Introduction:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests breastfeeding babies till six months of age. They can be introduced to solid foods after that and breastfed once a day if required, up to one year of age or beyond. Babies must never be overfed as this can cause indigestion, abdominal discomfort, gas, puking, loose stools, and make the babies cry often. The infant’s hunger patterns, duration, and frequency of feeding can change from time to time.
How Often to Feed Newborns?
Newborns may feed at least 8 to 12 times a day for the first few weeks, and the frequency can slowly decrease after that. It is important to feed the newborn babies every 1 to 3 hours, and there should never be a gap of 4 to 5 hours between each feed. Infants dependent on formula feeding must be fed 2 to 4 ounces every 2 to 4 hours.
It is advised to feed the babies on demand because the frequency, duration, and time of feeding can differ in babies. Hence, it is important to follow the signs of hunger and fullness displayed by the baby. It is normal if babies feed more on a particular day or at a particular time.
How to Know if a Baby Is Hungry?
A hungry baby shows the following signs:
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Crying.
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Moving their heads from one side to another.
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Opening their mouths.
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Sticking out the tongue.
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Place their fists or hands into the mouth.
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Move their mouths as if they are sucking.
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Pushing against their mother’s breasts or towards a bottle.
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Drooling and smacking of lips.
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Staring at the person who feeds as they move.
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According to Dunstan baby language, a baby makes the sound ‘neh’ before crying if they are hungry.
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Hunger awakens the baby even from a deep sleep.
How to Know if Breastfeeding Is Sufficient?
The following are the signs to know if breastfeeding is sufficient:
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The breasts feel soft, and light after the milk has been emptied. Sucking and swallowing sounds from the baby also suggest that babies are fed correctly.
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Infants look relaxed and satisfied after breastfeeding.
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Gain in baby’s weight following breastfeeding.
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During the initial days of breastfeeding, when the colostrum (the first secretion from the mammary glands of the breasts, which are rich in antibodies) is fed, the baby might wet the diapers a few times a day, but this will increase when the baby feeds on milk.
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Poops normally.
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Good sleep.
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Alert when awake.
Should a Mother Switch Between Breasts While Feeding?
Experts from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology state that there are two types of breast milk: foremilk and hindmilk. The milk that flows out initially is the fore milk, quenches the baby’s thirst, and supplies the needed proteins, minerals, sugar, and fluid. The creamy, fat-containing, thick, satisfying, and nutritious milk that comes after the foremilk is called hindmilk. Switching between the breasts during feeding can prevent the babies from feeding on the nutritious hindmilk.
Since the foremilk is watery, it can cause gas and abdominal cramps in the newborn. So, mothers should see that they empty one breast before feeding the baby on the other side. This will not cause a limited milk supply because the milk is produced on demand and will be adjusted after the baby is finished feeding.
What Are the Signs if a Baby Is Not Fed Sufficiently?
If babies have not got sufficient feed, they will display the following signs:
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Less energetic and appear dull, tired, and sleepy.
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Less duration of breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
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Falling asleep while feeding.
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Frequent episodes of increased feeding time that lasts for 30 to 40 minutes.
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Poor or improper latching to the breasts.
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Pain experienced by the mother while feeding.
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Dark, yellow urine instead of pale and watery urine.
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Dry red or brown specks can be noticed in the diaper.
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Decreased quantity of wet diapers.
How to Know if a Baby Feels Full?
Babies exhibit the following signs if they are full:
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Babies turn their heads away from the breast or the bottle if they are no longer hungry.
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Getting distracted by other objects, toys, or engaging in other activities.
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Crying between feeding or at the beginning shows that they are full and not hungry.
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Relaxing the hands, fingers, arms, and legs after feeding.
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Falling asleep during or after feeding.
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Gaps between each swallow.
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Making little noises like burping or hiccupping can indicate that they are full.
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Refuse to suck or open their mouth when latched to the breasts or onto the bottle.
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Look satisfied, smile, and become sleepy.
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A breastfeeding session can last for 15 to 20 minutes, and the baby can pause between swallows denoting that they are full. If the feeding time is less than 10 minutes, the baby is not getting sufficient milk, and the mother must try repositioning the baby.
How to Know if a Baby Is Tired?
Identifying whether the baby is tired helps to know if they require feeding before they move into a deep sleep. The signs of a tired baby are as follows:
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Closed fists.
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Pulling their ears.
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Staring at something.
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Yawning.
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Crossed eyes.
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Fluttering eyelids.
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Sucking the fingers.
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Clumsy and cranky.
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Frowning.
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Jerky movement of legs and arms.
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Grizzling cry (cry continuously but not loudly).
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Arching their backs.
Are Nutritional Supplements Necessary for Newborns?
Breast milk contains adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and iron. Still, it is deficient in Vitamin D. Hence, Vitamin D drops might be required as per the pediatrician’s (child specialist) suggestion a few days after birth. This should be continued till one year of age, till the baby switches to cow’s milk or Vitamin D-fortified formula. Breastfeeding mothers who consume only vegetarian foods might require Vitamin B12 supplements. Infants consuming small amounts of formula feed may require Vitamin D supplements.
When to Consult a Doctor?
A pediatrician can be consulted under the following conditions:
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Spitting up after breastfeeding is normal, but vomiting frequently requires medical attention as it can suggest digestive problems.
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Dehydration is not common in babies, but breastfeeding sessions must be increased if dehydration occurs. If the problem continues, seeking medical help is necessary.
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Poor weight gain.
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The general rule is that babies should not frequently sleep for 4 hours or more at a stretch. Consulting a pediatrician is necessary if they prefer sleeping over feeding.
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Decreased soiling of diapers.
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Appears cranky and fussy but refuses to feed and continues crying.
Conclusion:
Breastmilk and formula feed contains the necessary supplements for the infant’s growth. Feeding can be stopped based on the signs shown by the baby. It is advised not to wait till the newborn cries to feed them. Newborn babies must be fed regularly every 1-3 hours. It might be difficult for new mothers to understand the hints babies show when hungry or full, but they will understand them shortly. Regular checkups with the pediatrician will help confirm whether the child is getting fed sufficiently.
