Early (Ideal) Hunger Cues:
– Rooting or turning head.
– Lip-smacking, opening mouth.
– Hand-to-mouth, sucking on fists.
– Light eye fluttering or closed-eye movement.
Start feeding at this stage-your baby will latch more easily, and feeding is more relaxed.
Mid Cues:
– Fussing, squirming.
– Searching actively for the breast or bottle.
Still manageable-though later than early cues, feeding remains comfortable.
Late Cues:
– Crying, red face, frantic movements.
– Harder to latch or settle.
First soothe (skin-to-skin, gentle talking), then offer a feed.
When to Wake a Sleepy Baby
Most healthy newborns feed every 2-3 hours (8-12 times/day) and wake naturally. However, occasionally they may need waking to ensure enough milk intake:
– Medical reasons: jaundice, infection, low blood sugar, or impacts from birth medications
– Extended sleep lasting >=3 hours without feeding or if urine/bowel output is low
– Low weight gain, poor nappy output, or if advised by a health professional
Guidance: If feeding >=8 times in 24 hours, gaining weight (~150 g/week), and having 6-8 wet nappies daily, you likely don’t need to wake baby.
Tips to Gently Rouse Baby for a Feed:
– Change nappy.
– Try a different feeding position (e.g., underarm hold).
– Skin-to-skin, partly undressed.
– A warm bath.
– Eye contact, talking softly.
– Gentle massage (back, hands, feet).
– Move baby to a semi-sitting “sit-up” position.
– Use breast compressions to increase milk flow.
Even dozing newborns can usually breastfeed. If they start dozing during a feed, break latch to burp, then switch sides or apply breast compression to help them stay engaged longer.
Why Attending to Cues & Sleep Matters:
– Builds trust, supports emotional bonding.
– Ensures adequate nourishment and hydration.
– Encourages healthy weight gain and milk supply.
– Prevents issues like jaundice, dehydration, underfeeding.