Posted on May 3rd, 2024

Breastfeeding a newborn is a natural and essential part of early parenthood, facilitating crucial bonding between parent and baby while providing essential nutrients for the baby's growth and development. 

In the first few days after birth, both parent and baby are learning the ropes of breastfeeding, and it's normal for this process to take some time to master. 

Understanding the basics of breastfeeding, including how often to feed and how to ensure a proper latch, can help ease the transition into this new phase of parenting. 

In this blog post, we'll explore common breastfeeding guidelines for newborn babies, offering practical tips and advice to support new parents on their breastfeeding journey. 

Whether you're a first-time parent or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide aims to provide valuable insights to help you navigate the early days of breastfeeding with confidence and ease.

How often should you feed the newborn

Navigating the frequency of feeding is one of the first challenges new parents face in the early days after birth. It's normal for newborns to have small stomachs and frequent hunger cues, often resulting in frequent feeding sessions. 

Understanding how often to feed your newborn is essential for ensuring they receive an adequate supply of milk while also promoting healthy growth and development. 

Let's now get into some practical guidance on how often to feed your newborn and what to expect during this crucial period of adjustment.

Establishing a feeding routine

Creating a feeding routine can help establish a sense of predictability for both parent and baby, making it easier to meet the baby's nutritional needs while also allowing for rest and recovery. 

In the first week, your baby may want to feed very often, sometimes as frequently as every hour. This frequent feeding pattern is essential for stimulating milk production and ensuring an ample milk supply to meet the baby's growing needs. 

As your baby adjusts to breastfeeding and their stomach capacity increases, they'll begin to have fewer, but longer feeds, typically lasting around 20 to 45 minutes per session. 

It's important to feed your baby whenever they show hunger cues, even if it means feeding them multiple times within a short period. Trusting your baby's cues and responding promptly to their hunger signals is key to establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship.

Breastfeeding guidelines for newborns

Ensuring successful breastfeeding requires mastering various aspects beyond simply putting the baby to the breast. 

From achieving a proper latch to managing milk supply and introducing solids, there are essential guidelines to follow to support both parent and baby in their breastfeeding journey.

Guidance on latching

Achieving a proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding and preventing discomfort or nipple damage. 

To ensure a good latch, position your baby close to your breast with their mouth wide open, aiming their chin towards the breast. Encourage your baby to latch onto as much of the areola as possible, rather than just the nipple, to stimulate milk flow and prevent soreness. 

If you're struggling with latching, don't hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist who can provide guidance and assistance.

Managing milk supply

Maintaining a healthy milk supply is essential for meeting your baby's nutritional needs and supporting their growth and development. To boost milk production, ensure you're breastfeeding frequently and effectively, allowing your baby to feed on demand. 

Additionally, staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, and getting plenty of rest can all contribute to optimal milk production. If you're experiencing concerns about low milk supply, consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and support.

Pumping

Breast pumping can be a useful tool for managing milk supply, relieving engorgement, and enabling you to express milk for feeding when you're away from your baby. 

When pumping, ensure you're using the correct size breast shield to maximise comfort and efficiency. Experiment with different pumping techniques and schedules to find what works best for you and your baby's needs. 

Additionally, properly storing expressed breast milk and following safe handling guidelines is crucial for maintaining its nutritional integrity and safety for your baby.

Bottle-feeding routines

Introducing bottle feeding alongside breastfeeding can offer flexibility and convenience for parents, allowing other caregivers to participate in feeding while supporting breastfeeding. 

When introducing bottles, choose a nipple that closely mimics the shape and flow of the breast to prevent confusion for the baby. 

Establishing a consistent bottle-feeding routine, such as offering bottles at regular intervals or as needed, can help maintain breastfeeding success while accommodating the needs of both parent and baby.

Introducing solids

While breastfeeding provides essential nutrition for the first six months of life, introducing solids is an important milestone in your baby's development. 

When starting solids, offer single-ingredient purees or soft foods in small amounts, gradually increasing variety and texture as your baby grows. Always supervise your baby during meal times and introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any potential allergies or adverse reactions. 

Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate timing and approach to introducing solids based on your baby's individual needs and development.

Can you overfeed the newborn?

A common concern among new parents is whether it's possible to overfeed their newborn baby, particularly when breastfeeding. Understanding the concept of overfeeding and its implications is essential for promoting healthy feeding habits and ensuring the baby's well-being.

Newborn feeding cues

Newborns have innate feeding cues that signal when they're hungry or full. Learning to recognise and respond to these cues is key to preventing overfeeding. Signs that your baby is hungry may include rooting, sucking motions, and increased alertness. 

Conversely, cues that indicate fullness include turning away from the breast or bottle, becoming drowsy, and appearing relaxed after feeding. 

By paying attention to these cues and allowing your baby to feed on demand, you can help prevent overfeeding and promote a healthy feeding relationship.

Breastfeeding and overfeeding

In general, it's difficult to overfeed a breastfed baby due to the nature of breastfeeding. 

Breast milk is easily digested, and babies regulate their intake based on their hunger and satiety cues. Unlike formula feeding, where parents have more control over the amount of milk given, breastfeeding allows babies to self-regulate their intake, leading to a reduced risk of overfeeding. 

However, it's essential to ensure a proper latch and feeding technique to prevent the baby from taking in excess air, which can cause discomfort and lead to fussiness.

Empowering parenthood with "Thriving together" parent coaching

Navigating the challenges of parenthood can be overwhelming, especially for new parents. 

That's where our "Thriving together" parent coaching programme comes in very handy. 

Designed to provide personalised guidance and support, our coaching sessions empower parents to navigate the complexities of modern parenthood with confidence and resilience.

Personalised guidance and support

Each "Thriving together" coaching session is tailored to meet the unique needs of individual parents and families. Our experienced coaches work closely with parents to identify their goals, strengths, and areas for growth, empowering them to create a customised plan for success. 

Whether you're seeking support with parenting techniques, communication skills, or managing stress, our coaches are here to provide the guidance and support you need.

Balancing parenthood and personal growth

Finding balance between parenthood and personal growth can be challenging. Our coaching programme offers support for individuals striving to maintain their identity and pursue their passions while navigating the demands of parenthood. 

Whether you're juggling multiple roles as a parent, partner, and professional, or seeking to reconnect with your interests and hobbies, our coaches can help you find the balance that's right for you.

Investing in your family's future

Investing in "Thriving together" parent coaching is an investment in your family's future. By equipping yourself with the knowledge, skills, and support you need to thrive as parents, you're laying the foundation for a happy, healthy family life. 

Whether you're a first-time parent or navigating the challenges of raising multiple children, our coaching programme can help you build the family life you've always dreamed of.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a journey filled with its own set of challenges and rewards, but with the right guidance and support, you can navigate it successfully. 

Whether you're seeking advice on latching, managing milk supply, or introducing solids, our comprehensive breastfeeding guidelines for newborns aim to provide you with the information and resources you need to support your breastfeeding journey. 

Remember to trust your instincts, seek support when needed, and most importantly, cherish the special bond you share with your baby through breastfeeding. 

If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding or parenting in general, don't hesitate to reach out to us through our contact page or just call us at +44 7961 968401. 

We're here to support you every step of the way.