As was stated in the first infant blog, there is a guideline
for the amounts of milk infants consume. Inside of them is a natural rhythm to
increase the volume they consume during the first 3 months in order to wean out
the night feeds and begin sleeping through the night. This could happen as soon as
2.5 months and up to 4 months. Just to clarify, sleeping thru
the night means eleven hours or longer.
Along with the natural rhythm, the parents and caregivers
assist in reaching the goal by listening to the child's cues as to when and how
much to feed the child. Keeping a log for the first little while is helpful because the
feeds all run into each other. Even I log because I do not always remember
times and amounts.
Below are some key factors to successful feedings:
- Feeds should last from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
- Your child sleeps from the end of the feed to the
beginning of the next feed as well as during most of the feed.
- Long sleeps enable them to be very hungry and eat as much
as needed for the next sleep.
- They eat to not just be full but satiated which enables
optimum growth during sleep.
- They will usually eat about half the desired amount at the
beginning of the feed.
- Take a break and let rest and digest, then burp (about 15
minutes).
- Change diaper (infants usually do BMs while feeding).
This will wake them to be ready to finish the feeding.
- Can change clothes at the diaper change.
- Make the room ready for sleep time. Close curtains (if
open), turn off lights, Swaddle now if still young and doing so.
- Top off or, in other words, can now feed the rest of the
milk or place on breast.
- Your child will continue to eat and be satiated and fall
asleep.
- Be patient. They can get restless because they are fatigued. Cuddle in, or pat on the back if needed. Will settle and feed.
Each child will need the amount of ounces according to his
or her own body. The guidelines are helpful but your best gauge is what your
infant is telling you.
- Take into consideration genetics.
- Where did your child place on the growth chart at birth?
- The average weight gain is 2lbs per month. Your child
should gain weight every month.
- Is your infant sleeping from feed to feed?
Feeding time should be quiet and peaceful and. preferably,
in the bedroom. Your full attention can be given to your infant and the feed.
This will allow them to eat well and digest well and have a
pleasant and rewarding experience at each feed. It is also time for bonding and
cuddling and assessing their growth and development and hygiene needs and
comfort levels.
A very important fact to keep in mind is the experiences
your child has early on directly affect them later.
Getting started in the right direction will keep you both
going in the right direction.
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