A mother must be aware of the signs indicating that her baby’s stomach is full. Learn about these signs from an expert.
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it can pose challenges, especially for new mothers. Learning to recognize when your baby’s stomach is full is crucial to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding. Underfeeding may lead to malnourishment, while overfeeding can result in excess weight gain and vomiting, disrupting your baby’s digestive system.
It’s common for babies to become distracted or lose interest while feeding, so gently encourage them to continue sucking. If you’re unsure about your baby’s feeding patterns, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your gynecologist. With time, you’ll become more familiar with your baby’s cues and gain confidence in feeding.
Creating a calm and quiet environment during breastfeeding is important to minimize distractions. Ensure your baby’s head is aligned with their body for easier swallowing and that they are latching properly.
The Healthonlyforyou editorial team consulted Dr. Ram Gopal Holla, Senior Consultant Neonatology and Pediatrics at Rosewalk Healthcare, Panchsheel Park, to learn more about the signs indicating that your baby’s stomach is full.
Indicators that your infant has had enough to eat
To understand when your baby is hungry or full, it’s important to observe their cues. Each baby has their own appetite and feeding pattern. Dr. Holla suggests several factors that can help you recognize your baby’s hunger signals:
1. If the baby pulls away from the breast during feeding
Recognizing when your baby is full is important. One indication is when the baby pushes your nipples or the bottle tip away with their tongue during feeding. This suggests that the child is satisfied. However, if your baby doesn’t show this behavior, gently encouraging them to stop may be necessary. Consulting with a pediatrician for medical advice is advisable.
2. If the baby begins crying when you attempt to feed them
Occasionally, when you begin feeding your child, they may not be hungry at that moment. This could also occur due to gas discomfort. If the baby starts crying during feeding, it may suggest that they are not hungry at that time. Some babies cry if feeding continues despite being full. Ideally, you should wait until the baby has fully emptied one breast before switching to the other.
3. The infant drifts off to sleep
Similar to grown-ups, infants also enjoy napping after they’ve had their fill. If your little one falls asleep around their usual feeding time, it’s a good indicator that they’re satisfied. For newborns, it’s helpful to keep them slightly elevated to prevent spitting up.
4. Starts sucking slowly
Another indicator to determine if your baby’s stomach is full is when they begin to suckle slowly. This slow sucking may suggest satiety and could also signal that the child is drifting off to sleep. To help keep your baby awake for the entire feeding session, gently tap their feet.
5. The baby spreads his legs and arms
When a baby is well fed, they typically relax their body and limbs. Curled fists often indicate hunger or discomfort in a baby. Additionally, after being well fed, babies tend to appear happier and more content.
6. Baby burps
Infants burp more frequently than adults. Once a baby burps, it’s a signal that you should not continue feeding them. In some instances, a wet burp may occur, where a few drops of milk are expelled from the baby’s mouth, providing a clear indication to cease feeding.
Conclusion
Babies are unable to verbally communicate their needs, but they exhibit signs that a mother gradually learns to interpret in order to understand what, when, and how much food the baby requires. It’s important not to panic, and if you find yourself struggling to comprehend your baby’s needs, don’t hesitate to ask these questions to your pediatrician. Remember, with time, you’ll become more familiar with your baby’s cues and signs.