Breastfeeding & Normal Newborn Behaviour
One of the most important things you can do in preparing for your baby is learning about what normal newborn behaviour is. This way you can prepare yourself for the realities and challenges of early parenthood, and also gain a sense of when things aren’t normal.
Preparing yourself for life with a newborn and your breastfeeding journey can look like a few different things. I recommend that all new parents learn about newborn needs and how to respond to them before their baby is born. Preparation is particularly important when it comes to breastfeeding, as breastfeeding is a learned skill that comes with time, changing with your baby’s needs. If you can have an idea of what normal is, when you hit a challenge such as cluster feeding or a growth spurt, you will be better prepared and less doubtful of your progress.
How often does my baby need to feed?
Research shows 8-12 times or more every 24 hours. Commonly parents are advised every 3-4 hours, which equates to 6-8 times per 24 hours and doesn’t allow for more than this. If you are expecting your baby to feed every 4 hours but they feed every 2-3 hours, you may think something is wrong, or be worried that your baby is not feeding as expected. This frequency is perfectly normal in the early days and is required as their stomachs are small, and the milk supply is still establishing. Also, a baby sucking at the breast is more complex than just calories and growing, they crave nervous system regulation (also achieved by cuddles and skin + skin from their carers), sensory nourishment, warmth and comfort.
What is cluster feeding?
We can’t talk about breastfeeding without talking about cluster feeding. Cluster feeding is when your baby feeds for extended periods, up to several hours. This is behaviour that is designed to increase the milk supply and calorie intake. It is a normal part of feeding, particularly before the milk has been established. Make sure you have a comfortable breastfeeding technique and posture, and that you have food and fluids on hand. If cluster feeding goes on day after day and is around the clock, seek some guidance from an expert IBCLC Lactation Consultant to make sure everything is on track, and if not, some advice and strategies to get through it.
Sensitive digestive system
It’s also important to recognise that a newborn baby’s gut is very sensitive in the early weeks. A bowel motion and passing gas can be a “full-body” experience for such a tiny person, so they will show their discomfort and seek comfort during the process. Lots of warmth, cuddles, rubbing and patting their back (lower back is ideal), massage, cycling of their legs, and a warm bath can help relax your baby’s tense stomach muscles so they can release wind and move their bowel. You’ll notice after a large poo or fart that they suddenly relax as if nothing was ever the matter. As your baby’s digestive system matures, these symptoms should begin to ease and reduce in frequency.
Newborn sleep
It is very common for sleep to be more abundant during the days (rather than the night) when your baby is first born. And also with the amount of feeding they require, periods of sleep can be short in between frequent feedings. Babies rarely sleep alone in a cot on their own in the early days, they are seeking comfort and protection from the arms of their carers, and this is where they will be most content. Your baby’s night and day clock (circadian rhythm) only starts to develop from about 4 weeks of age, so sleep that feels messy, sporadic and all over the place is especially normal before this time.
Making sure your baby feeds frequently during the day and gets adequate sensory nourishment will help support sleep during the night. It’s also comforting to know that a breastfeeding mother reaches deeper sleep states more quickly, therefore less sleep is required, as it becomes more quality. Holding the perspective that this is normal and for a phase will help. Nap or rest when your baby is sleeping, and make sure you are eating frequently. Getting a balance of protein, healthy fats and wholefood carbohydrates will support your energy levels. This is where a doula, a meal train and meal prep can be a great support.
At the end of the day, the newborn period is a time of immense growth and change for not only the baby but also the parents. If you are feeling lost, or need reassurance that what your baby is doing is normal, seek out a professional who is experienced in newborn behaviour to guide you through. It’s normal to feel like you are struggling, especially if you are trying to do it all on your own. We know it takes a village to raise a child and the newborn period is no exception.