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Newborn Nuances

A Certified Doula Discusses Newborn Characteristics

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

Following the newborn procedures, a mother can unwrap the blankets in order to hold, look at and breastfeed her baby skin-to-skin, laying blankets over the top of the baby. This is a beautiful way to bond with and get to know your baby. Fathers can also provide skin-to-skin contact, being sure to cover Baby with several blankets and to continue using the newborn hat.

Begin feeding your baby shortly after birth. Right after birth, a baby may not act hungry, even though she is ready to eat.

To ensure a strong milk supply and a healthy baby, a rule of thumb is to feed your baby every two to three hours, or eight to 12 times a day. Formula-fed babies will eat less frequently, about every three to four hours. At 2 to 3 weeks of age, your baby will experience a growth spurt and spend a few days eating more frequently than usual. Eventually your baby will fall into a fairly predictable pattern, taking in more milk in less time at each feeding.

When eating, your baby may stop sucking, close his mouth or turn away from the nipple. He may not be finished eating, though. He may be taking a break or need to burp. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before feeding again. When he is ready to end the feeding, he will resist taking the nipple or suckling.

Babies may smack their lips, put their fist to their mouth or cry when they're hungry. By watching your baby for early signs of hunger – stirring and stretching, sucking motions or lip movements – you may avoid having to calm an upset baby. Fussing and crying are secondary cues. It will take some time for you to become familiar with your baby's cues.

Want to see more?

• Get to Know Your Newborn: A Head-to-toe Look at Your Baby
• The Wonders of Newborns: What Makes Babies So Unique and Special
• Newborn Breathing: Are All Those Little Noises Normal?
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!