Breastfeeding a Newborn Baby: Tips for New Parents

It can be hard to predict when a newborn will feed. Here’s what and how your baby will feed, when, and how.

Breastfeeding a Newborn Baby: Tips for New Parents

Page contents

an introduction

Natural or artificial milk?

Breastfeed the baby when he needs to breastfeed

Vitamin D Supplements

Changes in the newborn’s eating patterns

instinct

Strengthening the relationship with the child through breastfeeding

When do you need help?

Feeding a newborn is a round-the-clock commitment. It’s also a chance to start bonding with the new member of your family, keep these newborn feeding tips in mind.

Natural or artificial milk?

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies, with rare exceptions. If breastfeeding isn’t possible, use baby formula. Healthy newborns don’t need to drink water, juices, or other fluids.

Breastfeed the baby when he needs to breastfeed

Most newborns need 8 to 12 feedings a day – about once every two to three hours.

Look for the first signs of hunger, such as tossing and turning, stretching of arms and legs, sucking movements, and lip movements. Hustle and crying are after signs. And the earlier you start each feeding, the less likely you are to need to soothe an excitable baby.

When your baby stops sucking, closes his mouth, or pulls away from the nipple or bottle, he’s either full – or he’s taking a break, try burping your baby or wait a minute before offering him the breast or bottle again.

As your baby gets older, get more milk in less time at each feeding.

Vitamin D Supplements

Ask your baby’s doctor about vitamin D supplements for your baby, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Breast milk may not provide enough vitamin D to help your baby absorb calcium and phosphorous, which are nutrients needed to build strong bones.

Changes in the newborn’s eating patterns

Newborns don’t necessarily drink the same amount every day, during growth spurts – often two or three weeks after birth, and again six weeks after birth – a newborn may have a lot of milk at each feeding or often want to eat more. Respond to the early signs of hunger, rather than checking the clock.

instinct

You may be concerned that your newborn isn’t eating enough, but babies usually know how much they need. Don’t focus on how much your newborn is eating or how often or how regularly they feed. Instead, look for:

Steady weight gain.

Reassurance between feeding meals.

By the fifth day after birth, the baby has used six diapers and has three or more bowel movements per day.

Call the doctor if your newborn isn’t gaining weight, wets fewer than six nappies a day, or shows less interest in feedings.

Strengthening the relationship with the child through breastfeeding

Hold your newborn close to you during each feeding. Look into his eyes. Talk to him in a calm voice. Use every feeding as an opportunity to build your newborn’s sense of security, confidence, and comfort.

When do you need help?

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, ask a lactation consultant or your baby’s doctor for help — especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn’t gaining weight. If you don’t use the services of a lactation consultant, explain to your baby’s doctor that you want a consultation — or an examination — by the obstetrics and gynecology department at a local hospital.

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