Nourishing Mothers and Babies
Newborns
Important Developmental Milestones
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10-12 feedings per day
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sleeps 16-17 hours per day
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4 dirty diapers per day
2-3 months: brings hands to mouth
2-4 months: sucking reflex integrates; feeding becomes voluntary and infant has control
4 months: brings hands to mouth while holding an object
Feeding Guidelines
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Offer the breast or bottle in response to early feeding cues every 2-3 hours
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Feed your newborn when she is calm and alert
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Allow your baby to choose if and how much she wants to eat
Common Challenges
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Poor weight gain
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Difficulty latching
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Maternal nipple pain
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Coughing/choking during feeding
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Gagging
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Prolonged feeding times