Hunger Cues:
- Awakening (when sleeping skin-to-skin this might be the first and only cue, as baby will navigate towards breast for feeding)
- Soft Sounds
- Mouthing (licking lips, moving lips, sticking tongue out, making sucking noises)
- Rooting (turning head & mouth towards stimulus or touch on cheek- moving towards the breast)
- Crying- begining softly and gradually intensifying
Hopefully you’ll find that breastfeeding is much more pleasant for mom & baby when it’s baby led by hunger cues vs. attempting to feed a fussy baby. Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learning process for both you and baby. Allow yourself time to adjust, tune into cues, and perfect your latch-on techniques (seek the help of a professional if you are becoming frustrated. Once breastfeeding is established, it can be the most rewarding experience of motherhood.
If you need support during your breastfeed struggles contact Dr. Erika– as a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (certified through Lactation Education Resources), she can offer assistance, troubleshooting suggestions-as well as, chiropractic care for your infant.
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