Feeding Your Baby; Helpful Hints - Medela Mini-SpecialNeeds Feeder Instrucciones De Uso

Feeding Your Baby

1. Relax
2. Select the flow rate
To adjust the rate of flow, turn the feeder
so that the required line (zero, medium or
maximum) points toward your baby's
nose. If baby has a weak suck, start with
the teat positioned between the medium
and longest line, then adjust as necessary. Use the zero flow if
your baby needs to get used to the teat before feeding begins.
When your baby has settled, gently increase the flow. Reduce
it and start again if your baby shows signs of distress.
3. Helping your baby to feed
If your baby needs help, the following
technique may be useful. However,
before using this feature for the first time,
we recommend that you practice
squeezing some water into the palm of
your hand. Hold the feeder with the
collar resting in the angle between your thumb and first finger.
Gently squeeze and release the straight body section, or
reservoir, of the teat. This technique will put a small amount of
fluid into your baby's mouth. Always give your baby time to
swallow before squeezing again. Try to establish a good rhythm
in harmony with your baby's suck and swallow. You will soon
feel confident in your ability to feed your baby.
NOTE: The amount given by squeezing is not affected by the variable
flow positions of the teat.
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Helpful Hints

Teat not refilling properly
If you are using thickened feed or additives and the teat
becomes floppy, unscrew the collar and check that the air-
groove in the disc has not become blocked by sediment. You
may need to use finger pressure to help the flow of feed. The
teat will also not fill properly if the disc is upside down.
Bubbles of air in teat
If air is entering the teat as you feed, tilt the container a little
more so that feed completely covers the valve membrane and
disc. Sometimes on maximum flow, the baby's sucking action
may cause an occasional bubble of air to enter via the
mouthpiece. If this happens often, set the flow to just below
maximum.
When to use the SpecialNeeds
The Mini-SpecialNeeds was designed for smaller or premature
infants. Consult with your physician or other health care
provider for advice on which product to use for your baby.
Feeder leaking
If the feeder leaks, check that the feeder has been correctly
assembled. The stud of the valve membrane must be properly
inserted through the hole in the disc. The collar must be firmly
screwed onto the container. Make sure the feed is not too hot.
The feeder is designed for use with room temperature feed and
should not be used with hot liquids.
™ or Mini-SpecialNeeds ™
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