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Baby stomach makes noise when feeding


Liquid Sloshing Around Baby’s Tummy - What Is It?

Have you had the surprising experience of hearing the sound of liquid sloshing around baby’s tummy?

You are bouncing your baby on your knee or your toddler is jumping around … and you could swear you hear a pool of liquid sloshing about in there.

What is this, and should you worry? 

Read on to learn more about your baby’s normal digestive process, and what causes the sound of liquid sloshing around baby’s tummy.

Your baby’s digestive system

Eating and digesting food are new experiences for your newborn baby.

During pregnancy, nutrients and oxygen pass through the umbilical cord from your placenta to your baby directly.

After birth, your baby needs to eat and process breast milk or formula to meet nutritional needs.

While in the womb, your baby swallows and pees out amniotic fluid. It sounds gross but it helps to form the gastrointestinal tract and also gives your baby a taste of the food you ate.

Studies show what you eat during your pregnancy even influences your baby’s food preferences.

Swallowing amniotic fluid also creates what becomes your baby’s first poo – the sticky meconium a newborn passes over the first few days of life.

Colostrum – the thick, yellow substance that precedes breast milk in the first few days after birth, has a laxative effect. This helps move the meconium through the bowels and excrete excess bilirubin, to prevent jaundice.

Colostrum and breast milk also contribute to a healthy microbiome by colonising your baby’s gut with helpful bacteria. 

Within moments of birth, your baby breathes air into his lungs. He also swallows air into his stomach, and the air then moves down through the bowels and intestines.

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Why does my newborn’s stomach make noises?

The noises a newborn baby’s tummy makes can be a little alarming for new parents. Gurgles, grumbles and sloshing liquid sounds can seem loud, coming from such a little body.

Usually, what you hear is not actually coming from the stomach. They are just the normal sounds of your baby’s lower digestive system functioning – a sign everything is working properly in there.

Your doctor or midwife will listen to your baby’s tummy during the first newborn exam and at follow-up pediatrician visits.

They are listening for bowel sounds in all four areas of the abdomen. These sounds begin about 15 minutes after birth as air enters the gastrointestinal tract for the first time.

Is it normal to hear baby’s stomach gurgling while feeding?

When you’re feeding your baby, often in the dead of night, sounds are amplified. But even during the day, with a noisy toddler nearby or the radio on, you can still hear your baby’s stomach gurgling during feeding.

Gurgling sounds are simply the movement of food or liquid moving through the intestines. They are the normal sounds of your baby’s gastrointestinal system working.

In between feeds, you’re likely to hear gurgling or tinkling sounds every 15-20 seconds. 

I can hear liquid sloshing around baby’s tummy

If you notice the sound of liquid sloshing around baby’s tummy and feel really worried, you’re not alone. Many new parents hear this noise and worry there’s something wrong.

We’ve all experienced the ‘growling’ and ‘rumbling’ in our stomachs when we’re hungry. 

This rumbling sound happens when the stomach is empty, starts to contract, and moves air around. 

When you can hear liquid sloshing around baby’s tummy, think of a bottle of water that isn’t full to the top but has some air in it. You can hear that water sloshing around as it moves. It’s the same with baby’s tummy. 

Tummies are noisiest right before and right after eating. 

Other causes of tummy noises in babies 

All the variations of tummy noises already mentioned are completely normal. If your baby shows signs of distress or pain, however, there could be something else contributing to tummy noises.  

Most often this is due to swallowing excess air. We often refer to this as being ‘gassy’.

Reasons a baby might be gassy:

  • Overactive letdown from the breast
  • Bottle feeding with a fast flow nipple
  • Excess crying
  • In need of improved gut flora, after taking antibiotics
  • Allergy to something in formula or breast milk
  • Tongue-tie
  • Needs help to relieve gas or burp. 

Overactive letdown and gas

Some breastfeeding mums have a forceful flow of milk at the time of letdown; this happens at the beginning of a feed. 

It can cause babies to gulp and sputter as they try to keep up with the fast flow. Gulping can cause them to swallow more air, which leads to gas and tummy upset. 

Strategies to deal with overactive letdown include:

  • Getting a good latch
  • Using laid-back nursing positions
  • Nursing more often
  • Burping your baby after every feeding
  • ‘Catching’ the fast letdown milk.

Read more details in Overactive Letdown – 6 Tips To Manage It.

Bottle feeding and gas

Many bottles have a nipple opening that’s larger and allows breastmilk or formula to flow too quickly. This causes gulping and excess swallowing of air during feeds.

Be sure to use a bottle with a ‘slow-flow’ nipple. This allows the baby to work his mouth and jaw muscles appropriately, while decreasing the amount of air swallowed.

Paced bottle feeding allows your baby to bottle feed with less risk of getting too much air and also has other benefits.

Read more about paced bottle feeding and more in Bottle Nursing-6 Steps To Better Bottle Feeding.

Excess crying and gas

Your baby might be crying because of gas pain. He then swallows more air, which leads to more gas: what a vicious cycle!

Crying happens for many reasons. Responding promptly to soothe your baby reduces the length of crying episodes.  

If you think your baby is crying because of gas pain, read on for some ideas about how to bring your baby relief.

Antibiotics, decreased gut flora and gas

If your baby has been on antibiotics for any reason, or if you received antibiotics during labour, your baby might need to replenish helpful bacteria in the gut.

Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are the first ways of keeping your baby’s microbiome healthy.

There is some evidence that probiotics can be helpful for babies who have colic symptoms, especially if they are breastfeeding from someone who has a dairy-free diet.

Many formulas include probiotics.

Allergies and gas

Most breastfeeding parents can continue to eat a variety of foods without affecting their baby’s digestion. 

If your baby has other signs of food allergies, along with fussiness, with guidance from your healthcare provider you could try eliminating things from your diet to see if it helps. 

Signs of food intolerance include:

  • Eczema or rashes
  • Blood or mucous in stools
  • Congestion or a wheezing cough
  • Family history of food allergies.

Your baby might also be sensitive to an ingredient in the formula. 

Contact your healthcare provider to solve problems possibly related to allergies.

Tongue-tie and gas

Babies with an oral restriction, such as a tongue-tie, might swallow more air as they work to move milk from a breast or bottle. 

Read Tongue Tie-9 Facts You Need To Know for more information. 

Always consult with a certified lactation consultant for a thorough assessment.

How do I know if my baby has gas?

Many parents hear about crying babies having gas and wonder whether there are other signs to look for.

Babies sometimes go through stages of crying for no apparent reason, so other signs of gas to watch for include:

  • Arched back
  • Straining to pass gas or have a bowel movement
  • Lifting the legs
  • Swollen stomach
  • High pitched “eh, eh” vocalisations
  • Squirming and fidgeting
  • Spitting up after each feeding
  • Fussiness when they aren’t hungry or tired.

How can I relieve my baby’s gas?

Here are some things you can try to help your baby feel better:

  • Hold him in positions that put gentle pressure on the belly, such as over your shoulder or in a ‘football hold’
  • Pat him firmly on the back
  • Burp him more often, between switching sides and after every feeding
  • Lay him on his back and ‘bicycle’ the legs up toward the tummy
  • Wear your baby while you move around
  • Try infant massage on the tummy
  • Give it time and patience!

What about reflux and tummy noises?

Most babies experience some episodes of reflux, when the stomach contents come up into the esophagus. This is usually normal and doesn’t require medications or strategies other than the ones mentioned above.

As midwife and IBCLC Emilia Smith says:

“Often what parents think is reflux, is actually just a normal baby reaction to position at the breast, or a forceful letdown. When this is the case there are a variety of things to try to improve the feeding experience”.

Consult a certified lactation consultant or your pediatrician if your baby doesn’t get relief from these things or if tummy noises seem abnormal to you.

Why Does Baby Stomach Gurgle When She Eats

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Do you hear noises around your baby’s tummy and are worried that this could be a call for concern?

As a parent, such experiences can be scary and have you thinking,

“Why does baby stomach gurgle when she eats?” You may even have thought of planning a trip to the pediatrician.

But what really causes stomach noises in children, and is it a call for concern?

While there are many reasons and myths for this, it is crucial for you as a parent to know what triggers stomach gurgles in children and what you can do.

If this is you, you need to read this article; otherwise, you won’t know how to help your helpless baby.

Why Does Baby Stomach Gurgle When She Eats

Stomach noises usually occur when you put food or liquid on an empty stomach.

Digestive sounds in babies are normal and can occur because of different factors. Some of the common reasons your baby’s stomach may gurgle while they are feeding include:

1. Gas or Air Movement

Movement of gas or air in your child’s digestive system may be one of the reasons their tummy may be rumbling.

Generally, gas can increase in baby’s tummies in various instances, like when they feed using a bottle that doesn’t have adequate air vents.

Also, babies can take in extra air when they cry for extended periods.

2. Dietary Sensitivity

The other reason could be that the mother could have eaten foods with a lot of gas, including dairy and wheat products.

Consequently, the baby takes in the air during breastfeeding, leading to gurgling.

This is also true when the baby eats formula or other food with acid.

Other times, acid reflux can cause stomach acids to return to the esophagus, and this can cause stomach noisiness and fussiness in babies.

3. Baby is Hungry

As adults, the most common reason babies’ stomach gurgles is hunger.

When the stomach is empty, it contracts, and this causes air movement, leading to strange noises.

4. Wrong Positioning

When you place your child in the wrong position while feeding, it can lead to rumbling and gurgling. This is true when gas is unable to escape. 

See a related post: How To Make Sugar Water For Babies

Is It Normal for Baby’s Stomach to Gurgle During Eating?

When your baby feeds, the digestion process begins, causing them to want to poop after a while.

Usually, your stomach is likely to make rumbling noises when you pass a bowel movement. 

Ideally, it is believed that humans pass gas up to 20 times a day, and noises are part of this process.

As a child’s digestive system matures, many activities occur, and all this can contribute to the strange gurgling noises. 

Therefore, you can rest assured that gurgling noises in an infant’s stomach are a normal part of the digestive process while feeding.

Generally, these sounds can occur every 30 seconds to 1 minute if the baby’s digestive system is normal.

Why Does Baby Stomach Make Noises While Sleeping?

Besides feeding, you may also hear rumbling noises on your baby’s stomach when sleeping.

While this may not be very common, like feeding, it is completely normal and should be no reason to be alarmed.

Usually, this occurs because the digestive system is regularly working to ensure proper functioning. 

During this process, gas and milk tend to move through the digestive tract, causing their stomach to gurgle while sleeping.

If anything, the absence of noise on your baby’s stomach can be a cause for concern, especially if it becomes sudden.

You may also want to call a pediatrician if the rumbling sound suddenly becomes a squealing or whining sound.

What to do to Stop Baby’s Stomach Noisiness

Whatever the cause, stomach noisiness in babies can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ease this discomfort.

1. Prop Your Baby 30 Degrees

To help your baby feel better from the discomfort, hold him upright or about 30 degrees both during feeding and after feeding.

Doing this helps to prevent gas from traveling back to his esophagus.

2. Burp More Often

Burping your child more often can offer much-needed relief from gas trapped in your child’s belly.

3. Bicycle Legs

Gently help your child move their legs back and forth to appear they are riding a bicycle. This helps to relieve trapped gas from his belly.

4. Warm Baths and Massage

Massaging your baby and placing them in a warm water bath can also help ease the discomfort.

A warm bath and massage soothes the baby’s stomach and helps them relax, making it easy for gas to travel properly in the digestive tract.

Other ways to relieve baby’s gas include:

  • Pace your baby in an upright position after feeding
  • Use a warm compress
  • Give baby gripe water or colic drops
  • Give your baby over-the-counter gas drops based on doctor’s instructions

Summary

We hope that this article has been helpful if you have been wondering, “Why Does Baby Stomach Gurgle When She Eats.”

It is normal for a parent or caregiver to get concerned and worried when these sounds become consistent.

However, as aforementioned, gurgles in your baby’s stomach may be a normal part of digestion and may not warrant a trip to the doctors.

Learning how to relieve discomfort in babies to improve the feeding experience is imperative for all parents.

However, if your baby does not get relief from the home remedies, consider consulting your pediatrician as soon as possible.

A medical professional will help determine whether your baby is sensitive to her diet or the main cause of the gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the baby has gas?

As a parent, knowing the signs and symptoms of infant gas can help you find the right remedy to ease the discomfort.

Some of the common infant gas symptoms to look out for include:

  • Swollen stomach
  • Spitting up
  • Excessive fussiness even if they are not hungry
  • Excessive hiccups, burping, spit-ups, and belches
  • Flatulence
  • High pitched voice
  • Arched back
  • Constant lifting legs

What kind of foods gives babies gas during breastfeeding?

Unknown to some mothers, breastfeeding can affect the baby’s digestion, especially if the mother eats certain types of food.

Whatever you eat is passed into your bloodstream and passed to your breast milk. 

If the foods are acidic, the gas can be passed to your breastfeeding baby. Besides, some ingredients in a baby’s formula can also trigger this reaction.

Foods that can trigger stomach rumbles in babies include:

  • Acidic foods
  • Wheat and dairy products
  • Caffeine
  • Beans
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Spicy Foods
  • Citrus fruits
  • Oatmeal

Signs of food sensitivity or intolerance in children include:

  • Mucous or blood in stool
  • Rashes or eczema
  • Congestion
  • Wheezing cough

Why does my child continually split up?

In most cases, occasional splitting is very normal in children.

However, it can become an issue if the split-ups are continuous during feeding, which may be a sign of acid reflux.

This usually happens when food in the stomach travels back to the esophagus, causing aspiration or vomiting.

This process can be quite uncomfortable and irritable for children and may need immediate attention from your pediatrician.

They will offer you the best remedy for reducing the acid reflux in your child.

Is stomach gurgling dangerous for children?

While it may be upsetting to hear stomach noises in your baby, these sounds are mostly normal and indicate digestion.

Nevertheless, this may not be the case when you hear loud, high-pitched sounds, as this could indicate an underlying gastrointestinal disorder or blockage in the digestion system.

In this case, you need to consult a doctor.

 

Iesha Mulla

Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.

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Intestinal colic in newborns and children of the first year of life

Often parents do not know how to help their baby with sudden bouts of colic that periodically occur during or after feeding. How to alleviate the condition of the crumbs tells the EMC pediatrician, candidate of medical sciences, Maria Shilko.

What is colic in infants?

Colic is an intestinal spasm, usually caused by a violation of its motor function and increased gas formation. To characterize this condition in babies, pediatricians use the "rule of three": colic lasts a total of about 3 hours a day, occurs at the 3rd week of life and lasts about 3 months. Parents should understand that colic in infants is not a disease, this condition is temporary, passing by the age of four months. nine0003

The exact cause of infantile colic has not yet been established. Experts associate the phenomena of digestive discomfort in newborns with immaturity and reduced activity of enzymes that help digest and assimilate food.

How do you know if your baby has colic?

The baby cries and screams a lot, moves his legs restlessly, pulls them up to his stomach, during an attack the baby's face turns red, the stomach may be swollen due to increased gas formation. Crying occurs most often in the evening, but can be observed at any time of the day. Between seizures, the child is calm. nine0003

How to help the baby?

If the mother is breastfeeding:

  • Limit milk and dairy products in your diet. It is enough not to use them for 8-10 days for the mother to notice an improvement in the child's condition.

  • Try to avoid foods that cause flatulence and increase fermentation in the intestines: beans, peas, cabbage, radish, grapes.

    nine0024

  • Do not abuse drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, coca-cola).

  • Make sure you are putting your baby on the breast correctly. Make sure that the baby captures the entire areola of the nipple and does not swallow air.

  • Let the baby empty one breast completely. If a mother changes breasts too often during feeding, then the baby receives a lot of "forward" milk, which is low in fat and rich in milk sugar - lactose. Relatively low-fat milk quickly leaves the baby's stomach and a large amount of lactose, entering the intestines, causes increased gas formation, bloating and abdominal pain. nine0003

If the child is bottle-fed:

  • Consult your pediatrician. He can choose a mixture that is easier to digest and does not cause discomfort after feeding.

  • Use special bottles and anti-colic nipples that allow you to adjust the flow rate of milk formula, the baby will not "choke" and swallow air. nine0003

  • Try to feed your baby in a calm environment.

  • When diluting milk mixtures, observe the dosage exactly.

Be sure to hold your baby in an upright position after feeding to let the "excess air" out.

If the baby starts to scream, take him in your arms, press him to you with your tummy, stroke his back. From the changed position and increasing intra-abdominal pressure, the baby will release gases, and the pain will be released. nine0003

To relieve colic, massage the abdomen clockwise with light pressure, heat (just ironed diaper on the stomach), gas tube.

A walk in a stroller in the fresh air, quiet pleasant music will have a calming effect.

Prevention of colic in the newborn

For the prevention of colic, special children's teas are traditionally used, containing medicinal herbs (fennel, chamomile), plant-based preparation Plantex, which have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, improve digestion, and prevent gas accumulation. nine0003

It is important for parents to remember that functional intestinal colic is not a disease and occurs in 20% of healthy children. However, it is possible to talk about intestinal colic only if in all other respects the baby is healthy, develops correctly and gains weight well.

Consult your pediatrician. The doctor will examine the child, determine the exact cause of the baby's anxiety and give the necessary recommendations.

Breastfeeding in the first month: what to expect

Not sure how to establish lactation and increase milk production? If you need help, support, or just want to know what to expect, read our first month breastfeeding advice

Share this information

The first weeks of breastfeeding are a very stressful period. If at times you feel like you can't handle it, know that you are not alone. Feeding your baby all day long is completely natural and helps produce breast milk, but can be quite tiring at times. Be patient, think about yourself and remember: after the first month, when milk production stabilizes, it will become easier. nine0003

How often should a baby be breastfed?

Babies are born with a small stomach that grows rapidly with increasing milk production: in the first week it is no larger than an apricot, and after two weeks it is already the size of a large chicken egg. 1.2 Let the child eat as much as he wants and when he wants. This will help him quickly regain the weight lost after birth and grow and develop further.

“Be prepared to feed every two to three hours throughout the day. At night, the intervals between feedings can be longer: three to four or even five hours, says Cathy Garbin, a recognized international expert on breastfeeding. Some eat quickly and are satiated in 15 minutes, while others take an entire hour to feed. Do not compare your breastfeeding regimen with that of other mothers - it is very likely that there will be nothing in common between them. nine0003

At each feed, give your baby a full meal from one breast and then offer a second one, but don't worry if the baby doesn't take it. When the baby is full, he lets go of his chest and at the same time looks relaxed and satisfied - so much so that he can immediately fall asleep. The next time you feed, start on the other breast. You can monitor the order of the mammary glands during feeding using a special application.

Why does the child always ask for a breast?

The first month is usually the hardest time to breastfeed. But do not think that because the baby is constantly hungry and asks for a breast almost every 45 minutes, then you do not have enough milk. nine0003

In the first month, the baby needs to eat frequently to start and stimulate the mother's milk production. It lays the foundation for a stable milk supply in the future. 3

In addition, we must not forget that the child needs almost constant contact with the mother. The bright light and noise of the surrounding world at first frighten the baby, and only by clinging to his mother, he can calm down.

Sarah, mother of three from the UK, confirms: “Crying is not always a sign of hunger. Sometimes my kids just wanted me to be around and begged for breasts to calm them down. Use a sling. Place the cradle next to the bed. Don't look at the clock. Take advantage of every opportunity to relax. Forget about cleaning. Let those around you take care of you. And not three days, but six weeks at least! Hug your baby, enjoy the comfort - and trust your body." nine0003

Do I need to feed my baby on a schedule?

Your baby is still too young for a strict daily routine, so
forget about breastfeeding schedules and focus on his needs.

“Volumes have been written about how to feed a baby on a schedule, but babies don't read or understand books,” Cathy says. - All children are different. Some people can eat on a schedule, but most can't. Most often, over time, the child develops his own schedule.

Some mothers report that their babies are fine with scheduled feedings, but they are probably just the few babies who would eat every four hours anyway. Adults rarely eat and drink the same foods at the same time of day - so why do we expect this from toddlers?

Offer your baby the breast at the first sign of hunger. Crying is already the last stage, so be attentive to early signs: the baby licks his lips, opens his mouth, sucks his fist, turns his head with his mouth open - looking for the breast. nine0093 4

What is a “milk flush”?

At the beginning of each feed, a hungry baby actively suckles the nipple,
thereby stimulating the milk flow reflex - the movement of milk through the milk ducts. 5

“Nipple stimulation triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin,” explains Cathy. “Oxytocin is distributed throughout the body and causes the muscles around the milk-producing glands to contract and the milk ducts to dilate. This stimulates the flow of milk. nine0003

If the flushing reflex fails, milk will not come out. This is a hormonal response, and under stress it may not work at all or work poorly. Therefore, it is so important that you feel comfortable and calm when feeding.

“Studies show that each mother has a different rhythm of hot flashes during one feed,” Kathy continues, “Oxytocin is a short-acting hormone, it breaks down in just 30-40 seconds after formation. Milk begins to flow, the baby eats, the effect of oxytocin ends, but then a new rush of milk occurs, the baby continues to suckle the breast, and this process is repeated cyclically. That is why, during feeding, the child periodically stops and rests - this is how nature intended. nine0003

The flow of milk may be accompanied by a strong sensation of movement or tingling in the chest, although 21% of mothers, according to surveys, do not feel anything at all. 5 Cathy explains: “Many women only feel the first rush of milk. If you do not feel hot flashes, do not worry: since the child eats normally, most likely, you simply do not understand that they are.

How do you know if a baby is getting enough milk?

Since it is impossible to track how much milk a baby eats while breastfeeding, mothers sometimes worry that the baby is malnourished. Trust your child and your body. nine0003

After a rush of milk, the baby usually begins to suckle more slowly. Some mothers clearly hear how the baby swallows, others do not notice it. But one way or another, the child himself will show when he is full - just watch carefully. Many babies make two or three approaches to the breast at one feeding. 6

“When a child has had enough, it is noticeable almost immediately: a kind of “milk intoxication” sets in. The baby is relaxed and makes it clear with his whole body that he is completely full, says Katie, “Diapers are another great way to assess whether the baby is getting enough milk. During this period, a breastfed baby should have at least five wet diapers a day and at least two portions of soft yellow stool, and often more. ” nine0003

From one month until weaning at six months of age, a baby's stool (if exclusively breastfed) should look the same every day: yellow, grainy, loose, and watery.

When is the child's birth weight restored?

Most newborns lose weight in the first few days of life. This is normal and should not be cause for concern. As a rule, weight is reduced by 5-7%, although some may lose up to 10%. One way or another, by 10–14 days, almost all newborns regain their birth weight. In the first three to four months, the minimum expected weight gain is an average of 150 grams per week. But one week the child may gain weight faster, and the next slower, so it is necessary that the attending physician monitor the health and growth of the baby constantly. nine0093 7.8

At the slightest doubt or signs of dehydration, such as
dark urine, no stool for more than 24 hours, retraction of the fontanel (soft spot on the head), yellowing of the skin, drowsiness, lethargy, lack of appetite (ability to four to six hours without feeding), you should immediately consult a doctor. 7

What is "cluster feeding"?

When a baby asks for a breast very often for several hours, this is called cluster feeding. nine0093 6 The peak often occurs in the evening between 18:00 and 22:00, exactly when many babies are especially restless and need close contact with their mother. Most often, mothers complain about this in the period from two to nine weeks after childbirth. This is perfectly normal and common behavior as long as the baby is otherwise healthy, eating well, gaining weight normally, and appears content throughout the day. 9

Cluster feeding can be caused by a sharp jump in the development of the body - during this period the baby especially needs love, comfort and a sense of security. The growing brain of a child is so excited that it can be difficult for him to turn off, or it just scares the baby. nine0093 9 If a child is overworked, it is often difficult for him or her to calm down on his own, and adult help is needed. And breastfeeding is the best way to calm the baby, because breast milk is not only food, but also pain reliever and a source of happiness hormones. 10

“Nobody told me about cluster feeding, so for the first 10 days I just went crazy with worry - I was sure that my milk was not enough for the baby,” recalls Camilla, a mother from Australia, “It was a very difficult period . I was advised to pump and supplement until I finally contacted the Australian Breastfeeding Association. There they explained to me what was happening: it turned out that it was not about milk at all. nine0003

Remember, this is temporary. Try to prepare dinner for yourself in the afternoon, when the baby is fast asleep, so that in the evening, when he begins to often breastfeed, you have the opportunity to quickly warm up the food and have a snack. If you are not alone, arrange to carry and rock the baby in turns so that you have the opportunity to rest. If you have no one to turn to for help and you feel that your strength is leaving you, put the baby in the crib and rest for a few minutes, and then pick it up again. nine0003

Ask your partner, family and friends to help you with household chores, cooking and caring for older children if you have any. If possible, hire an au pair. Get as much rest as possible, eat well and drink plenty of water.

“My daughter slept a lot during the day, but from 23:00 to 5:00 the cluster feeding period began, which was very tiring,” recalls Jenal, a mother from the USA, “My husband tried his best to make life easier for me - washed, cleaned, cooked, changed diapers, let me sleep at every opportunity and never tired of assuring me that we were doing well. nine0003

If you are concerned about the frequency of breastfeeding, it is worth contacting a specialist. “Check with a lactation consultant or doctor to see if this is indicative of any problems,” recommends Cathy. “Resist the temptation to supplement your baby with formula (unless recommended by your doctor) until you find the cause. It may not be a matter of limited milk production at all - it may be that the child is inefficiently sucking it.

When will breastfeeding become easier?

This early stage is very special and does not last long. Although sometimes it seems that there will be no end to it, rest assured: it will get easier soon! By the end of the first month, breast milk production will stabilize, and the baby will become stronger and learn to suckle better. 2.3 Any problems with latch on by this time will most likely be resolved and the body will be able to produce milk more efficiently so inflammation and leakage of milk will start to subside. nine0003

“The first four to six weeks are the hardest, but then things start to get better,” Cathy assures. It just needs to be experienced!”

The longer breastfeeding continues, the more benefits it brings, from saving on formula and improving sleep quality 11-13 to boosting your baby's immune system 14 and reducing your risk of certain cancers. nine0093 15

“When you feel like you're pushing yourself, try to go from feed to feed and day to day,” advises Hannah, a UK mom. “I was sure I wouldn’t make it to eight weeks. And now I have been breastfeeding for almost 17 weeks, and I dare say it is very easy.”

Read the resource Breastfeeding After the First Month: What to Expect

Readings

1 Naveed M et al. An autopsy study of relationship between perinatal stomach capacity and birth weight. Indian J Gastroenterol .1992;11(4):156-158. - Navid M. et al., "Relationship between prenatal gastric volume and birth weight. Autopsy." Indian J Gastroenterol. 1992;11(4):156-158.

2 Neville MC et al. Studies in human lactation: milk volumes in lactating women during the onset of lactation and full lactation. Am J Clinl Nutr . 1988;48(6):1375-1386. - Neville M.S. et al., "Female Lactation Study: Milk Quantity in Lactating Women at the Beginning and Peak of Lactation. " Am F Clean Nutr. 1988;48(6):1375-1386.

3 Kent JC et al. Principles for maintaining or increasing breast milk production. J Obstet , Gynecol , & Neonatal Nurs . 2012;41(1):114-121. - Kent J.S. et al., "Principles for Maintaining and Increasing Milk Production". J Obstet Ginecol Neoneutal Nurs. 2012;41(1):114-121.

4 Australian Breastfeeding Feeding cues ; 2017 Sep [ cited 2018 Feb ]. - Australian Breastfeeding Association [Internet], Feed Ready Signals; September 2017 [cited February 2018]

5 Kent JC et al. Response of breasts to different stimulation patterns of an electric breast pump. J Human Lact . 2003;19(2):179-186. - Kent J.S. et al., Breast Response to Different Types of Electric Breast Pump Stimulation. J Human Lact (Journal of the International Association of Lactation Consultants). 2003;19(2):179-186.

6) Kent J.C. Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day. Pediatrics. 2006;117(3): e 387-395. - Kent J.S. et al., "Amount and frequency of breastfeeding and fat content of breast milk during the day." Pediatrix (Pediatrics). 2006;117(3):e387-95.

7 Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession. 7th ed. Maryland Heights MO, USA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010. 1128 p . - Lawrence R.A., Lawrence R.M., "Breastfeeding: A guide for healthcare professionals." Seventh edition. Publisher Maryland Heights , Missouri, USA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010. P. 1128.

8 World Health Organization. [Internet]. Child growth standards; 2018 [cited 2018 Feb] - World Health Organization. [Internet]. Child Growth Standards 2018 [cited February 2018].

9 Australian Breastfeeding Association . [ Internet ]. Cluster feeding and fussing babies ; Dec 2017 [ cited 2018 Feb ] - Australian Breastfeeding Association [Internet], "Cluster feeding and screaming babies"; December 2017 [cited February 2018].

10 Moberg KU, Prime DK. Oxytocin effects in mothers and infants during breastfeeding. Infant . 2013;9(6):201-206.- Moberg K, Prime DK, "Oxytocin effects on mother and child during breastfeeding". Infant. 2013;9(6):201-206.

11 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services [Internet]. Surgeon General Breastfeeding factsheet; 2011 Jan 20 [cited 2017 Feb] - Department of Health and Human Services [Internet], "Breastfeeding Facts from the Chief Medical Officer", Jan 20, 2011 [cited Feb 2017]

12 Kendall-Tackett K et al. The effect of feeding method on sleep duration, maternal well-being, and postpartum depression. clinical lactation. 2011;1;2(2):22-26. - Kendall-Tuckett, K. et al., "Influence of feeding pattern on sleep duration, maternal well-being and the development of postpartum depression." Clinical Lactation. 2011;2(2):22-26.

13 Brown A, Harries V. Infant sleep and night feeding patterns during later infancy: Association with breastfeeding frequency, daytime complementary food intake, and infant weight. Breast Med . 2015;10(5):246-252. - Brown A., Harris W., "Night feedings and infant sleep in the first year of life and their association with feeding frequency, daytime supplementation, and infant weight.

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