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Finally, your newborn is here, and they’ll soon grow big! If you didn’t know, the first three months after childbirth are known as the 4th trimester (and they too come with their own set of challenges). It could be normal to wonder why it’s still called a “trimester” when the baby is already out of your body. Well, these few months after birth are as good as another trimester of pregnancy as newborns are still, in a way, gestating — undergoing crucial changes, needing care, protection, and nurturing as if they were still in your womb! (1).
As for yourself, your body will be exhausted as it is still recovering from childbirth and all the hormonal shifts it underwent for almost a year. But your baby is dependent on you — to be fed, cleaned, and soothed. This period is unique on its own but may seem more (if not any less) taxing on you than the past trimesters. You’re majorly devoted to caring for your baby, gaining your strength back, and, nonetheless, establishing a loving bond with your little one. You may not have much idea about finding the perfect schedule right away. And, that’s alright!
Feeding your baby just the right amount (for their healthy growth and wellbeing) could be worrisome for new mothers. Since babies don’t come with manuals or FAQs, it may be difficult for you to figure how much to feed them (especially if it’s your first child and there is no support around). But like any new mom, you’re determined to wing it and get it right, no matter what! That said, if your baby’s irregular feeding patterns has got you worked up, here are a few things that’ll help you figure out their hunger cues and feed them accordingly:
Should You Breastfeed Or Formula-Feed Your Baby?
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Women are often confused about choosing the correct option: to breastfeed or bottle-feed. The debates are endless, but we have the answers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both endorse breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months after your baby is born. This can be safely continued till their first birthday (if you and your baby so desire) (2).
Newborns lose weight in the first 5 to 7 days of their life. A 7 to 10% weight loss is considered normal for breastfed babies, while 5% is expected for formula-fed ones. Babies should ideally gain it back between the 10 to 14th day of their life unless they are sick or premature (3). So, it is vital to keep a close check on their feeding habits to ensure they receive sufficient nutrition for healthy growth and development.
It may be helpful to know that bottle-fed and formula-fed babies grow differently, so their weight gains could be relative. Healthy breastfed babies grow slower than formula-fed babies. Therefore, monitoring the standard growth chart for infants as prepared by the WHO may be useful (4). This could additionally save you all the worry and help you feed them enough, as per age-appropriate needs.
How Much And How Often Should I Feed My Baby?
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Know that there is no wrong or right way to feed your little one. Each baby is different. So, your plans of feeding them will vary at each stage of their growth.
As newborns, babies have a stomach volume the size of a cherry (approximately 7ml). So, your baby doesn’t need a lot of breast milk in the initial days to feel full (5). However, they might still need to be fed as often as 1 to 3 hours (6). As the months progress, your baby’s hunger will grow, and they’ll need to be fed more at each feeding session.
It’s important to note that for exclusively breastfed babies, the average frequency of breastfeeding is every 2 to 4 hours. Also, while few babies may need to eat every hour (cluster feeding), others may have a longer interval of 4 to 5 hours between each feeding (7).
It is said that feeding your baby frequently helps you produce more milk and allows them good practice at sucking and swallowing. Ideally, babies who receive breast milk in the early days should not be formula-fed. However, if you suffer from breastfeeding problems, speak to your doctor to determine the ideal mode to feed your baby (8).
How Do I Know If My Baby Has Overeaten?
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Some babies may seem to be hungry all the time. So, look for signs to see if they are satisfied, at least for a while after feeding. A hungry baby will latch on to the breast or bottle and continue sucking (9). It is important to note that formula-fed babies have infrequent or fewer bowel movements. After the first seven days of birth, your baby should essentially produce at least 5 to 6 soiled diapers each day (10). This will change over time, but keeping track of their soiled diapers can help you understand what feeding style is working for your baby.
It may take you some time to figure out the hunger patterns of your baby. If you breastfeed your baby, they will seldom be overfed. A baby who takes a bottle has a higher chance of being fed extra as sometimes babies tend to suck on a bottle for comfort. However, it’s good to speak to your pediatrician if you are still worried or unsure. Here are few signs that can help you understand and prevent the chance of overfeeding your baby (11):
- Repeatedly spitting
- Fussiness while eating or crying
- Taking longer pauses between breast or bottle suckings
- Vomiting after being fed
- Diarrhea
- Gassiness
Force-feeding your baby is not a good idea. So, carefully observe and nurture them. It could be overwhelming in the initial days, but you’ll manage. If your baby isn’t gaining enough weight or refusing to eat, speak to your pediatrician. By following suitable feeding methods, you will slowly make sense of your baby’s hunger cues and tend to them well. Did you face an issue while feeding your baby? Do share your stories with us in the comments section below!
