Feeding Your Newborn2 weeks old

Welcoming a new baby in your life is a cheerful moment but it can also be overwhelming, especially with feeding. Parenting can be a time of many questions, and with a new arrival the question of “How much should I feed my newborn?” is one a lot of new parents find themselves asking. That is an important question, as proper nourishment is critical to your baby’s growth and development. There are many great resources and information on feeding your newborn including breast feeding, formula feeding and hunger cues and you will be guided through everything in this guide.

Early weeks of feeding and nutrition

Your newborn’s body is growing fast in those first weeks of life. Nutrition is needed for:

                Reason: Brain Development — Your baby’s brain, whose development is aided by nutrition, grows during the first year.

                Physical Growth: It is essential to feed babies adequately if they double their birth weight by six months.

               Support Your Child’s Immune System: Breast milk delivers antibodies that protect against infection.

    Feeding Guide: How Much You Should Be Feeding Your Newborn

Breastfeeding Guidelines

The World Health Organization recommends that infants be breastfed exclusively during the first 6 months of life. According to AAP recommendations, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Here’s a guide to how much to feed your newborn:

First Few Days: In these first few days of life, your baby’s tummy is tiny: if you turn it into a marble you’ve open about their size. They might take only 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of colostrum per feeding.

Week 1: At the end of the first week, your baby will drink around 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) per feeding.

Weeks 2-4: Your milk supply starts to ramp up in these weeks, and your little one may drink 2-3 ounces (60-90 ml) each feeding, roughly every 2-3 hours.

Formula Feeding Guidelines

If you decide to formula feed, the recommendations are a bit different. Here’s what to expect:

First Couple of Days: Like with breastfeeding, newborns will take approximately 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) per feed.

Week One: They can consume 2-3 oz (about 60-90 ml) of their feed at each session of feeding by the end of the first week.

Week Two to Four: At this point, formula fed babies usually drink 3-4 ounces (90-120 ml) of formula with each feeding every 3-4 hours.

Recognizing Hunger Cues

Recognizing your newborn’s hunger cues is crucial to feeding success. Some common signs that your baby is hungry include:

Rooting reflex: Your baby turns their head and opens their mouth when their cheek is stroked.

Suckling on Hands: A hungry baby may suck on his fists or fingers.

Crying: Crying is a late sign of hunger, but you should react early to earlier cues.

Feeding Frequency

Babies are also born with tiny stomachs, which means they need to eat often. A rough feeding schedule looks something like this:

Breastfed Infants: Usually breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours — 8 to 12 times a day.

Formula-Fed Babies: Often fed every 3-4 hours, which is 6-8 times per day.

Tips for Successful Feeding

Establishing a Routine

Although each baby is different, creating a feeding schedule can benefit you and your newborn. Here are some tips:

Feed on Demand: Respond to your baby’s signals of hunger instead of adhering to a strict timetable.

Keep a Feeding Log: This can help you know your baby’s patterns, also ensure they are feeding well.

How To Set Up A Comfortable Feeding Zone

Feeding in a calm and comfortable atmosphere will make the feeding experience more enjoyable for you and your baby. Consider the following:

Select a Quiet Environment: You can reduce distractions to allow your baby to concentrate on feeding.

Use Supportive Pillows: Use pillows to support your arms and back if breastfeeding.

Common Feeding Challenges

There can be challenges with feeding a newborn. Here are some common problems and the way to fix them:

Latching Difficulties

If you’re breastfeeding, an improper latch can cause pain and insufficient feeding. Here’s a quick guide to getting a better latch:

Proper latch: Your baby may need to position their mouth wide, covering both your nipple and even some of your areola.

Get Assistance: See a lactation consultant if you’re