babies
How do you know your baby is feeding well ?
A common question in the newborn stage is how to know if baby is feeding well.
Nikki Mather at The Baby Element Clinic talks about how to recognise things are going well, and what to do if they are not
The first week of parenthood is a whirlwind of emotions and unknowns. New parents often worry with concerns about their baby’s health, feeding, and sleep patterns as the early days and weeks change daily. Breastfeeding challenges, upset evenings and crying, and the fear of making mistakes can be overwhelming.
Additionally, the physical recovery from childbirth, coupled with sleep deprivation, can contribute to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Finding out more about how to care for your baby in the early days and weeks can help reduce those anxieties as baby grows, and your own expertise in your baby develops.
how often do newborns feed?
Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to wake up to feed frequently, often every couple of hours. The first milk, called colostrum, is thick and packed with nutrients, though in small quantities. As days pass, milk supply increases, and feeds become less frequent but longer. Breast milk is ideal for human babies, as it provides essential antibodies and is optimum for growth and development in the early years.
For formula-fed babies, precise measurements aren’t a crucial component; responsiveness to their cues and offering milk until they are full is the key. Establishing a good feeding routine takes time and patience, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or lactation consultants is encouraged.
Breastfeeding:
- Responsive feeding, as and when baby requests
- Typically every 1-3 hours in the first few days after birth
- As they grow, the time between feeds increases to 2-3 hours apart
- Aim for at least 8-12 feeds in 24 hours
- Responsive feeding, as and when baby requests
- Typically every 1-3 hours in the first few days after birth
- As they grow, the time between feeds increases to 2-3 hours apart
- Aim for at least 8-12 feeds in 24 hours
How to know if a newborn is full
Babies who are feeding well will rouse themselves every 2 to 3 hours. They will have 2 or more stools each day and have wet nappies regularly during the day and night. Babies should gain 25g to 35g a day for optimum growth and healthy development. See below for signs of a full baby in the early days and weeks.
- They will slow down their sucking or fall asleep at the end of a feed.
- They may turn away from the breast or bottle when they are full, showing they are “milk drunk”.
- They will be content and relaxed with flat, open palms.
- Their nappies will be wet with 2 poos a day (minimum) and they will be gaining weight between 25g-35g a day.
- Remember, every baby is different, so trust your instincts and watch for their cues.
troubleshoot early days feeding issues
- Latching issues: Ensure a deep latch by ensuring your baby’s mouth is wide open and their chin touches your breast or bottle. Seek help from a lactation consultant if needed.
Sore nipples: Good positioning and effective feeding with your baby latching comfortably can help prevent sore nipples. - Low milk supply: Frequent feeding, skin-to-skin contact, and pumping can help stimulate milk production.
- Baby not feeding: Ask for support if your baby is not latching at all, or falling asleep once latched. Ensure a calm environment and try different feeding positions.
- Baby not gaining weight or gaining too much: Consult with a lactation consultant, midwife or health visitor to rule out underlying issues and adjust feeding to optimise baby’s milk intake. Babies gaining under 25g a day, or over 35g a day may be indicating an issue with milk transfer.
Remember, it’s normal to experience challenges in the early days as you get to know your baby, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or lactation consultants can be invaluable. If your baby is experiencing weight gain issues, ask your Lactation Consultant or healthcare professional about the NICE Guidance for Faltering Growth and a feeding plan to suit your baby
Impact of Feeding Issues in the First Month
Feeding issues in the first month can have significant implications for both the baby and the parents.
- Baby: Insufficient nutrition can lead to poor weight gain, jaundice, dehydration, and developmental delays. Feeding difficulties can also cause discomfort, leading to fussiness and sleep disturbances.
- Parent: Feeding challenges can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Sleep deprivation, coupled with worry about the baby’s health, can exacerbate these issues. Additionally, breastfeeding difficulties can impact the mother’s milk supply if milk transfer is low due to the supply and demand mechanism of breastmilk.
Addressing feeding issues quickly is crucial for the well-being of both baby and parent. Seeking support from healthcare professionals or lactation consultants can make a significant difference.
Support for Latching Baby Onto the Breast and Bottle in the First Weeks
Latching, whether to the breast or bottle, can be challenging in the first week. Here are some tips:
Breastfeeding
- Skin-to-skin contact: This helps baby find the breast and encourages instinctual latching.
- Hold baby close: Ensure baby’s body is facing yours, tummy to tummy.
- Burping: Burp baby frequently to prevent discomfort.
- Watch for hunger cues: Look for signs like rooting (searching for the nipple), lip smacking, or sucking on hands.
- Proper positioning: Try different holds (rugby, koala, laid-back, cradle) to find what works best.
- Patience and consistency: It might take time to master latching. Don’t get discouraged.
- Seek help: If struggling, consult a lactation consultant for guidance. Ask them to observe a full feed to troubleshoot issues.
Bottle Feeding
- Skin to Skin: This step is also a great tool for soothing and calming bottle fed babies too
- Sitting comfortably: Hold your baby sitting or slightly reclined at a 45-degree angle to reduce air intake at the bottle
- Monitor flow: Ensure the nipple flow rate is suitable for the baby’s age. The slowest flow should take baby 20-30 minutes to feed.
- Avoid gravity feeding: Let baby control the pace, holding the bottle in a horizontal position.
- Burping: Burp baby frequently to prevent discomfort.
- Sterilisation: Ensure bottles and nipples are properly cleaned and sterilised.
- Avoid gadgets: Prep machines can cause digestive upset due to their fault in design which means bacteria is not killed in the process of making feeds using the device.
Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Patience and consistency are key. If you encounter persistent challenges whilst feeding your baby, seeking professional advice is essential.
If you would you like more information on specific challenges for your family and how to tackle them, you can book online for a zoom or in person consultation