How to arouse your newborn for feeding
Most medical professionals recommend letting a baby eat on demand. But during the first few days of breast-feeding, be sure to awaken your baby for feedings about every 2 hours. This will help to get your milk supply going. To make the transition from sleep gradual and comfortable, try the following:
- Cool your baby off by taking off his or her clothes. Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as you place him or her for feeding. Keep a light-weight blanket nearby.
- Pat your baby's face gently with a damp washcloth.
- Tickle your baby lightly wherever you get a reaction (on the feet, neck, top of head, or stomach).
- Change your baby's diaper.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: May 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine | |
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