Last Reviewed: September 2011
Your Questions Answered
Questions about your baby
In the first few weeks
How do I know my baby is hungry?
Some early signs that your baby may be hungry include:
- moving her head as if searching for your breast
- turning her face and opening her mouth wide when her cheek or lip is touched (called the “rooting reflex”)
- sucking and licking movements of her mouth
- sucking on her hands
- beginning to wake from sleep and having fast eye movements under her eyelids
- beginning to stretch and increase her body movements
- making small sounds
*Crying is a late sign of hunger and it is best to feed your baby before she is too upset and crying loudly.
My baby spits up often. Is this normal?
In the first few months it is common for babies to spit up. This can happen after feeding or when your baby is being burped. If your baby is growing well and showing signs of drinking enough, spitting up generally is not a concern. See Knowing your baby is getting enough. At about four to six months of age many babies will spit up less often.
After I leave the hospital when should I take my baby for a check-up?
Your baby should have a check-up one to two days after being discharged from the hospital by someone who specializes in breastfeeding. This can be a nurse, midwife, lactation consultant, or doctor. Your baby should also have a second check-up by your doctor within seven days after birth.
How long should I breastfeed my baby?
Breastfeeding is all your baby needs for the first six months. At six months your baby will continue to breastfeed while beginning to eat other foods. Breastfeeding can continue for the first two years or more, for as long as you and your child want. There is no "right time" to stop. The longer your child breastfeeds, the better the health benefits—breast milk changes to suit your child’s needs as he grows. The breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby also continues to grow during the toddler years.
Does my baby need vitamins?
Some babies who are breastfed may not get enough Vitamin D. Not all health experts agree that vitamin D supplements are needed. Vitamin D supplement should be offered based on your baby’s unique needs. To find out if your baby is at risk for a vitamin D deficiency, review the risk factors and discuss your concerns with your doctor.
My baby wants the breast for comfort. Is this ok?
This quiet sucking time with few swallows is important for your child’s emotional development. Research has shown that children who breastfeed on demand, including breastfeeding for comfort, are actually more independent later on because they have developed a stronger sense of trust, security and positive self-esteem.
Questions about your baby
