In this week’s blog post, we continue sharing ideas that parents found helpful during the early days and weeks of life with a baby. You can read Part One here.
One of the most common tips shared – including in last week’s blog post – is to pay attention to cues from your baby instead of watching how much time has passed in order to determine if your little one is ready for another feeding.
Shari P. assured new parents that this time of frequent feedings really won’t last forever.
“Watch and respond to the baby and forget the clock! It’s okay if they just fed 30 mins ago; even a minute ago is fine (because) they sometimes get distracted, didn’t finish, are looking for comfort, etc. This stage goes so fast. I’m feeding baby #6 (and #5 but she’s three years old and close to being done).
A number of parents mentioned cluster feeding, when a baby wants to nurse more frequently, often nursing multiple times over the course of several hours. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding described this as “frequency days”, which are usually associated with growth spurts. Growth spurts can occur at any time, although many parents find they seem to be more common around ten days, three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and so on.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (8th edition) explained on page 139:
“Babies don’t grow steadily. They grow in fits and starts that include growth spurts or, as some call them, ‘frequency days,’ when they suddenly seem endlessly hungry…After two or three days, he’ll suddenly go back to his normal feeding pattern and might even nap more than usual to rest from all that growing.”
Angela R. suggested taking this time to relax a bit if possible. “It’s normal for a baby to cluster feed. Grab the remote, something to eat and drink, and get comfortable.”
Taylor D. added that this can be a time that raises doubt about your milk supply but shouldn’t.
“With cluster feeding, I think so many think their body isn’t making enough for baby and then start to supplement. Then from there it’s hard for the body to know how much to produce if you’re having to consistently supplement!”
If you’re wondering whether supplementing is necessary – and a La Leche League Leader or lactation professional can provide more information – you may find this list of questions helpful.
Sometimes a bit of humor is necessary when wondering whether it’s time for a feeding or not. Renee S. helped lighten the mood.
“1. You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby. 2. When in doubt, whip it out.”
Our readers also had a variety of practical tips for the newborn days and looking ahead to older infants.
Harmony T.W. reminded new parents to not forget about taking care of themselves and suggested one way of doing that.
“Have a glass of water next to you while you nourish your baby and sip it during each feeding.”
Stephanie D. found it helpful and sometimes necessary to shut out the rest of the world in order to concentrate on baby’s needs.
“Shut the door so it’s no one else beside you and the baby. Lie in bed and just focus on feeding them when they are asking. It’s not about anyone else besides you and the baby.”
And, while teething isn’t something that parents of newborns worry about – yet, that time can approach quickly. Amanda H. said, “When my guy started teething, the best advice I got was baby can’t bite with a nice, deep latch.”
If you like to look ahead and prepare for potential scenarios, you can find more information about breastfeeding and biting/teething here.
Sometimes the most helpful tips come in the form of encouraging words, reminding you that each baby is unique and that there isn’t a single parenting resource that will tell you exactly what your baby should do.
Sarah J. encouraged parents to be in the moment.
“Each baby is different, so follow baby’s cues and try not to project too much into the future. Baby’s needs change so much that focusing on the present needs in regard to nursing is liberating.”
Elizabeth L. agreed that focusing on the present helps in the long run.
“Set small goals. Try for the first so many days/weeks and before long you have met those goals and continued far longer than you thought you were capable of.”
And when those difficult moments arrive? You can make it through, Chanel D. said.
“Don’t quit because you’re having a bad day. Don’t give up because you’re in a bad moment, and most importantly ask for help! You don’t have to take all that comes with being a new mother and breastfeeding on alone.”
For even more ideas about parenting in the early days, take a look at our archives here.
Please send your story ideas to Amy at [email protected].
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
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Posted: June 27, 2023 by Yael Breimer
Tips For The Early Days of Parenting: Part Two
One of the most common tips shared – including in last week’s blog post – is to pay attention to cues from your baby instead of watching how much time has passed in order to determine if your little one is ready for another feeding.
Shari P. assured new parents that this time of frequent feedings really won’t last forever.
“Watch and respond to the baby and forget the clock! It’s okay if they just fed 30 mins ago; even a minute ago is fine (because) they sometimes get distracted, didn’t finish, are looking for comfort, etc. This stage goes so fast. I’m feeding baby #6 (and #5 but she’s three years old and close to being done).
A number of parents mentioned cluster feeding, when a baby wants to nurse more frequently, often nursing multiple times over the course of several hours. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding described this as “frequency days”, which are usually associated with growth spurts. Growth spurts can occur at any time, although many parents find they seem to be more common around ten days, three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and so on.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (8th edition) explained on page 139:
“Babies don’t grow steadily. They grow in fits and starts that include growth spurts or, as some call them, ‘frequency days,’ when they suddenly seem endlessly hungry…After two or three days, he’ll suddenly go back to his normal feeding pattern and might even nap more than usual to rest from all that growing.”
Angela R. suggested taking this time to relax a bit if possible. “It’s normal for a baby to cluster feed. Grab the remote, something to eat and drink, and get comfortable.”
Taylor D. added that this can be a time that raises doubt about your milk supply but shouldn’t.
“With cluster feeding, I think so many think their body isn’t making enough for baby and then start to supplement. Then from there it’s hard for the body to know how much to produce if you’re having to consistently supplement!”
If you’re wondering whether supplementing is necessary – and a La Leche League Leader or lactation professional can provide more information – you may find this list of questions helpful.
Sometimes a bit of humor is necessary when wondering whether it’s time for a feeding or not. Renee S. helped lighten the mood.
“1. You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby. 2. When in doubt, whip it out.”
Our readers also had a variety of practical tips for the newborn days and looking ahead to older infants.
Harmony T.W. reminded new parents to not forget about taking care of themselves and suggested one way of doing that.
“Have a glass of water next to you while you nourish your baby and sip it during each feeding.”
Stephanie D. found it helpful and sometimes necessary to shut out the rest of the world in order to concentrate on baby’s needs.
“Shut the door so it’s no one else beside you and the baby. Lie in bed and just focus on feeding them when they are asking. It’s not about anyone else besides you and the baby.”
And, while teething isn’t something that parents of newborns worry about – yet, that time can approach quickly. Amanda H. said, “When my guy started teething, the best advice I got was baby can’t bite with a nice, deep latch.”
If you like to look ahead and prepare for potential scenarios, you can find more information about breastfeeding and biting/teething here.
Sometimes the most helpful tips come in the form of encouraging words, reminding you that each baby is unique and that there isn’t a single parenting resource that will tell you exactly what your baby should do.
Sarah J. encouraged parents to be in the moment.
“Each baby is different, so follow baby’s cues and try not to project too much into the future. Baby’s needs change so much that focusing on the present needs in regard to nursing is liberating.”
Elizabeth L. agreed that focusing on the present helps in the long run.
“Set small goals. Try for the first so many days/weeks and before long you have met those goals and continued far longer than you thought you were capable of.”
And when those difficult moments arrive? You can make it through, Chanel D. said.
“Don’t quit because you’re having a bad day. Don’t give up because you’re in a bad moment, and most importantly ask for help! You don’t have to take all that comes with being a new mother and breastfeeding on alone.”
For even more ideas about parenting in the early days, take a look at our archives here.
Please send your story ideas to Amy at [email protected].
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
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