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BREASTFEEDING BASICS
When to Feed and Bringing Baby to Breast
Activities
Discussion
Small group activity
Video
Resources
BYB book page 8 * PowerPoint slides 15 – 17
* 2023 edition. Prior editions pages 8 and 11.
Getting Started with Breastfeeding video Newborn Hunger Cues poster
Newborns typically communicate their hunger prior to crying. If parents know what to watch for, they can stay in sync with their baby and prevent the need to calm a frantic newborn. It is also helpful for them to know what signs show that milk is moving from the breast into baby’ s mouth.
Discussion Prompts
• How can you tell if your newborn is hungry?
• Have you heard of the rooting reflex? Can you describe it?
• How often should a newborn baby nurse?
Key Points
• Hunger cues:
• Rooting.
• Mouth activity.
• Hand to mouth.
• Squirming, stretching, restlessness.
• Bobbing head, trying to get into position.
• Fussing.
• Crying( a late sign).
• When to feed:
• Feed on demand( watch for hunger cues).
• Breast milk digests quickly( within about 90 minutes). Newborns should be fed 8 – 12 times a day( in 24 hours).
•“ Cluster feeding”( eating frequently during certain periods of the day, then sleeping longer stretches) is normal as they get older.
• Bringing baby to breast( if baby needs help latching):
• Hold the base of baby’ s neck.
• Line up their nose to nipple.
• When they open wide, gently pull them onto the breast
• Look for lots of breast tissue in their mouth for a deep latch.
Preview
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