We had a talk with Dr. Gellina Maala about newborns and what new mommies can expect. Did you know that newborns show signs of hunger?!
Well they DO!
When you see your baby do one of the following, it may mean that they are ready to feed and are hungry:
- stretching and reaching out
- you see them "looking" for your breast
- when they are crying, that's already a "late" cue
They usually give out the first two cues earlier and without really a fuss. So it may be easy to miss if you're not alert.
IF they fall asleep while breastfeeding, and they inevitably do, there are different ways to try and gently waking them up: caress their cheek, try taking away the breast a bit, or even tickle their feet gently.
Now if you suspect that your baby is dehydrated, the signs are that their lips and the mouth are super dry. When they are crying, tears do not come out. And they are very fussy and restless, but then they become lethargic and movements seem labored.
A feeding schedule is actually one of the best ways to ensure that you and your baby are in sync. After a couple of weeks of being home with your baby, you can tell when they are hungry. Try not to make Interrupted Feeding the norm. This is not good for the baby. Also notice when they start breathing too fast or if their complexion turns another color. When this happens, consult your doctor immediately.
But on a whole, enjoy this new stage of your life mommy! We're with you all the way!
