What Should I Do If a Newborn Constantly Demands Breastfeeding or Formula?
After birth, a baby's primary source of nutrition is breastfeeding. Many first-time mothers may find that their babies seem to constantly want to feed, often eating intermittently, sometimes even falling asleep mid-feed and waking up shortly after to request more milk. This repetitive behavior can be puzzling for new mothers, who may not understand the reasons behind it or know how to handle it effectively.
If a newborn seems to constantly want to feed, the first step is to increase the feeding volume. If the baby continues to demand milk and appears to be in good spirits with normal feeding behavior, this is often due to insufficient milk supply. During the first three months, growth and development are rapid, and the baby's milk intake is relatively high. It is important to promptly increase the feeding volume to prevent malnutrition. Additionally, it is necessary to introduce solid foods as supplements, especially after 4-6 months, as breastfeeding alone may not meet the nutritional needs for growth and development. Solid foods such as rice flour or rice paste can be introduced gradually. Since the density of milk is lower than solid foods, timely supplementation is essential.
If a mother's breast milk supply is insufficient, the baby may automatically stop sucking when the milk cannot meet their demand. In such cases, it is important for the mother to massage her breasts during breastfeeding to ensure a sufficient milk supply.
When bottle-feeding, it is crucial to ensure that the nipple hole is of appropriate size. Before feeding, check that when the bottle is turned upside down, the milk can drip out quickly and steadily.
If a baby seems to interrupt breastfeeding frequently, it is often due to improper feeding techniques. It is essential to ensure that the nipple is filled with milk and not half-empty to prevent the baby from inhaling air, which can cause hiccups and make sucking tiring.
Overall, understanding and addressing these common feeding issues in newborns is crucial for ensuring their healthy growth and development.
