What a Nursing Strike Means A nursing strike is a sudden, noticeable refusal to breastfeed by a baby who previously nursed. The baby may latch briefly and then pull off, become upset when positioned for feeding, accept one breast but…

Appetite is not perfectly consistent in infancy Infants do not consume an identical amount at every feeding. Appetite is influenced by sleep, alertness, gastric emptying, activity, temperature, recent intake, and the timing of the previous feed. A baby may take…

Feeding patterns are expected to evolve Newborn feeding is influenced by immature neurologic regulation, stomach capacity, sleep pressure, birth recovery, and the developing coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. In the first days, feeding may be irregular. Some infants have…

What Bottle Refusal Looks Like Bottle refusal ranges from mild hesitation to complete rejection. A baby may latch briefly and then pull away, gag, cough, become distressed, or refuse to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Some babies accept a bottle…

What bottle nipple flow means Nipple flow refers to how readily milk passes through the nipple during feeding. It is influenced by the nipple opening, material, shape, viscosity of the liquid, bottle position, suction generated by the infant, and manufacturing…

Why positioning matters during bottle feeding During bottle feeding, an infant must organize a repeating suck-swallow-breathe pattern. The bottle nipple delivers milk while the baby is still developing the ability to regulate flow, maintain airway protection, and communicate a need…

Start with a supported, semi-upright position Sit in a stable chair or other comfortable place where your back and arms are supported. Bring your baby close to your chest and place the baby's head in the bend of your elbow…

What paced bottle feeding means Paced bottle feeding is a method of offering milk that allows the infant to regulate the rhythm of the feed. The baby is held relatively upright, the bottle is kept almost horizontal rather than tipped…

Prepare before offering the bottle Begin by choosing a quiet moment and making sure you can remain with the baby throughout the feed. Have the bottle ready according to the instructions for the specific milk being offered. When using infant…

What burping is meant to do Burping, or eructation, is the release of gas from the upper gastrointestinal tract. In babies, that gas commonly consists of air swallowed during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Swallowing some air is normal because infants are…