A New Beginning

NORMAL NEWBORN FEEDING PATTERNS

DAY 1: BIRTHDAY NAP

FIRST 24 HOURS • Babies are usually awake and alert for 1 to 2 hours after birth. Then, they usually sleep for many hours. • Babies are resting from birth, so they eat less often in the first 24 hours. • Watch for feeding cues, and offer the chance to breastfeed 8 to 12 times per 24 hours. • Skin-to-skin is great today!

DAY 2: LEARNING DAY

Cluster Feeding

24 TO 48 HOURS • Babies usually start to show more feeding cues on day 2. Early feeding cues include putting hands to mouth, tongue thrusting, lip smacking, and rooting. • Babies may start to “cluster feed.” Cluster feeding is when the baby feeds frequently — this is normal. It

Cluster feeding is when your baby feeds close together at certain times of the day. It usually happens in the evening, but all babies are different. Cluster feeding is very common in newborns. Because all of these feedings may work your body overtime, here are some tips to remember: • This is normal, you are doing nothing wrong. • Make sure you are eating and drinking. • Make yourself a nest for the day and make sleep a priority. • Talk to other moms. Get the support you need. • Ask for help when you need it. • Let your baby breastfeed whenever they want. • Do not supplement your baby with formula. It may decrease your milk supply. Babies fed formula still have fussy periods. • Let your baby instinctively breastfeed and know that the fussy period is just a normal stage in your child’s life.

helps babies learn to breastfeed. Keep baby with you and allow baby to feed as often as desired.

DAY 3: ALL DAY BUFFET

48 TO 72 HOURS • Babies usually want to “cluster feed” on day 3. • Keep baby skin-to-skin so baby can breastfeed easily. Watch for feeding cues. • Feeding babies by cue means baby removes milk more frequently and mom makes more milk.

DAYS 4 & 5: NIGHT OWLS

72 TO 120 HOURS • Your milk supply will increase and your baby will be eating more at each feeding. You should hear swallowing and even gulping by this time. • You may notice your baby becomes satisfied and drifts off to sleep after feeding. It is normal if your baby sleeps more during the day and is awake more at night. Your baby will be eating 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby will start to gain weight. Your baby will also be having more wet and dirty diapers.

Most babies sleep a lot the first 24 hours but need at least 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period.

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A New Beginning