Why is My Newborn Always Hungry?
Today’s topic is very interesting. Majority of the new parents are concerned about their newborn babies. One of the most common questions they ask is about their newborn nutrition.
I receive newborn on a daily basis and often their parents ask why it seems that their newborn is always hungry and demanding milk.
If the baby is breastfed than parents are more concern about the hunger of their newborn. First-time mothers have less idea about the dietary requirements of their newborn. Breastfeeding moms are always trying to feed their newborn at all times. Often they ask, is my milk enough for the baby?
This is a normal question, parents always try to make the best for their babies. If you are frequently feeding your newborn, this is absolutely normal. Now, coming to today’s question about the newborn and what causes them to be hungry at all times.
Newborn seems to be hungry at all times. Your newborn can demand milk frequently and this is absolutely normal. You should feed a newborn every 3-4 hours, however, there are episodes when the baby demands milk several times within an hour.
Why is My Newborn Always Hungry?
There can be a variety of different factors that make your newborn hungry even after a regular feeding. In this article, I have explained all the causes which may make your newborn seem hungry at all times.
Milk should be given to the newborn after every 3- hours in the first few weeks. Even if the baby does not demand milk after 4 hours, you should feed the newborn.
Let us get into the details:
Newborn babies require more nourishment and they may demand milk at frequent intervals. During the first few weeks of life, you may notice this more often. You should not worry if your newborn seems to be hungry at all times. This happens mostly with the breastfeeding infants when the milk supply is less.
Often new mothers think that is no end for the newborn feeding and it looks like an endless game. You should have to stay focused that the newborn needs you. Feed him whenever he demands just keep an eye on spiting of the milk.
Even if you think that your breastmilk is not enough for the newborn, never stop breastfeeding. You should improve your diet and there is also an option of add-on formula milk. Breastmilk is best for the newborn.
What is Cluster feeding in breastfeed newborn?
You should know about Cluster feeding. This means feeding a baby at frequent intervals. This is also helpful for the newborn in fulfilling the nutritional requirements. This normally happens in the evening hours, when the baby is sleeping and demanding milk constantly.
This is also helpful for the mother. Mother can start from one breast and feed the newborn for about 15 minutes and then switch. Cluster feeding helps the mothers to form milk supply, this eventually is beneficial for the newborn.
Now, you must know that it is absolutely normal for the newborn to demand milk frequently and you may notice this after every 3- hours. You should know when the baby is hungry and act accordingly.
How to know when the newborn is hungry?
In this part of the article, I will explain different signs that show hunger in a newborn. You must be aware of all these to properly nourish your baby. All newborn shows these signs and these will help you understand your baby:
Baby is constantly taking his hand into his mouth:
This is one of the most obvious signs that show the newborn is hungry. Babies put their hand in their mouth when they are hungry and as a mother, you must be aware of this.
Whenever you notice your newborn is sucking the hand or finger, feed him. Once you have nourished the baby properly, you will notice that he will keep his hands at the place.
Baby is shaking his head repeatedly:
Few babies shake their head sideways when they are hungry. This is their method of showing that they need milk. Check your baby after a couple of hours and if you notice that he is moving his head, again and again, you know to what to do.
Feed him for 15-20 minutes and you will notice that he will sooth down.
Your baby is crying:
Whenever a newborn is hungry there are chances that he will start crying. If you notice that your baby is crying and there is no obvious reason, he may be hungry.
Babies cry repeatedly until they are given milk. If you are breastfeeding your newborn, feed him for 20 minutes at least. It may take a while before he is fully nourished.
How often to feed a newborn with formula milk?
Another question that parents ask about their newborn is about formula milk. If your newborn seems hungry at all times then you can not feed him every hour.
If you are giving formula milk to the newborn, just give 1-2 ounces at every feed. Your newborn can demand milk every 2-3 hours if you are bottle-feeding him.
There are chances of spitting up of milk when the newborn is given formula milk. There is no need to worry, just reduce the amount the formula in the water and feed milk at frequent intervals.
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Excellent article. Thank you Dr.Qaisrani for this guide.