By: Dr. Smita Malhotra

posted: May 10, 2017, 6:07 am

Now that I’m a mother, I understand the saying, “experience is the best teacher.” Experiencing the highs and lows of new motherhood has transformed the way I practice pediatrics. When I think back, there are some pieces of advice I used to give that have changed since welcoming a bundle of joy into my life. Here are five of them:

1. Then: Breast is Best; Now: Fed is Best
After my own struggles with breastfeeding, I now tell mothers that whether you formula feed, breastfeed, or a combination of both, what is most important is that your baby is fed. Each mother will make the choice that works best for her family. After all, a growing and developing child needs a happy and present mother.

2. Then: Your Newborn Should Feed Every 2-3 Hours; Now: Go with the Flow
We learn in practice that a newborn feeds every 2-3 hours but in reality, it is hard to keep a baby on a schedule. Newborns are after all human beings who grow and change every day. Sometimes they may feed every 2-3 hours and at other times every hour. Each day with a newborn can be unpredictable, and as parents we must learn to go with the flow of our growing child.

Read more at Baby Center Blog.