Looking for Baby’s Breastfeeding Cues
Chiqui Brosas on Dec 29 2007 at 9:40 pm | Filed under: Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should always be when the baby is ready to do so. In him is built an instinct, and internal rythym and the skill to breastfeed. We need to observe our baby keenly to know when he is ready. He will give us certain cues to watch out for. An experienced mother through time have learned these cues. A new mother will find it easier to breastfeed her baby when he is calm, quiet and ready to feed contrary to an upset, crying, too hungry, overly stimulated, exhausted, not hungry baby. One of the most obvious cues when you are carrying your baby is when he turns to your side of the breast. Some may even throw themselves to the side of the breast and try to position to breastfeed. His mouth will keep opening as though trying to reach for the breast. If the baby is laying in his bed, he may show you his interest to breastfeed by sucking on his fingers, his fists or the blanket, some even make a sound. Others smack their lips and repeatedly stick their tongue out. Some babies squirm from side to side while they open their mouths. This may result to restlessness and eventually crying which makes latching and positioning very difficult for a new mother. You need to be able to catch his cues early so as not to frustrate him. Crying is a last minute cue. Babies have their way of body language. Their mothers have to observe them carefully. If the mother is not sure he wants to breastfeed, try it anyway. A baby who interested, will not suckle.
