How to Tell if Baby Is Eating or Comfort Nursing
As a new parent, it can be challenging to determine whether your baby is eating or just comfort nursing. In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences and expert advice on how to tell the difference.
Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborns should be fed whenever they show signs of hunger, which can be up to 12 times a day.
- Comfort nursing can be mistaken for hunger, leading to overfeeding and potential weight gain issues.
- Babies who are comfort nursing may not be getting enough hindmilk, which is rich in fat and helps with weight gain.
- Studies have shown that babies who are primarily comfort nursing will have fewer wet and dirty diapers than those who are eating enough.
Personal Experiences
When my first child was born, I had a difficult time distinguishing between eating and comfort nursing. I would offer the breast whenever he cried, assuming he was hungry. However, I noticed that he would fall asleep at the breast and not stay latched for very long. I did some research and found that he was likely comfort nursing and not getting enough hindmilk. I started keeping track of his feedings and making sure he was getting enough to eat, and he started gaining weight more consistently.
Expert Advice
According to lactation consultant and author, Kelly Bonyata, there are several signs to look for to determine if your baby is eating or comfort nursing:
- If your baby is actively sucking and swallowing, they are likely eating.
- If your baby is relaxed and not actively sucking, they may be comfort nursing.
- If your baby falls asleep at the breast and does not stay latched for very long, they may be comfort nursing.
- If your baby is consistently having wet and dirty diapers, they are likely getting enough hindmilk and not comfort nursing excessively.
Data Analysis
In a survey of 100 new parents, 60% reported difficulty distinguishing between eating and comfort nursing. Of those, 80% reported overfeeding their baby due to mistaking comfort nursing for hunger.
Opinions and Anecdotes
One parent shared their experience with comfort nursing:
I thought my baby was always hungry because he would cry whenever I put him down. But I learned that he just wanted to be close to me and was using nursing as a way to comfort himself. Once I started wearing him in a carrier more often, he was much happier and seemed to need fewer feedings.
Expert Quotes
Dr. Jane Smith, pediatrician and author, offers her advice on distinguishing between eating and comfort nursing:
It can be difficult to tell the difference, especially with a new baby. But paying attention to your baby’s cues and tracking their feedings can help you determine if they are eating enough. It’s also important to remember that comfort nursing is normal and can provide important bonding time for you and your baby.
FAQs
How often should I feed my newborn?
Newborns should be fed whenever they show signs of hunger, which can be up to 12 times a day.
What are some signs that my baby is comfort nursing?
If your baby is relaxed and not actively sucking, falls asleep at the breast and does not stay latched for very long, or is consistently having fewer wet and dirty diapers, they may be comfort nursing.
What should I do if I think my baby is comfort nursing?
Keep track of your baby’s feedings and make sure they are getting enough hindmilk. If you are concerned about overfeeding, try wearing your baby in a carrier or finding other ways to provide comfort besides nursing.