30/10/2024
When I’m seeing my clients, here are some of the signs we look at together to check that baby’s feeding is going well..
👉 A happy and calm baby after a feed is a great sign! They should naturally release the breast on their own when they are finished but not always.
👉 Before feeding, you might notice their hands are in fists, but as they feed, they often relax and open up.
👉 Once your milk is in, bub will suck rapidly at the beginning of each feed to trigger a letdown. Once flowing, they typically suck once or twice per swallow, often making a faint gulping sound. After swallowing, you might hear a soft “k-ah” as they exhale. During a strong letdown, expect a rhythmic pattern of suck, swallow, breathe.
👉 You should notice at least five heavy wet nappies a day, frequent bowel movements, and a steady weight gain to ensure bub is getting plenty of milk.
👉 Remember, how long your baby takes to feed doesn’t directly correlate with how much milk they’re getting! As babies grow, they often become quick feeders.
👉 In the early days, it’s a good idea to take note of how many feeds bub has in a 24-hour period and the spacing between feeds. But don’t stress over the time spent at the breast—feeding apps that track minutes can drive you a little insane!
As always, trust your instincts. You’ve got this! ❤️
