Feeding your newborn baby can be one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood, especially for first-time mothers (primi mothers). Your newborn is entirely dependent on breastfeeding, making it both a demanding and rewarding experience. While every mother is capable of providing nutrition for her baby, it takes practice to develop confidence and establish a good feeding routine.
According to UNICEF’s Declaration and Convention of Child Rights, every child has the right to proper nutrition for healthy development. The best nutrition for a newborn is breast milk, as it provides all the essential nutrients and energy needed for growth.
Breastfeeding in Sri Lanka’s Government Hospitals
If you deliver your baby in a government hospital in Sri Lanka, you will not be discharged until you visit the Lactation Management Centre and demonstrate proper breastfeeding techniques. This ensures that when you return home, you are already competent in breastfeeding your baby.
Immediately after birth, your baby will be offered to you for breastfeeding—regardless of whether you had a normal delivery or a Caesarean section. The ideal practice is to initiate breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes of life.
What Does ‘Breastfeeding on Demand’ Mean?
Breastfeeding on demand means feeding your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than following a strict schedule. Recognising hunger cues is crucial, as crying is actually a late sign of hunger.
Here are early hunger cues to watch for:
✔ Sticking out the tongue
✔ Licking lips
✔ Searching for the breast
✔ Hand-to-mouth reflex
✔ Restlessness
If you respond to these cues early, feeding will be easier. Waiting until your baby is crying makes feeding more difficult for both of you.
Feeding Duration & Stomach Capacity
How long and how often your baby feeds depends on their stomach size, sucking effort, and proper positioning.
🔹 Newborn stomach size: As small as a cherry at birth, growing to the size of an egg by 2-3 months.
🔹 Feeding time: Typically 20-25 minutes per session for newborns, reducing to 10-15 minutes by 4 months as they get more efficient.
🔹 Feeding intervals:
- Newborns need feeding every 1-3 hours.
- As the stomach grows, the interval increases, and babies may sleep up to 5 hours at night.
How to Tell If Your Baby Is Full
A well-fed baby will:
✔ Close their mouth
✔ Turn their head away from the breast or bottle
✔ Relax their hands
Understanding these signs helps prevent overfeeding and ensures your baby receives the right amount of nutrition.
By learning proper breastfeeding techniques and responding to your baby’s cues, you can make feeding a smoother experience for both you and your newborn. Stay patient, practice frequently, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals if needed.
