Feeding your baby is something many new moms look forward to and enjoy. But just as many may experience anxiety about it, or find that it’s more difficult than they expected.

There’s no question that feeding your newborn–especially if you’re breastfeeding–can be a learning process for both mom and baby. And that is completely natural! As a mother myself, and as a Houston newborn photographer who has worked with hundreds of new parents and little ones, I want to assure you that those feelings, whether joyful or challenging, are shared by many moms.

Here are just a few tips that I’ve picked up over the years in both my mothering and my work with newborns that can help make feeding your baby easier and more enjoyable.

Breast Milk or Formula?

The first decision to make is breast milk or formula. While most babies benefit from breast milk, there may be circumstances where it just isn’t practical. There is no need to feel guilt or shame about this! You are doing your very best for your little one, even if it looks different from other people’s mothering.

I definitely recommend talking with your doctor about this so they can help you make the best decision for yourself and your baby. They can also explain the reasoning behind it so you feel confident in your decision.

Note: Even if you plan to breastfeed, it’s often a good idea to have a supply of bottles and some infant formula on hand, just in case. There are plenty of instances (like if you get sick, or if your milk supply is irregular) where it can be nice to have another option and relieve a lot of stress.

Watch Baby, Not the Clock

As busy moms, often with careers or school schedules to keep up on, we’re in the habit of organizing our day by the clock. And you’ll probably hear advice like, “You should feed your newborn every 2-3 hours.” This isn’t necessarily wrong. But a better way is to watch your baby. They will let you know when they’re ready to eat!

Once you tune into early hunger cues, like baby rooting or sucking on their fist or fingers, you’ll be able to learn your little one’s rhythm. Feeding your baby when you see those early hunger signs also means you can feed them before they get fussy. Believe me, this will make the experience so much calmer and happier for both of you!

Take Care of Yourself

I can’t say it enough: It is so important that you take care of yourself as a new mama! For breastfeeding, self-care might look like taking vitamin D supplements, purchasing a comfy, high-quality nursing bra, or sipping on a nice herbal tea throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. (Keep in mind that peppermint can reduce milk supply, so pay attention to what works best for you.)

Remember, you are your baby’s primary caretaker, and in order to give them the best care, you have to give yourself the best care too.

Learn How to Tell if Baby is Eating Enough

It can be stressful if you’re not sure whether your newborn is getting enough to eat. Not every feeding is the same, so baby might eat a lot at one time and hardly any at a different feeding, which can be confusing or even worrying for new mothers.

Again, pay attention to your baby’s cues to help you determine if they might be hungry, and talk over any concerns with your infant’s doctor. Your pediatrician will keep an eye on your newborn’s weight and help you know if they are on a normal growth curve. They can also refer you to a lactation consultant if you or baby are struggling with breastfeeding.

Keep in mind that it’s normal for new babies to lose a bit of weight during the first few days after birth, and then start gaining after that. When you feel confident that your baby is eating enough, it takes a lot of the stress out of feedings!

 

Use Feeding Time to Bond

As a mom whose babies aren’t babies anymore, I can tell you that the breastfeeding or bottle feeding stage doesn’t last nearly long enough! You will miss this time as they grow, so make the most of it now.

I know those nighttime feedings can be exhausting, but believe it or not, there will come a time when you miss those quiet moments, just you and your newborn. So dedicate a comfy space in your home, put down your cell phone, and just savor these moments of closeness between you and your precious baby.

Note: If you have a newborn photography session booked with me, either at the studio or in your home, please do not stress about working around baby’s feeding schedule! Many photographers advise feeding your baby shortly before your session so that baby is content and sleepy, but the simple fact is, babies are unpredictable! I build extra time into my sessions so everyone can stay relaxed and just enjoy the process. There is always time to take a break and feed your baby—whatever it takes for them to feel happy and comfortable!

Ask for Help if You Need It

I hope these tips for feeding your newborn are helpful as you navigate this skill of new motherhood! There really is so much to learn at every stage of parenting, so if you ever feel that you need help with any of it, remember to reach out!

There are so many resources available, from professional support to other moms who know exactly what it’s like to be where you are now. You might want to check out my collection of postpartum resources for new Houston moms if you feel you could use some extra support.

In the meantime, enjoy every moment with your sweet little one, and I hope I’ll be seeing you both in the studio sometime soon!

Lots of Love,

Shannon