Feeding “on cue” Follow your new baby’s lead
Responding to your baby’s cues helps them feel safe and cared for, as well as satisfied and content. Babies know what they need. Listening to them helps prevent under- or overfeeding.
“I’m hungry!” Example of a baby bringing their hand to their mouth.
Watch your baby, not the clock!
Hunger cues Signs that your baby is ready to eat • Fluttering eyes / waking from sleep • Nuzzling into the breast • Rooting (opens mouth and turns head) • Bringing hand to mouth • Sucking on tongue or hand • Tight fists held at center of chest • Crying - If you wait until your baby cries to feed, they may be too upset to eat. If this is the case, calm your baby first by gently rocking them side to side, or try skin-to-skin contact.
Fullness cues Signs that your baby is full
• Eating slows down • Turns face away • Relaxed arms, falling
Pacifiers Pacifiers can hide cues that your newborn baby is ready to eat. Try not to use pacifiers until breastfeeding is going well for you and your baby.
away from body • Stops sucking • Falls asleep
Newborn tummies are very small In the beginning, there may be times when your baby eats a little bit nearly all the time. This is normal, especially on day 2 of life and during growth spurts. The continuous feeding helps bring in a good milk supply for you. Newborns need to eat at least 8 times in 24 hours.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 9
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