Feeding

Knowing that your baby is taking enough milk is one of the most worrisome aspects of parenting. Successful feeding occurs when baby is drowsy or awake and calm. Your baby can tell you when he is ready for a feed with the following behaviours:

• rooting
• squirming
• eyes open or closed
• moving his hands near to or across his face
• making sucking sounds or sucking motions with his mouth
• sucking his fingers

Your baby will usually display one or more of the above signs before he resorts to crying.

The community liaison team can offer support with feeding by helping parents make a feeding plan. This will give you a rough guide of what to expect based on your baby's behaviours and feeding patterns whilst in hospital. They may also advise you on the maximum time you should allow between feeds especially in the case of small babies. As a general rule, if a baby sleeps well between feeds and has plenty of wet and dirty nappies, he is getting enough milk. Please discuss any concerns with the community liaison team or your health visitor.