by BabyCenter Featured Expert posted in Parenting

By: Dr. Smita Malhotra
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.
3. Then: Breastfeeding Shouldn?t Hurt; Now: Breastfeeding May Hurt at First

Even if your baby has latched on perfectly, breastfeeding can hurt initially for some mothers. This is because the nipples can be tender as they get used to the baby latching on to them for m...