Question
A 20-day-old baby, after spending a week in an incubator, refuses to suckle at the mother’s breast, not even willing to eat when hungry, and only cries. Every day, I have to express milk to feed him. Can I continue this way?
Answer
As long as the baby can tolerate it, expressing milk for feeding is acceptable. The most important thing is to ensure the baby is well-fed without affecting normal growth and development. Proper feeding methods are crucial for helping the baby gradually adapt to the mother’s nipple. The diet should be balanced with a mix of meats and vegetables, with an abundance of fruits and green leafy vegetables. Choose cooking methods that are easy for the baby to digest, such as braising or boiling. Try to continue breastfeeding and follow the principles of introducing complementary foods gradually to achieve a balanced diet. Avoid giving the baby puffed snacks, candies, drinks, and juices.