestion. In this way, the immature and sensitive digestive tract of the child receives the help it needs to properly digest and assimilate all nutrients without difficulty. The temperature and concentration of breast milk are always the correct ones.

The digestive tract of the child is a potential access route for infections. To avoid contamination from pathogenic bacteria, breast milk provides growth inhibiting agents against these most undesirable visitors.

On the other hand, it is convenient that a certain amount of beneficial bacteria, like Lactobacillus, grow and be present in the intestine of the child to help him digest nutrients. Breast milk provides a growth enhancing agent for these most fundamental bacillus of the intestinal flora.

Breast milk also contains growth inhibitors for other extra-digestive pathogenic agents whose action currently under study.

Voluntary breast feeding is one of the most gratifying feelings for the mother. The intimate relationship that results strengthens affective ties between them ensuing a special sensation of trust and a feeling of protection.

The hormonal secretions stemming from breast feeding have very positive results in helping the uterus return to its original size. Also, they have a positive effect in reducing the severity and length of post-birth depression. Adequate care of the breasts will preserve their esthetic appearance, avoiding loss of firmness, at the end of the breast feeding period.

Breast cancer has been proven by recent studies to have far less incidence amongst women who have breast fed their children.

These should be evident simply by looking at the cost of artificial milks.

Bottle feeding does not offer any of these advantages. If for some reason it becomes necessary, nobody better than your pediatrician to advise you on the different alternatives and proper use of this method.

If you intend to breast feed your child, you should so inform your gynecologist and/or your midwife. As soon as the child is born, they should place him or her on top of you with special care in providing direct skin contact between the two of you. If at all possible, right at that moment, apply the mouth of the child to your nipple and allow some suction to take place. It is a proven fact that early contact of the child with the breast helps in milk secretion starting faster and lasting longer.

If for some reason this is not possible, do not worry but try to establish direct contact between the child and the breast as soon as possible. If birth has been through cesarean section, you will have to wait a little longer but breast feeding will still be satisfactory. You will see …

In the case of bottle feeding, again direct contact with the child should occur as soon as possible after birth. Ideally, give him or her the first bottle as soon as you are back in your room after labor.

In either case, feeding frequency should be established by the child. Forget about the "every three hours" and feed him or her when they demand it. This process will soon become self-regulated and the child will establish better defined periods of sleep and vigil spaced farther apart.

Try to keep your child with you in your room, do not let them take him or her away to the maternity ward. In hospitals today, this is normally the case. However, some private clinics still maintain the practice of separating mother and child for a few hours "…so the mother can rest". Avoid this if you can, the child will always be better by your side.