Responsive feeding
Responsive feeding, is the most appropriate way to feed your baby. It means to follow your baby’s cues, whether that is for comfort or hunger and your need to feed, reconnect or bond with your baby. When feeding your baby you do not need to follow a schedule (unless recommended by your health care professional) or watch the clock when it comes to feeding and comforting your baby.
By responding to yours and your baby’s needs you will support baby to get enough milk, help prevent engorgement and blocked ducts and ensure a strong bond and healthy brain development for your baby.
You cannot spoil your newborn baby.
Feeding cues and signs that baby is getting enough milk
Feeding cues are signs that tell you your baby is getting hungry. As your baby gets hungrier, their cues will get louder and stronger.
Crying is often the last cue your baby will show and you may struggle to latch your baby and feed them effectively at this stage. Trying to feed your baby whilst they are calm and showing early feeding cues can be easier. If your baby is crying, try skin to skin to calm your baby before attempting to latch to the breast.
Keeping your baby close will allow you to learn your babies feeding cues and how fast they will move through them, therefore you can respond to your babies needs faster.