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Why is my newborn acting hungry after feeding?

Understanding Your Newborn’s Hunger Cues
As a new parent, it can be concerning to see your newborn acting hungry even after a feeding. This behavior can stem from several factors, and understanding them can help you respond appropriately to your baby’s needs.
Common Reasons for Persistent Hunger
One of the primary reasons your newborn may seem hungry after feeding is cluster feeding. This is a common behavior, especially during growth spurts, where babies feed more frequently over a short period. During these times, they may appear to be constantly hungry as they try to increase your milk supply or meet their growing nutritional needs.
Another possibility is that your baby is seeking comfort rather than nutrition. Newborns often have a strong sucking reflex, which can lead them to suck for comfort even when they are not truly hungry. This behavior can sometimes be misinterpreted as hunger.
Feeding Techniques and Their Impact
Feeding techniques can also play a significant role in how satisfied your baby feels after a feeding. For instance, if a baby is speed-feeding, they might not be taking in enough milk to feel full, leading to fussiness and signs of hunger shortly after feeding. Ensuring that your baby is feeding effectively and for an adequate duration can help mitigate this issue.
If you notice that your baby is consistently acting hungry after feedings, it may be beneficial to increase the amount of milk or formula offered during each feeding. For example, if your baby finishes a bottle quickly and still seems hungry, consider adding an extra half ounce to their next feeding.
Recognizing Hunger vs. Other Needs
It’s essential to differentiate between true hunger and other needs your baby may have. Signs of hunger can include rooting, sucking on their hands, or fussing. However, sometimes babies may simply need to self-soothe or may be experiencing discomfort, such as gas or a belly ache.
If your baby is fussy but not feeding well, it might be worth consulting with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.
Conclusion
In summary, if your newborn is acting hungry after feeding, it could be due to cluster feeding, a need for comfort, or feeding technique issues. By observing your baby’s cues and adjusting feeding practices as needed, you can better meet their needs and ensure they feel satisfied. Remember, every baby is different, and it may take some time to find the right balance that works for you and your little one.

How to tell if baby is hungry or wants comfort?

Signs of Seeking Comfort: Cuddling: Wanting to be held close or snuggled without showing signs of wanting to eat. Soothing Behavior: Sucking on fingers or a pacifier without showing interest in feeding. Calming: Responding to being rocked, patted, or held, rather than being calmed by feeding.

What if my newborn still acts hungry after feeding?

It’s a common misconception from parents that baby is still hungry because they had drank formula or expressed milk following a breast feed, they’re not hungry they’re drinking as a reflex. Cluster feeding is normal and is part and parcel of BF.

Why is my newborn not satisfied after feeding?

Baby is not latching on properly
Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby need to learn together. It may take you both a while to get the hang of it. If you are finding breastfeeding painful or your baby does not seem to be satisfied after feeds, they may not be latching onto the breast properly.

What are the false hunger cues of newborns?

Infant reflexes such as rooting and hand-to-mouth are often assumed to be signs of hunger. Sucking and swallowing reflexes are often mistaken as confirmation that a baby is genuinely hungry. However, these reflexes can be triggered irrespective of whether a baby is hungry or not.

Why does my newborn act like he’s starving?

Your baby can go through periods of increased hunger and fussiness. This increase in hunger means your baby is going through a period of fast growth (a growth spurt). If you breastfeed, you might find your baby wants to eat more often (sometimes every hour!) during certain times of the day.

Can comfort nursing lead to overfeeding?

In terms of overfeeding, babies tend to be good at self-regulating their milk intake. Overfeeding is much more common when babies are bottle fed. When a baby comfort nurses, they do not drink nearly as much milk as when they are nursing at mealtimes due to the leisurely and less intense sucking motions.

How to tell if baby is overfed?

When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools. Although crying from discomfort is not colic , it can make crying more frequent and more intense in an already colicky baby.

How do I know I’m overfeeding my newborn?

When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools. Although crying from discomfort is not colic , it can make crying more frequent and more intense in an already colicky baby.

How to tell the difference between gas and hunger in a newborn?

You can tell if your baby’s gassy if he’s particularly fussy, crying a lot or very unhappy, especially if you’ve ruled out other causes like hunger and tiredness. Your baby may sound like he’s in pain and squirm in discomfort. This can be normal, but talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Is my newborn hungry or trying to soothe?

Look for these hunger cues
Hungry babies might cry, but remember to look for other, earlier hunger cues, like: Bringing her hands to their face. Rooting (looking for the nipple with their mouth) Making sucking motions and noises.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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