It is important to be aware and respond to your baby’s feeding cues.
Babies should feed whenever they show signs of hunger at least 8-12 times
per 24 hours. Don’t watch the clock. Your baby will let you know
when they are hungry. Nursing your baby every time he/she shows signs
of hunger will help to establish your milk supply for your baby. You should
not try to put your baby on a schedule as ignoring feeding cues can lead
to a lower milk supply and an unhappy baby.
Crying is usually the last indication that your baby is hungry. Keeping
your baby close allows you to notice their cues before they get to the
point of crying.
Feeding clues include:
Moving her eyes rapidly
Becoming restless
Putting his/her fingers in her mouth
Opening his/her mouth as though he/she were about to breastfeed, known
as “rooting”
When feeding your baby, allow him/her to nurse on the first breast until
he/she releases or falls asleep. This allows your baby to get the foremilk,
the watery portion that quenches his/her thirst, then the hind milk, the
fattier milk that keeps him/her full longer. Burp your baby, and then
offer the other breast to complete the feeding. He/she may not empty the
second breast, so begin with this breast at the next feeding.
