Over feed baby

How To Tell If You're Overfeeding Baby

We spend so much time fussing over whether baby is getting enough formula or breast milk—and for new parents it can be hard to tell what’s actually enough. Many parents may try to coax baby to finish their bottle or worry that baby isn’t eating enough, when really, baby has just had their fill. So can that well-intentioned fussing possibly lead to overfeeding baby?

Keep in mind that signs of a healthy baby may differ across cultures. “Different cultures have different feelings about how much a baby should eat, how often they should eat and what they should look like,” says Alanna Levine, MD, a pediatrician at Orangetown Pediatric Associates in Orangeburg, New York. Some parents consider a roly-poly baby a sign of a job well done, while other parents see a round baby and visualize an obese teen.

While cultural perceptions of a healthy baby may vary, when it comes to feeding, there are few things to keep in mind. Read on to learn how overfeeding baby can happen, signs to look for and what to do going forward.

In this article:
Can you overfeed a baby?
What leads to overfeeding?
Signs of overfeeding baby
How to avoid overfeeding baby

Can You Overfeed a Baby?

You can probably breathe a sigh of relief: Overfeeding baby is almost impossible, and most of the anxiety over babies’ food intake and appearance is pointless. “If baby is gaining weight and growing and your pediatrician isn’t concerned, you don’t need to worry,” Levine says. Different babies grow at different rates and eat different amounts at different times.

Babies come with an incredibly sophisticated self-regulation system: When they’re hungry, they eat, and when they’re full, they stop. (Sadly, we’ve lost this mechanism by the time we become parents.) So when babies turn away from the bottle or breast and refuse to even consider another nip, they’re telling you they’re full. When baby keeps coming back for more, that’s a sign they’re truly hungry (even if they just finished a full six ounces!).

Overfeeding breastfed babies vs. formula-fed babies

Pediatricians Dina DiMaggio, MD, and Anthony F. Porto, MD, MPH, authors of The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, echo the importance of listening to your child’s cue, regardless of whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed. “We are often asked, ‘how come my child didn’t finish their bottle of formula?’ but are rarely asked that when children are breastfed.” (Probably because it’s a lot easier to see—and worry about—how much milk went into a bottle.)

On average, a full-term newborn drinks 2 ounces of formula per bottle every three to four hours, or breastfeeds on demand (about eight to 12 times a day), according to DiMaggio and Porto. At one month old, baby will likely drink 3 to 4 ounces of formula per bottle every three to four hours, while a breastfeeding baby may feed approximately seven or eight times a day. This pattern of baby drinking more ounces of formula or breastfeeding fewer times a day lasts until they are eight to 12 months old, at which point baby may drink seven to eight ounces of formula per bottle or breastfeed three to four times a day.

While these figures will vary with each child, it’s important to remember it’s perfectly normal for baby not to finish their bottle, as long as they’re hydrated and eating enough throughout the day. “Infants have a better understanding of when they’re full and, unlike most adults, don’t just eat whatever serving size is put in front of them,” DiMaggio and Porto say.

What Leads to Overfeeding?

Overfeeding baby is very rare, but it can happen. It’s more common in bottle-fed babies, simply because it’s easier for parents to see how much food their child is consuming. It also takes less effort to drink from a bottle, so babies (who love to suck) may inadvertently get too much milk while feeding.

If you’re concerned about possibly overfeeding baby, talk to your pediatrician. The doctor will look at baby’s length, weight and development, but as long as baby is thriving, they’re probably eating just fine.

Signs of Overfeeding Baby

The good news is, since you’ll likely be visiting a pediatrician often in first few months, you can track baby’s weight gain and feeding patterns. But don’t rely on weight as an indicator of whether you’re overfeeding baby. Instead, spitting up could be a sign you’ve pushed baby to take in extra food—for example, if baby spits up after draining a bottle you kept offering after they turned away. But more often than not, spitting up is a typical infant reaction or reflux.

If you’re worried baby is eating too much for their age or has symptoms of vomiting, your pediatrician might recommend limiting how many ounces baby is drinking or how many times they feed, DiMaggio and Porto say. In most cases, however, as long as baby is healthy and doing well, feeding changes aren’t necessary.

How to Avoid Overfeeding Baby

If you learn you’ve been overfeeding baby, make a point of respecting your child’s feeding cues going forward. “If baby turns away before the bottle is finished or before your usual nursing time is up, accept the fact that they may not be hungry now,” Levine says. Don’t focus on the numbers: It doesn’t matter how many ounces baby finishes at each feeding. What matters is that baby is healthy and happy overall.

Updated February 2020

Expert bios:

Alanna Levine, MD, is a pediatrician at Orangetown Pediatric Associates in Orangeburg, New York, and works on staff at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in New Jersey. In addition, she serves as a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dina DiMaggio, MD, and Anthony F. Porto, MD, MPH, are co-authors of The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers: Practical Answers to Your Questions on Nutrition, Starting Solids, Allergies, Picky Eating and More, as well as spokespeople for the American Academy of Pediatrics. DiMaggio is a clinical assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at NYU Langone in New York City, and Porto is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Yale New Haven Health and medical director of the Yale Pediatric Celiac Program in New Haven, Connecticut.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances. Plus, more from The Bump:

Your Ultimate Guide to How to Bottle-Feed a Baby

Breastfeeding 101: How to Breastfeed Baby

What You Need to Know About Baby Growth Spurts

Can you overfeed a baby?

Parents often worry whether their newborn is getting enough milk, but can you actually overfeed them? Here's what you need to know.

By the time my daughter was a few weeks old, anyone who picked her up knew to first grab a blanket and take cover. She spit up constantly, which I hadn’t experienced with my two older kids. I worried that she was taking in too much when she fed, and then I worried that she was tossing most of it back up. Her paediatrician reassured me that her healthy weight gain and happy demeanour were signs she was getting enough to eat and she’d likely outgrow it. Luckily, she did by the time she started solids.

Feeding a newborn, whether by body or bottle, can bring up a lot of questions about timing and quantity, especially when you factor in issues like fussiness or spit up. New parents worry about everything from overfeeding their babies to their little ones going hungry. Here are some common questions about feeding and how to know your baby is getting what they need.

How often should my newborn be fed?

On average, a full-term, healthy newborn baby needs to follow a cue-based chest- or breastfeeding schedule of a minimum of 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period, or take 2 to 3 ounces of pumped milk or formula every 3 to 4 hours. As your baby gets older, the number of times you nurse in a day will decrease because they’re getting more milk at each feed, while the amount of milk per bottle will increase. It’s important to remember that this can vary depending on each baby’s individual needs. And don’t force them to finish every feed—sometimes your baby won’t, which is fine, as long as they are hydrated and otherwise feeding well.

First-time mom, Trisha Muldoon, from Hamilton, Ont., says she benefited from her son Bertie’s* short stay in the NICU, because she learned how to decipher his hunger and fullness cues. While staying in one of the parent care rooms, she juggled breastfeeding, pumping and bottle-feeding, and received good guidance from the staff when it came to knowing how much to feed.

“The nurses showed me how to slow down his guzzling at the bottle to make sure he wasn’t getting too much [and to learn how to recognize signs that he’d had enough],” says Muldoon. While she initially needed some extra reassurance when breastfeeding, because she couldn’t see the volume he was getting (a common worry for nursing parents), she quickly learned that it was more important to recognize the signs that he was full.

So how do you know when your baby is full? What are the signs?

Quite simply, your baby will tell you. “Watch your baby’s responses before, during and after being fed,” advises Andrea Firmani, an infant feeding coordinator at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. A baby can push the bottle away or turn their head away from the chest or breast. They may fuss, begin to squirm, arch their back or decrease the frequency of sucking and swallowing with longer pauses between each. A satisfied baby will show signs of relaxation in their hands (opening from a closed fist), closed eyes, lengthening of their arms and legs and an overall calmness.

Muldoon knows it is time to end a feed if Bertie starts to push his arms into her chest or squirm. But she also knows he’s full and content when his eyes roll back and his tongue begins to flutter at her breast, which is a sign that the baby has fallen asleep.

Can you overfeed a baby?

Babies are actually very good at self-regulating their intake, meaning they eat when they’re hungry and stop when they are full. But there are some differences between nursing and bottle-fed babies, explains Firmani. A baby who is fed at the chest/breast knows when to pull away or stop sucking, whereas a bottle makes it more difficult for your baby to control the rate of flow and amount of milk they consume. There might also be a tendency for parents or caregivers to coax a baby into finishing the bottle, rather than following the baby’s fullness cues.

What are signs that a baby is overfed?

Gassiness, burping, gagging or choking, fussiness, irritability or vomiting (a forceful flow that shoots out inches rather than dribbling out of the mouth like spit up) right after finishing a bottle could be indications that your baby is being overfed. “We don’t worry about chest- or breastfed babies,” says Firmani, since they’re better than bottle-fed babies at regulating their own feeds.

It’s quite common for both bottle-fed and nursing babies to spit up in the first few months, which is generally not a cause for concern. Oftentimes, spit up or reflux happens because of a still-developing digestive system that causes the baby’s stomach contents to come back up into their esophagus. Typically, once the muscles mature, it remedies itself. If you are worried about your baby’s weight gain or diaper output, or if they seem uncomfortable after their feeds, it’s a good idea to check in with your baby’s care provider.

If baby spits up, should I feed again?

When your baby spits up it can seem like they’ve lost the whole feed, and parents often wonder whether it needs to be replaced right away. But if your baby appears content and settled, Firmani says there’s no need to worry. “Take some time to clean up and take a break from the feed. Your baby may show signs of hunger and want some extra milk or be happy to wait until their next feed” she explains. No matter how you feed them, it’s best to follow your baby’s cues regarding hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth). And remember, spit up always leaves a wet spot much bigger than the actual amount that came up.

What is paced bottle feeding?

Paced bottle feeding is a method of feeding that mimics chest- or breastfeeding. As the name suggests, it involves regulating the flow from the bottle to pace the feed and give your baby better control. This helps them learn to recognize feelings of fullness. “If parents are bottle-feeding either formula or breastmilk, it’s important to use this approach,” says Firmani. By moving away from the traditional cradle hold previously associated with bottle-feeding to a more upright position, your baby has a better ability to regulate how much and how quickly they’re drinking.

“Sitting up in a chair with the baby up against your body allows them to control their sucking and gives parents a good vantage point for noticing when the sucking and swallowing is beginning to slow,” explains Firmani. Muldoon watched the nurses in the NICU using the technique. “I learned to take breaks by pulling the nipple out of Bertie’s mouth or burping him throughout his bottle feeds.”

Signs baby isn’t getting enough

The good news is you’ll be taking your baby to the doctor often in the first few weeks and months, and they’ll be following them closely to make sure their growth is on track. In the meantime, keep an eye on whether there is an adequate number of wet and poopy diapers. For the first four days of their lives, babies that are fed breast milk typically have one poo diaper for each day of life (one on the first day, two on the second day and so on). After day four, you can expect approximately 3 to 4 stools daily (formula-fed babies can have less). When it comes to wet diapers, babies typically have one wet diaper for each day of life for the first four days and then 5 to 6 (or more) wet diapers every 24 hours.

It is normal for newborns to wake up frequently to feed and connect with parents in those early weeks, so again being mindful of those hunger cues is important. If your baby isn’t getting at least eight active feeds with lots of sucks and swallows in a 24-hour period or doesn’t have an adequate number of wet or poopy diapers, get in touch with your care provider. Dehydration is rare, but can occur. If your baby hasn’t had a wet diaper in more than 6 hours or seems excessively sleepy (more than usual) or irritable, or has a dry mouth or eyes, get in touch with your healthcare provider. Remember, disposable diapers are really effective, so parents can use a couple of tablespoons of water to help determine what a sufficiently wet diaper should weigh.

* Names have been changed

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Beware of overfeeding! - The First Izmailovo Clinic of Dr. Bandurina

Over time, the tasks facing parents change. If earlier their main goal was to find a way to feed the child, today the main thing is the absence of overfeeding and ensuring proper nutrition. This task is difficult, so experts recommend following 7 simple rules.

What's the problem?

A long time ago there was a stereotype that a healthy baby should look like a cupid, i.e. be plump and have rosy cheeks. This was facilitated by the ancient ideals of beauty, which were formed as a result of the division of society into separate classes. The rich did not deny themselves anything, so the splendor of forms testified to good health and material prosperity. Now things are completely different. Many parents overfeed their children, so they become fat in infancy. Obesity in infants is called paratrophy. She is very dangerous. Experts are sounding the alarm. nine0007 Being overweight in babies causes many problems. In particular, the baby's body becomes too loose, the turgor of the main tissues decreases, and swelling appears. Of course, the cheeks in such a situation will indeed be ruddy, but if you look closely at them, you can notice the peeling of the skin. In addition, obese children are more likely to be exposed to inflammation and other diseases. Some illnesses can lead to complications. For example, a common cold can cause swelling in the nasal area, which is not easy to cure. nine0003

Nutrition without measure

The problem of overfeeding a child is faced by those parents who prefer artificial feeding. All this for the reason that the best food for a baby is mother's milk. Eating them, babies maintain normal body weight and feel great. This is achieved through natural self-regulation. In other words, the baby simply cannot eat more than he needs. Some babies who are exclusively breastfed develop very quickly. This cannot be said about those who absorb milk mixtures in large quantities. nine0007 Usually mothers who suffered from high blood pressure and heartburn during pregnancy resort to artificial feeding. Sometimes the problem of overfeeding is solved by itself due to regurgitation, thanks to which the baby painlessly empties his stomach. If the child refuses to spit up, then he receives too many calories, which leads to weight gain.
There are situations when the baby cries incessantly and calms down only when the mother's breast is in his mouth. In this case, do not immediately start feeding the baby. It is better to look for factors that could disturb him. The fact is that, being in an irritated state, the baby can calm down only by being next to his mother and enjoying the taste of her milk. As you might guess, overeating causes weight gain, so it’s not worth reassuring the baby every time by giving him a breast. It is better to show the child to the pediatrician. nine0007 Sometimes, due to circumstances, natural feeding of a baby is impossible. In this case, it is necessary to approach the choice of the mixture with all seriousness. It is necessary that the composition of this product has a clear resemblance to mother's milk. In particular, the presence of lactose or milk sugar in the list of ingredients is mandatory.

Rule #1

When choosing formula, remember that it should not be too sweet. In this regard, be sure to pay attention to the level of carbohydrate content. In addition, even if a really high-quality product is chosen, then it must be bred strictly following the instructions. nine0003

Rule #2

Only proper nutrition can help avoid overfeeding. Don't give your baby too much formula. In this case, an important role is played by exactly how much baby food enters the child's stomach. To calculate the daily rate, depending on the age and weight of the baby, you must use a special formula. Next, you need to find out the volume of the mixture per feeding. To do this, divide the previously obtained daily rate by the number of daily meals. nine0007 We should not forget about other important nuances. In particular, the appetite of the baby depends on the time of day. Usually the baby willingly eats in the morning, so at the beginning of the day he can be given a little more formula. If the baby ate less than the norm, but at the same time began to walk happily and expresses his desire to play, then he ate. In such a situation, offering him a bottle once again is not worth it.

Rule #3

It's simple: the nipple must fit correctly. Checking this is easy: you need to turn the bottle upside down and see exactly how the mixture flows out. If it flows in a trickle, then the likelihood of overfeeding increases. A good nipple should be such that the contents of the bottle drip steadily. nine0007 Based on the above information, it is clear that if the formula, nipple and diet are chosen correctly, then the baby is unlikely to face the problem of overfeeding. He will eat about the same as a breastfed baby.
The first 3 items are the most important. In this regard, experts recommend that all mothers who are afraid of the development of paratrophy, but at the same time are forced to feed their children with milk formula, adhere to these rules.

Rule #4

Remember: there is no need to hurry with the introduction of complementary foods! Experienced pediatricians advise starting it only when the baby's age exceeds 6-8 months. nine0007 Almost all milk formulas have balanced compositions, so they differ little from mother's milk and are rich in nutrients. If the baby eats such a product and has no problems with being overweight, then everything is in order. By about 5 months of age, a child will usually consume about a liter of formula, which is enough even after reaching the age of one. It must be borne in mind that the baby is inactive, so he has nowhere to put his energy. For this reason, cereals and mashed potatoes can be included in the child's diet, but care should be taken. nine0007 The need for the introduction of complementary foods occurs when the baby becomes more active. As a rule, this happens at the age of 6-7 months. At this time, the child should be given cereals, and mashed potatoes, and milk formula. So his body will be provided with the necessary amount of energy and all useful substances. It is not worth focusing on a sweet and high-calorie mixture. If there is too much of it, then the beloved child can easily turn into a little fat man. Nutrition should be as balanced as possible! nine0007 Thus, it is not difficult to conclude that complementary foods do not have as many benefits as it might seem. This is due to the fact that both infant formula and mother's milk are similar in their beneficial properties.

Rule #5

Infant nutrition experts advise that complementary foods should be kept within the normal range. It is important!
Some parents see no problem with their child eating 100 grams more vegetable puree. In such a situation, it is necessary to take into account not only that the baby ate a lot, but whether he really wanted to eat so much. For a child, all food is a source of energy, which then needs to be spent somehow. If the movement is not enough, then this, coupled with overfeeding, will lead to weight gain. nine0007 Sometimes young mothers make a serious mistake by replacing mixtures with cereals and mashed potatoes. This leads to the fact that their children put on weight, they begin to develop paratrophy. In some cases, the emphasis is on quantity rather than quality. Parents, realizing that along with cereals and mashed potatoes, their child receives a minimum of useful substances, they begin to give him curds, meat products and eggs. This is dangerous, because protein overfeeding can develop. In this case, the child suffers from bloating, constipation and has problems with stool. It is not difficult to solve this problem: you should reduce the amount of foods that are rich in protein in the baby's diet. nine0003

Rule #6

Remember: don't show your displeasure when the child doesn't eat all the food offered to him. Small children only at first glance seem naive. In fact, they are very smart. A kid who notices that his mother is upset when she sees the rest of vegetable puree or porridge on a plate will quickly begin to manipulate her. In addition, the expression of indignation by one of the parents can lead to serious problems in the future. For example, an unreasonable fear for the health of the baby will develop or an incorrect attitude to food will be formed, because. its real value will be significantly overestimated, which can cause overfeeding. nine0003

Rule #7

No need to insist! A young mother should be able to distinguish really important things from trifles. When a child eats, nothing should distract him, whether it is an accidentally barking dog or an older brother who has come home from school. In addition, if the baby is already full and this can be seen from his behavior, then you should not forcibly stuff food into him. Of course, if you try hard, then a few tablespoons of porridge or mashed potatoes will definitely fit into your beloved child, but there is no point in this. Of course, the mother will demonstrate to the child that she has power over him, but overeating can cause paratrophy. Over time, it will disappear, tissues will return to their normal state, health problems will disappear, but in such a situation, most likely, the wrong attitude to food will be formed. The child will develop a habit of eating a lot, which can last a lifetime. This is hello to the fact that a person will suffer from excess weight, heart disease, high cholesterol, etc. nine0007 If a little girl is force-fed during infancy, then when she is 9-10 years old, she is likely to face a serious problem in the form of early puberty. This means your child will stop growing and will have incorrect body proportions. Thus, in the matter of baby food, one should not rely on folk wisdom that says that children who eat a lot grow up quickly and become beautiful. Remember that only the child who eats properly can be healthy. It's easy to determine. If your child eats normally and does not gain weight too quickly, which is within the normal range, then everything is in order with him. You should start sounding the alarm in a situation where the baby does not have an increased appetite, but at the same time gets fat. Most likely, he develops some kind of disease. It is urgent to contact a specialist! nine0003

General conclusion

The standard of living of modern man is quite high. We do not deny ourselves food and can buy almost any food. In this regard, malnutrition has long lost its relevance. He was replaced by a new problem in the form of overeating, leading to weight gain. People in large quantities consume foods containing so-called "fast carbohydrates". They are rich in chocolate bars, pastries, breakfast cereals, cereals that do not require cooking, etc. If the human diet for the most part consists of them, then this leads to metabolic disorders, loss of protein elasticity and the development of dangerous diseases. nine0007 Movement can solve the problem of excess weight, but increased physical activity has long gone out of fashion. People are accustomed to driving cars rather than walking, and most of the household chores for them, in fact, are done by technology. If the amount of food eaten was comparable to physical activity, then everything was in order, but it is not. Many suffer from hypodynamia, but they are not very worried about this. Food is a source of pleasure for them, so often such parents overfeed not only themselves, but also their growing children. Of course, everyone decides how much to eat, but the problem of teenage obesity is a serious concern for specialists, so they are doing everything possible to ensure that it is solved. nine0003

Tatyana Yurievna Bandurina, pediatrician, Doctor of Medical Sciences.

Postpartum and breastfeeding

Successful breastfeeding secrets

Early attachment.

It is very important to breastfeed immediately after birth. The baby is placed on the mother's stomach "skin to skin". Do not immediately try to breastfeed your baby. Let him lie down and rest. Soon the baby will be ready to attach to the breast and may even try to crawl to the breast. Then he will begin to sniff and lick her, and only then will he try to capture. It's good if mom and baby spend about an hour together. This stimulates the production of oxytocin, and hence the production of milk. Oxytocin helps the mother relax, promotes easy delivery of the placenta, and reduces postpartum bleeding. And the baby receives immunoglobulins, which are contained in colostrum. This protects it from infections and helps to form its own microflora as soon as possible. The baby is colonized by maternal bacteria, which are not dangerous for him. If you do not populate the skin and mucous membranes with mother's bacteria, then the bacteria of the hospital, which are alien to the child's body and can be dangerous for him, will settle in an empty place. nine0003

Joint stay of mother and child.

This is necessary for the successful organization of breastfeeding and subsequent feeding. Mom and baby adapt to each other, mom learns to recognize her baby's signals and meet his needs. When the baby is next to the mother and suckles the breast without restrictions, the production of hormones responsible for lactation increases in the mother's body. Ideally, the child should not be separated from the mother at all, and all necessary medical procedures can be carried out in her presence. nine0003

Feeding on demand

In spite of the clock, look at the child. Let's breastfeed for every peep, every worry of the child. Most of the baby's needs disappear by themselves when the mother takes him in her arms and puts him to her breast. In mom’s arms, with breasts in her mouth, the child will warm up, be comforted, satiated, get drunk, let out gas, relieve pain ... React immediately to the child’s anxiety, don’t wait, but he will burst into tears for real. Don't be afraid to hurt your child. There can be no talk of pampering yet. nine0003

It is the vital need of a baby to be held by the mother and suckle at the breast. Let him do it as much as he wants. Frequent feedings stimulate milk production, while feeding by the clock leads to a reduction in milk production. Feeding on demand implies the requirement of the mother too. If your breasts are full, or the baby sleeps too long and rarely sucks, mom offers the breast herself. Don't be afraid to overfeed your baby. It is impossible to overfeed with breast milk. Breast milk is digested within 15-20 minutes and the baby's stomach is ready for the next portion (whereas the mixture is digested in 4 hours ).

Exclusive breastfeeding.

This means that the baby should not be given anything other than the breast. With unlimited access to the breast, the child does not need water, glucose or tea. A small amount of colostrum in the early days can satisfy all the nutritional needs of the baby. Colostrum is very nutritious and contains a large amount of immunoglobulin, which protects the baby. Due to the low content of water in colostrum, it protects the baby's kidneys. Also, colostrum has a slight laxative effect and helps to cleanse the child’s body of meconium well and thereby reduces the risk of jaundice. And later, up to 6 months the child does not need anything but milk.

Comfortable posture

Mom needs to get comfortable so that she can relax during feeding, because feedings can be long. If the mother is located in an uncomfortable position, then she will quickly get tired, and will receive not pleasure from feeding, but negative. It should also be comfortable for the baby. It is necessary to make sure that he lies comfortably, is closely pressed to his mother, so that he does not have to reach for the breast and make efforts to keep the nipple in the mouth. nine0003

Correct grip

This is one of the most important aspects. Incorrect grip can lead to many troubles (pain during feeding, cracked nipples, lactostasis, lack of milk). Therefore, it is very important to initially attach the baby to the breast correctly and then make sure that the grip remains correct. Remember - if the grip is wrong, the mother should not experience pain. If there is pain, it should not be endured - you need to urgently correct the grip. And in this matter, the doctors of the Medical Center "Family Health" will always help you

Night feedings

Night feedings are essential, especially during the first months. At night, the highest production of prolactin occurs, which is responsible for the production of milk. Therefore, in order to have enough milk, you need to apply at night or at least in the morning hours (from 3-00 to 6-00).

Breast change.

There are different opinions about changing breasts. You can feed for two hours with one breast, or you can change breasts several times in one feeding. The child should suckle the first breast for at least 20-30 minutes, after which he can be offered the second. The main thing is not to press the second breast until the child has emptied the first one properly. Both methods provide that the child receives not only the “front” milk, rich in water, lactose, minerals and proteins, but also the “back” milk, rich in fats, vitamins, enzymes, growth factors, satiety and sleep. nine0003

Pumping.

Milk is produced on demand. No need to express leftovers after feeding. This is a waste of time and may lead to hyperlactation. Pumping is necessary in the following cases:

* the mother has problems with breasts (cracked nipples, lactostasis, mastitis)

* excess milk or hyperlactation (in this case, pumping should be stopped gradually)

* temporary weaning when the mother needs to undergo treatment not compatible with HW

* temporary separation of mother and child

* mother goes to work

* need to create a supply of milk.

Breast care

Breasts should not be washed before every feeding. It is enough to take a shared shower once a day. Do not use soap to wash your breasts. It washes away natural lubrication from the nipples, dries the skin and contributes to the appearance of cracks. Give your chest air baths more often. If your milk leaks between feeds, put disposable or reusable special absorbent pads or clean rags folded several times in your bra. Pads need to be changed often enough to keep your breasts dry. nine0003

How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.

There are only two reliable ways to tell if a baby is getting enough milk. This is the so-called "wet diaper test" and control of weight gain. The essence of the 1st method is to calculate how many times a day your child pees. If a child pees at least 10 times for girls and 12 times for boys, then you have enough milk. In the first two weeks, the number of pee should not be less than the number of days lived from birth. nine0003

Weight gain is determined once a week, and control weighings (before and after feeding) are not indicative . Fullness and, moreover, breast size is also not an indicator of the amount of milk. By about 1.5 months, lactation is established and the breasts may be soft, not full, and even appear empty. This means that there is as much milk as your baby needs. When more milk is needed, the baby will regulate its amount.

Child weight

In the first days after birth, the baby loses weight. If weight loss is not more than 7%, there is nothing to worry about. The increase is calculated from the minimum weight. In the first month, the child has the right not to add or add not much. Up to 6 months, the minimum weight gain is 500 grams. per month or 125 gr. in Week. After 6 months, the child begins to move more, respectively, the increase decreases. Minimum - 300 gr. per month. The upper limit of the increase can be up to 2 kg.

Bottles and pacifiers

Even a full bottle can harm breastfeeding. A dummy is generally an extra item. If necessary, give supplementary food for medical reasons or medicine, a bottle, can be easily replaced with a cup, spoon or syringe without a needle.

One of the dangers of the bottle is that it is easier to extract the liquid from it, it practically flows into the mouth by itself. After that, the baby does not want to work and get milk from the breast, when it can be easily obtained from a bottle. This provokes breast rejection. The second danger of the bottle is that breast sucking and bottle sucking are completely different. nine0003

Child's chair for GV

In the first days the baby's stools are black and thick. It's meconium coming out. Then the color and consistency of the stool changes. Usually the child's stool on GV is mushy, mustard-colored. Also, the stool can be with greens, mucus, grains, foam. This should not be scary, you do not need to run to the doctors, take tests and treat a non-existent disease. Thus, intestinal dysbiosis manifests itself.