Managing Newborn Frequent Feedings: Strategies for New Parents

Why does it seem like your newborn is always hungry? Discover the reasons behind constant feeding during the early postpartum period and uncover practical strategies to manage this intense time without feeling completely overwhelmed. In this episode of Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie, host Carey breaks down the science of your baby's tiny stomach and why frequent feeds are crucial for their growth and hydration. You'll gain a deeper understanding of your baby's needs and learn how to set realistic expectations that can ease the pressure on you as a new parent.

We also dive into essential tactics for creating a comfortable feeding environment, maintaining your own well-being, and maximizing partner support. Carey shares actionable tips to make those endless feeds more manageable, from preparing a cozy feeding nook to staying nourished and hydrated. Plus, we tackle the challenges of night feeds and offer advice on developing a nighttime routine that works for you and your baby. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with support and practical advice aimed at helping you not just survive, but thrive, during those demanding early weeks of parenthood.

Thank you for listening to Parenting Genie Podcast. For more parenting information, visit our website https://parentinggenie.com.au. or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter @parentinggenie.
We value your feedback, so please feel free to reach out to us via email at [e-mail].

Episode Transcript

Carey Donohoe (00:00):
Hi everyone.
Today's podcast is titledSurviving the Frequent Feeds
During the Early PostpartumPeriod.
Hello and welcome back toParenting Powerhouse by
Parenting Genie.
I'm your host, Carey, and todaywe're tackling a topic that
many new parents face head-onduring those first few weeks
with a newborn Surviving theFrequent Feeds During the Early

(00:22):
Postpartum Period.
If you're in those early days ofparenthood, you probably feel
like your life revolves aroundfeeding.
Whether breastfeeding, formulafeeding or combining both,
feeding your newborn is around-the-clock job.
In this episode, we willexplain why your baby needs to
feed so frequently and sharesome tips on managing it without

(00:44):
feeling completely overwhelmed.
Let's start with why, in thoseearly weeks, your newborn
stomach is tiny the size of amarble at birth.
This means they can't hold muchfood at once and must eat
frequently to get the nutrientsthey need to grow.
Whether you're breastfeeding orbottle feeding, babies

(01:04):
typically need to eat every twoto three hours.
This frequent feeding helpsyour baby gain weight, stay
hydrated and develop a healthyfeeding routine.
But as natural as this processis, it's exhausting for parents.
Sleep deprivation often kicksin quickly and it can feel like
you've just finished one feedand then the next one comes

(01:25):
around.
It's common to feel overwhelmedby the frequency of feeds,
especially when trying torecover from childbirth.
So how can you manage thefrequent feeds in a way that
helps you survive, even thrive,during this early postpartum
period?
Let's dive into some strategies.

(01:46):
Postpartum period let's diveinto some strategies.
First and foremost, it'simportant to set realistic
expectations.
In those early weeks, feedingyour baby will take up most of
your time.
Accepting this as a temporarybut necessary phase can help
ease the pressure you might feel.
Your body and baby areadjusting to a new routine and
it's okay if the laundry pilesup or the meals aren't as

(02:09):
elaborate as they used to be.
Preparing your feeding areabeforehand is one of the best
coping strategies for frequentfeeds, whether breastfeeding or
bottle feeding.
Create a comfortable andconvenient space for feeding.
Stock it up with youressentials water, snacks, burp
cloths, your phone or a book,and pillows for support.

(02:31):
If breastfeeding, a nursingpillow can help position your
baby comfortably, reducingstrain on your arms and back.
Another critical strategy is totake care of yourself while
feeding your baby.
It's easy to neglect your needswhen focused on keeping up with
your baby's demands, butstaying hydrated and nourished

(02:52):
is just as important.
Ensure you have water andhealthy snacks within reach
during feeding.
A quick snack like trail mix,fruit or granola can help give
you the energy boost you need.
Now let's talk about yourpartner support.
Feeding might primarily fall onone parent, especially if

(03:12):
you're breastfeeding, but thatdoesn't mean your partner can't
help.
Your partner can offer supportby bringing you snacks, helping
with the nappy changes orkeeping you company during those
late night feeds.
If you're bottle feeding orpumping, consider taking shifts
so that both of you can get somerest.
Another tip is to embrace restwhen you can.

(03:34):
The old saying sleep when thebaby sleeps may sound cliche,
but it's often the best advicefor new parents.
Even if you can't sleep everytime your baby naps, try to use
those moments to relax andrecharge.
Rest is essential for yourrecovery and wellbeing,
especially during those earlyweeks when sleep can be elusive.

(03:57):
If you're breastfeeding andstruggling with the demands of
frequent feeds, considerreaching out for support.
Lactation consultants can offerguidance on how to make
breastfeeding more comfortableand efficient, and they can help
troubleshoot any issues you maybe experiencing.
And they can help troubleshootany issues you may be
experiencing.
It's also worth mentioning thatsome parents find breastfeeding

(04:19):
challenging in the beginning,and that's completely normal.
Don't hesitate to seek help ifyou need it.
Now let's talk about the nightfeeds.
These can be some of the mostchallenging moments for new
parents, mainly when operatingon little sleep.
Try to make night feeds as easyas possible by keeping things

(04:40):
simple.
Have everything you need closeby bottles, formula burp cloths
or breastfeeding pillows, so youdon't have to stumble around in
the dark looking for supplies.
Keep the lights low to help youand your baby transition back
to sleep more quickly afterfeeding.
It's also helpful to develop anight time routine.

(05:03):
Babies thrive on routines andhaving a consistent bedtime
ritual can signal your baby thatit's time to sleep.
Whether it's a warm bath, softmusic or a gentle rocking
session, find what works for youand stick with it.
Over time, this routine willhelp your baby settle more
efficiently, which can meanlonger stretches of sleep for

(05:26):
everyone.
Remember, these frequent feedswon't last forever.
As your baby grows, theirstomach will get bigger and the
time between feeds willgradually lengthen.
In the meantime, being patientwith yourself and your baby is
essential.
You're learning and adjustingto this new rhythm, which takes

(05:47):
time.
Surviving the frequent feedsearly postpartum is about
finding balance and asking forhelp when needed.
Don't hesitate to lean on yourpartner, family or friends for
support and, most importantly,give yourself grace.
You're doing a fantastic job,even when it feels tough.

(06:08):
That's the wrap-up for today'sepisode on how to survive the
frequent feeds early postpartum.
I hope these tips help you feelmore equipped to handle the
feeding frenzy during theseearly weeks.
In our next episode, we'lldiscuss understanding newborn
weight, another common challengefor new parents.
And, as always, if you'refeeling overwhelmed or need a

(06:32):
little extra support, ParentingGenie is here for you.
We offer Parenting Live Expert24-7 support, where you can
connect instantly with amaternal child health nurse for
real-time advice and support,whether it's feeding questions,
sleep concerns or generalparenting advice.

(06:53):
We're just a click away.
For more tips and insights,visit our website at
parentinggeniecomau, and don'tforget about Genie Chat, which
offers instant parenting answersfrom pregnancy to raising a
five-year-old.
Until next time, take care ofyourself and happy parenting.