woocommerce-subscriptions domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/babycoac/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260Demand feeding can create challenges for mum and baby.
If you’re a new mom, you might be wondering about the best way to feed your baby. One important aspect to consider is the difference between feeding your baby on demand and practicing mindful feeding. Learning to recognise and respond to your baby’s hunger cues is crucial, as it can help you differentiate between genuine hunger and signs of colic or reflux. In addition, incorporating mindful feeding practices can offer extra benefits for both you and your baby.
Feeding a baby on demand simply means feeding your baby when they demonstrate hunger signs.
Demand feeding is often associated with the advice- Feed when baby is hungry!
Many mums interpret this saying as:
Feed when baby is sucking!
Feed when baby is crying!
Feed when baby is rooting!
Feed when baby is poking out tongue!
Feed when baby is grizzly
The challenge when feeding baby on demand when these signs are present, is that these signs are not always hunger signs.
They are also signs for tiredness, discomfort and gas.
Babies who often demand feed, may also be at higher risk of being diagnosed with colic or reflux.
Demand feeding most often leads mums to second guessing themselves. Mums may be at higher risk of sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression.
They look hungry, showing all the signs of hunger but in fact, baby is fighting at the breast and pushing themselves away and they appear not interested.
This is why I like to call it ‘mindful feeding’
Mindful feeding takes into account your baby’s sleep and feeding routine, baby cues, your intuition and the temperament of your baby.
Example:
Your baby has had a good feed, been on for 20 min, sucking well and swallowing. You know their tummy is full. But they wake, they are rooting, sucking and still not relaxing.
You re-feed to see if they are still hungry. Because of the sucking reflex and rooting reflex, your baby is affectively having another feed or topping up. This becomes a cycle, soon to be challenging.
This is why feeding should always be a partnership. Not just one way.
Your baby doesn’t know how regulate their feeding but you can. Not this does not mean feeding on schedule.
You should always be responsive and flexible.
What could be wrong?
One of the many reasons why your baby may be fussy on the breast especially later in the day, is because your flow of milk is slower, they are tired or simply not hungry.
Here are some of the reasons that could be contributing to a fussy feeder.
?The milk flows quicker and easier the fuller the breast which sometimes can be frustrating for newborn babies.
?Feeding frequently so less milk supply. The production of milk is consistent so your breasts are never empty but it does take time to fill up the breast for the flow to be better for feeding. This is different for every mum and is also dependant on lactation itself.
? Let-down might be too powerful. Baby is unable to manage the flow of milk.
?Let-down may also be slow. This could be due to your Oxytocin levels being low.
Oxytocin is the milk releasing hormone.
Oxytocin is affected by stress levels. So the more tired and anxious you are especially towards the end of the day, the slower your letdown.
One more thing
Prolactin- a hormone responsible for the production of milk.
This hormone is regulated by oxytocin levels in mums.
If a mums isn’t producing enough oxytocin, the happiness and relaxing hormone, it may later the levels of prolactin which may let to lower milk supply.
This is why stress is a big factor for the production of milk.
Feeding frequently might be great for supply but this can also be counterproductive if you are feeling stressed and sleep deprived.
So a happy medium is key.
#newbornhelp #breastfeedingwithoutjudgment #holisticbaby#Happymum