Breastfeeding for Beginners
Experienced Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) & Midwife
providing breastfeeding support in North Brisbane
0411 603 401
Feeding Cues
Demand or 'baby led' feeding is recommended unless there is a medical complication. It is important to have baby nearby so that the early feeding cues can be recognised. Always ensure that baby's nappy is clean and dry before and after feeding.
Sometimes baby will feed frequently then have a longer sleep than usual before waking to feed again. Don't be alarmed! Always look at the big picture - over a twenty-four hour period, before becoming concerned that baby is either feeding too often or not often enough. Babies feed about eleven times a day during the first six months. That is almost every two hours!
Early cues:
Stirring
Eye movement under closed eyelids
Mouth open
Fingers around mouth and face
Turning head and searching from side to side
Mid cues:
Sucking on fists
Sucking on bedclothes
Increased movement
Increased alertness
Making noises
Late cues:
Crying
Becoming agitated
Turning red
Once the 'late cue' stage is reached it will be necessary to sooth baby before offering the breast. Cuddling and skin-to-skin should prove calming.