As the baby comes home, mothers will have to spend some time for night feeding. This situation may not be for a long duration of time. However, this is needed for babies to survive their first few months. Aside from night feeding, mothers also need to know how they would be putting the babies back to sleep. Mothers need to understand that newborn babies do not have a definite schedule of feeding especially on the first months. It all depends on their babies. They should be guided naturally by their babies’ needs.
Night feeding may also be more frequent during the first months. Their babies’ stomachs are so small that they would not be able to take in so much. After an hour or two, they need to be fed again. As they grow, feeding would be less frequent. They will then be able to take in more and they will last longer before the next feeding is needed. Mothers will feel and notice some signs that their babies are hungry. Mothers should not wait until their babies start crying before feeding them. After the night feeding, putting the babies back to sleep may be something difficult to do for first time mothers.
However, mothers should know that when they go to their babies’ rooms for night feeding, they should not disturb them so much. Babies may learn to put themselves back to sleep without so much fuss. Mothers do not need to switch on the light when they feed their babies. They should not play or talk to them. Putting the babies back to sleep may not be that difficult if babies learn that they will have to go back to sleep after the night feeding. Mothers may do the same with changing diapers in the night. They need not disturb their babies so much so it would be easier for both of them to go back to sleep.
Mothers do not need to worry as night feeding will be gone after a few months. However, they will have to be patient so that their babies will not starve in the night. Babies need enough fuel for their bodies even in the night so they need to be fed. Putting the babies back to sleep will not be too much of a problem especially when babies get used to it. There may be times when mothers need to reassure their babies. They need to feel that they are always there before they get hungry. Sometimes mothers may rock or pat them back to sleep but this should not be done so often. Babies will also learn not to disturb others if their needs are met and satisfied.
