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Breastfeeding Guide to Avoid Overfeeding (一): Reading Your Baby's Needs and Feeding Scientifically

Breastfeeding is the most natural and precious bond between mom and baby. However, "Is the baby too full?" Such concerns often plague new moms. The good news is: breastfeeding itself has a natural mechanism to prevent overfeeding! By following your baby's needs and mastering the scientific method, you can easily avoid overfeeding. Here is a practical guide:

1. Recognize true hunger signals (Early signals are key!)

1.1 Early signals (the best time to feed):

Smacking and licking lips

Turning head towards the breast (feeding reflex)

Small hand in mouth

Increased body wriggling and small movements

Soft "whimpering" sounds

1.2 Intermediate signals:

Tugging at mother's clothes

Stretching and increased movement

1.3 Late signals (hunger cries):

Loud, irritable cries

Tightening of the body, reddening of the face

Avoid waiting until this point to feed! Crying is the last sign of hunger, when your baby may be too irritable to latch on to the breast, or too hungry to eat quickly, increasing the risk of air intake or spitting up.

2. Learn to watch for signs of satiety (baby says "I'm full")

Active release of the breast: This is the clearest signal.

Sucking slows down, diminishes: Small, shallow sucks or just sucking.

No more active swallowing: no regular "gurgling" sounds can be heard.

Body relaxes: small hands are open, arms hang naturally, body is no longer tense.

Satisfied, drowsy expression: Appears calm and relaxed and may go to sleep.

Shift in attention: no longer focused on feeding, easily attracted to things around them.

When your baby shows these signs, respect his wishes and stop the current feeding.

3. Pay attention to the signs of effective feeding (to make sure your baby is getting milk)

Open your mouth wide and take in most of the areola: not just the nipple.

Rhythmic sucking and swallowing: pause to swallow after a few sucks and hear a clear swallowing sound ("gurgling"; newborns may have a softer sound).

Feeling of mother's breasts: Breasts become soft after feeding.

Baby's state: expression of satisfaction and relaxation after breastfeeding

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