Newborn Feeding Routine

Once the baby has learned how to hold onto the nipple correctly, you will be able to realize when the baby is drinking and getting milk because you will see how the baby’s cheeks and chin moves. Sometimes the baby will need to suck for a few minutes before the milk comes down. So at first, allow the baby to suck for around five minutes on each breast per feeding session. After around three or four days, you can increase the amount of time you feed the baby in each breast up to ten to fifteen minutes on each breast. But don’t worry about counting the amount of time too much since the baby is in the end the one who will decide when enough is enough and will let go of the nipple once satisfied.

If you feel that the baby stops sucking but is still holding onto the nipple, insert your finger in the corner of the baby’s mouth to interrupt the suction. This will avoid your nipples from becoming sore.

When it is time to change the baby over to the other breast, before doing so burp the baby so he or she can get rid of any gas. You can do this by laying the baby over your shoulder or placing the baby on your lap and patting his or her back.

Usually mothers feed their babies around eight and twelve times at day. This pattern makes the body produce enough milk and allows the baby to receive an adequate amount for his or her growth and in order to develop in a healthy way. Try to space out the feeding times regularly throughout the day. Unless your pediatrician specifically says to do so, it is not necessary to wake the baby up to feed. And of course, you don’t have to wake the baby up in the middle of the night. If the baby is willing to sleep most of the night without waking up to eat, you are a lucky woman because it is unusual. And if the baby is hungry and has just eaten one hour ago, go ahead and feed him or her, you don’t need to abstain from feeding the baby. Just keep in mind how many times a day you are feeding your baby so that you can make sure you are feeding the baby the right amount throughout the day.

How can you tell the baby has had enough to eat?

• When the baby drinks an average of ten times a day.

• When the baby gains weight.

• When the baby has around two or three bowel movements.

• When the baby’s urine has a pale yellow color to it. it should not look dark or concentrated.

If you are worried that your baby is not getting enough to eat and he or she is not following along with the previously mentioned parameters, make sure to tell your pediatrician about it. There are women that do not produce enough milk to cover the needs of their baby, meaning that it would be necessary to add in some formula in the baby’s diet.