The experience of taking a newborn home is thrilling and intimidating at the same time. Can you overfeed a newborn while breastfeeding is one of the most recurrent questions first-time parents ask.
During the first few weeks, babies can appear to desire to suckle all the time- every hour! This may make parents question whether their infant really is hungry or just comfort nursing. Making the breastfeeding process less worry-inducing may be achieved by learning how it works.
Pumping moms will find it convenient to use the right tools. Momcozy breast milk cooler bag will keep the milk safe and fresh during transit and will also assure you the peace of mind that there will always be good, quality breast milk whenever you want to feed your baby.
Understanding How Breastfeeding Works on Demand
Breastfeeding typically follows a pattern of feed-on-demand (as opposed to formula feeding, which may be measured and scheduled). This refers to the fact that you breastfeed when your baby displays some signs of hunger, i.e.:
- Turning or prostrating his head toward you.
- Sucking on hands or fingers
- Lip smacking or sucking.
- Fussiness that is not associated with a wet diaper or fatigue.
Breast milk automatically changes according to the needs of your baby. During any particular feeding, foremilk comes out first, and this is thinner and satisfies the thirst of your baby. Hindmilk, being richer and higher in fat, sets in as they carry on with their nursing. This development makes your baby feel full and content without you counting and restricting the intake.
Tip: Feeding on demand, particularly during the first six weeks, will help you set a milk supply and make sure that your baby is receiving precisely what they require to grow.
Why Overfeeding Is Rare With Breastfeeding
Overfeeding happens when milk is given faster or in unmanageable amounts, something that is more prevalent in bottle feeding.
With breastfeeding:
- Baby controls the milk flow: Your baby has to suck and swallow actively, which, of course, slows the feeding process.
- Breast milk is easy to digest: it is optimally adapted to the digestive system of your baby, and, despite the frequent feedings, it does not burden the small stomach.
- It is in-built: The majority of babies cease to breastfeed when they are content, which is not the case with bottle-fed babies, as they might continue drinking as there is a continuous flow of milk.
That is why the majority of lactation consultants assure parents that there is no possibility of overfeeding when breastfeeding exclusively.
Baby’s Natural Ability to Self-Regulate Intake
There is a built-in mechanism for knowing when your newborn has had enough.
When they are full, they will:
- Pull away on their own on the breast.
- Slow down the sucking and swallowing.
- Shake their head or will not latch.
- Calm the hands and the body, and usually fall asleep happily.
This is natural self-control, which is used to avoid overeating. All that your baby needs to do is make it through the night, even during periods when your baby appears to be nursing around the clock, like during growth spurts. This is just their way of telling your body to make more milk.
Differences Between Feeding for Hunger and Comfort
There are two reasons why babies nurse: nourishment and comfort. Although both are absolutely normal, you may feel more confident in what your baby needs by understanding the difference.
Hunger Feeding:
- Powerful, periodic swallowing and sucking.
- The baby gives good hunger signs in advance.
- Babies leave looking satisfied and content.
Comfort Feeding:
- Little swallowing, gentle and fluttery sucking.
- Sometimes happens at bedtime or when your baby is having a tantrum.
- Usually, to connect and provide emotional safety.
Signs Baby Is Getting Just the Right Amount
Rather than being concerned with overfeeding, make sure that your baby is receiving enough milk. Indications of a well-nourished infant are:
- After the first week, 6-8 wet diapers per day.
- Constant, gradual weight gain following the first newborn weight loss.
- The infant seems to be quite peaceful and calm.
- Spurts of wakefulness and motion between rests.
- When they exist, then your baby is probably doing great and is feeding just the right amount to grow and develop.
Note: A majority of newborn infants gain their birth weight within approximately two weeks. The pediatrician will monitor this during early examinations.
When Spitting Up Is Normal—And When It Might Signal an Issue
In infants, spitting up is quite a normal thing and does not necessarily indicate overfeeding. Most of the time, it occurs due to the fact that the digestive system of your baby is immature.
Normal spit-up:
- Small amounts of milk
- Occasionally, particularly following burping.
- Make no fuss or bother with your baby.
But consult your doctor when spit-up contains:
- Forceful or projectile
- Repeating and Painful.
- With poor weight gain or dehydration symptoms.
- Green or bloody in color
- Chronic or frequent spit-up may be a sign of reflux or some other health issue.
Growth Spurts, Cluster Feeding, and Appetite Changes
The way your baby feeds will vary with time, particularly when it is going through a growth spurt. These normally occur in the area of:
- 2-3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 6 months
The baby at this age might have an urge to feed nearly all the time, a phenomenon known as cluster feeding. Although this may seem like they are overfeeding, they are just telling your body to make more milk.
When feeding at the same time, cluster feeding is tiring to the parents, particularly when it occurs during the night or when you are away. The correct tools can make these difficult feeding stages easier to handle. The best breast milk cooler bag, as an example, could help you keep your milk safe and fresh when you are not home to pump. It gives your baby the privilege of never going without nutritious breast milk.
When to Check With a Pediatrician or Lactation Consultant
The majority of feeding issues can be alleviated by reassurance and education, but there are occasions when you may need professional advice.
Call your child’s doctor or a trained lactation specialist in case:
- Your baby is not growing the way it should grow.
- The number of wet diapers is less than 6 a day after the first week.
- Your baby appears never to be satisfied or at ease once they have been fed.
- You can tell that you are dehydrated by things like a dry mouth or a sunken soft spot.
- The spit-up is vigorous, repetitive or alarming.
The support of experts may be a calming influence and contribute to solving all feeding problems in a short period of time.
Conclusion
Although one may feel tempted to ask whether you could overfeed a newborn when you are breastfeeding, be assured that it is doubtful. Breastfeeding is designed to be perfectly compatible with your baby’s needs.
You can be sure that your baby is receiving a specific amount of nourishment by feeding on demand, paying attention to signs of hunger and fullness and monitoring diaper output and weight gain.