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Breastfeeding
Breast milk provides nutrition and immune benefits. Early support with positioning and latch can make breastfeeding easier.
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Chapter 6 of 10
Feeding Your Baby
THE NEW BABY JOURNEY · CHAPTER 6
Feeding
Your Baby
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Feeding is one of the first ways you care for and connect with your newborn. Whether your baby is breastfed, formula-fed, or receives a combination of both, the goal is the same: safe, adequate nutrition and healthy growth.
Feeding takes practice for babies and parents. Learning your baby's hunger cues, watching for signs of effective feeding, and knowing when to ask for help can make the early weeks feel much less overwhelming.
FEEDING YOUR NEWBORN
There Is More Than One Healthy Way to Feed a Baby
Breast milk and infant formula can both provide nutrition for a growing baby. Some families use one approach, while others use both. Your baby's growth, feeding effectiveness, medical needs, and your family's circumstances all matter.
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Formula Feeding
Commercial infant formula provides appropriate nutrition when used according to preparation and feeding instructions.
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Combination Feeding
Some families combine breast milk and formula. The best plan is one that safely nourishes your baby and works for your family.
1
HUNGER CUES
Learn Your Baby's Early Hunger Signals
Crying is often a late sign of hunger. Feeding may be easier when you respond to earlier signals.
- Bringing hands toward the mouth
- Turning the head and rooting
- Lip smacking or sucking movements
- Becoming more alert or active
Dr. G's Tip
Try to begin the feeding before your baby becomes
very upset. A calmer baby often feeds more effectively.
2
FEEDING FREQUENCY
Newborns Need Frequent Feedings
Newborn stomachs are small, so frequent feeding is expected. Feeding patterns vary, especially during the first weeks.
- Follow your baby's feeding cues
- Expect frequent feeds day and night
- Young newborns may need to be awakened for feeds
- Follow your pediatrician's advice about feeding intervals
Dr. G's Tip
During the newborn period, adequate intake and growth
matter more than trying to create a feeding schedule.
3
BREASTFEEDING
A Comfortable Latch Matters
Breastfeeding often improves with practice. A deep, comfortable latch helps milk transfer and can reduce nipple pain.
- Bring baby toward the breast rather than leaning forward
- Look for a wide-open mouth before latch
- Listen for rhythmic sucking and swallowing
- Seek help if feeding remains painful or ineffective
Dr. G's Tip
Breastfeeding should not remain severely painful.
Early help from your pediatrician or lactation professional
can make a major difference.
4
FORMULA FEEDING
Prepare Formula Safely
Infant formula should be prepared exactly as directed. Too much or too little water can be dangerous for a newborn.
- Wash your hands before preparing bottles
- Follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions exactly
- Use clean bottles and feeding equipment
- Never dilute formula to make it last longer
- Discard leftover formula from a bottle after a feeding
Dr. G's Tip
Do not change the formula concentration unless your
baby's clinician has specifically instructed you to do so.
5
BOTTLE FEEDING
Let Your Baby Set the Pace
Bottle feeding works best when the baby is supported comfortably and allowed to pause during the feeding.
- Hold your baby during feeds
- Keep the bottle positioned so the nipple remains filled
- Pause when your baby needs a break
- Watch for signs that your baby is satisfied
- Never prop a bottle or leave a baby feeding unattended
Dr. G's Tip
A finished bottle is not the goal. A comfortably fed baby
who shows signs of fullness does not need to be pushed
to take more.
6
FULLNESS CUES
Learn When Your Baby Is Finished
Babies often communicate fullness before the bottle or breast is completely emptied.
- Slowing or stopping sucking
- Turning away from the nipple
- Relaxing the hands and body
- Falling asleep after an effective feeding
- Appearing calm and satisfied
Dr. G's Tip
Feeding is a conversation. Hunger cues say,
“I'm ready.” Fullness cues say, “I'm done.”
7
IS BABY GETTING ENOUGH?
Growth and Diapers Tell the Story
Parents naturally worry about whether a newborn is getting enough milk. Feeding effectiveness is judged by the whole picture.
- Regular feeding
- Increasing wet diapers during the first days
- Appropriate stooling patterns for your baby's age and feeding
- Baby appearing satisfied after many feeds
- Appropriate weight gain over time
Dr. G's Tip
The scale at your pediatrician's office is one of the
best tools for confirming that feeding is going well.
8
SPITTING UP
Spitting Up Is Common
Many healthy newborns spit up small amounts after feeding. This often reflects an immature digestive system rather than illness.
- Burp your baby during or after feeds if needed
- Avoid forcing additional milk after fullness cues
- Keep baby upright briefly after feeding while awake
- Always place baby flat on the back for sleep
Dr. G's Tip
Spitting up may look like a large amount even when the
actual volume is small. Growth and overall comfort matter.
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DR. G'S PEARL
Feeding Is More Than Nutrition
Feeding is also holding, watching, listening, responding, and learning who your baby is.
There is no prize for following one particular feeding path. The goal is a baby who is safely nourished, growing well, and cared for by parents who feel supported.
Feed the baby in front of you—not the expectation in your head.
— Dr. G
CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
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Continue to Chapter 7 or listen to the complete audiobook free.
