One of the biggest concerns for new mothers is know if your baby is hungry after feedings. Especially in the case of babies who are breastfed, since it is more difficult to control the amount of milk that the little one takes. The newborn cries for many reasons, one of them is hunger but it is not the only one. For this reason, many women suffer anxiety because they do not know how to recognize whether their baby is satisfied after feeding or not.
However, crying is not the only sign that tells you that the baby has been left hungry. Through other signals on his body, you can see that the little one requires a new feed. You just have to be attentive to recognize the signs and so your baby can be satisfied at all times.
Breastfeeding on demand
First of all, it is important to remember that breastfeeding should always be on demand. That is, without schedules or outlets every so often, this is the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the pediatric community. Breastfeeding on demand allows the baby to feed the way he needs at all times.
Therefore, do not let the baby cry uncontrollably or keep track of the hours he has not eaten. Every time the baby is awake or starts crying, place it on your chest and he can meet your needs himself. This not only benefits your baby in that he eats at his own pace or feels protected at all times, but it is also beneficial for the mother herself:
- Breastfeeding on demand is the best method to prevent mastitis
- It establishes a successful and long-lasting breastfeeding, with great benefits for the development of the baby and for the mother and child relationship
- The chances of suffering are reduced postpartum depression
- Easier to recover physically
Signs that your baby is hungry
In addition to crying, you can detect that your baby is hungry if you observe the following signs:
- After one drink the little one keeps crying: If after taking the feeding the little one continues crying, it is possible that this was insufficient. Try to leave it on each breast for a longer time, even if the feedings are very long, the baby may not empty the breast completely.
- Look at her diaper: This is one of the most obvious ways to know if your baby is feeding correctly. If the baby is feeding properly, he will stain several diapers a day with both pee and poop. In case you notice that your child's diapers are not being filled regularly, it is possible that he is not getting the food he needs.
- Growth: Another of the most obvious signs is the monitoring of its growth. During the first weeks it is very important that you control your baby's weight. You can do it at the pharmacy and you should write it down to check if its growth is regular and appropriate. Otherwise, it is possible that the cause is a deficit in the diet but do not stop going to the pediatrician so that he can review the case.
Follow your instinct
It is fundamental that listen to the signs that your own instinct will mark you throughout life. Motherhood is a wonderful and complicated road, in many cases, the recommendations and advice of other people can help you solve certain complications. However, your maternal instinct will always accompany you and you must listen to it at all times.
Many situations are unique and only you, from your privileged position as a mother, will be able to detect them before anyone else. Do not doubt your feelings, you do not regulate the feeding of your baby by established schedules that are not adapted to the needs of your baby. Enjoy breastfeeding because it is something unique, unrepeatable and a gift of nature for both you and your baby.