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Breastfeeding Your Child

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Feeding a Fussy Baby
Fussy babies are often diagnosed as being colicky. What is colic? It seems to be one of the mysteries of nature. Nobody knows what it really is, but everyone has an opinion. In the typical situation, the baby starts to have crying periods about two to three weeks after birth. These occur mainly in the evening and finally stop when the baby is about three months of age (occasionally older). When the baby cries, he is often inconsolable, though if he is walked, rocked or taken for a drive, he may settle temporarily.

What can be done for Colic?
A colicky baby can be very trying. Here are some general suggestions to help with the situation:

  • Use a baby carrier or sling between feedings. This provides skin-to-skin contact. Extra physical closeness may calm her down.
  • If possible, have extra household help so that you can be freed to give your baby extra attention.
  • Have baby checked by her pediatrician to rule out physical causes for the fussiness

A fretful baby may have difficulty settling down to breastfeed.Feeding
Here are some suggestions to try:

Before you start to nurse your baby:

  • Feed her before she is fully awake and fussing.
  • If she is already fussing, a gentle cuddling or rocking may quiet her enough so she can latch on and nurse.
  • Swaddling the baby may make her feel safe and allow her to relax.
  • Make sure she is warm enough. Some babies are especially sensitive to cold (especially the feet and shoulders).
  • Change the baby’s clothing to check for something binding.
  • Change the baby’s diaper.
  • Calm her by offering her a clean finger to suck before offering the breast.

During breastfeeding:

  • Remove competing stimuli (television, radio, even siblings if possible).
  • Sing or speak in a chanting voice to calm her.
  • Try different nursing positions.
  • Be patient…this too, will pass.

Parent to Parent Helpful Hints

How Much Are They Getting?
For a small breastfed baby it is important to know how much they are getting during a 24-hour period. To avoid counting soiled diapers, I did the following: I counted out six to nine diapers in the morning and set them aside. If the diapers were used within the next 24-hour period, I knew my baby was getting enough. After several days I became assured that my baby was wetting enough diapers and stopped counting.

Natasha - Mountain View, CA

The Problem with Growth Charts
Most growth charts are based on data from formula-fed babies. This might lead some parents and doctors to suggest supplemental feedings or starting with solid foods earlier. The La Leche League suggests that concerned parents should consult their pediatrician instead of the charts, and take into consideration baby’s height, head circumference & developmental skills.

Sherry - Campbell, CA

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