Feeding Is Communication: What Your Baby Is Saying To You
Your baby might say their first words around 12 months, but communication begins right from the moment they are born. It's now time to learn a new language—your baby's language. When your baby is born, you become a student of your newborn, forming a unique bond that only the two of you truly understand. The time spent with your infant is invaluable, and feeding is one of the richest experiences for bonding between mother and baby. This bond is called attachment, and by learning to interpret your baby's cues, you are creating a strong and secure attachment, which lays the foundation for your child’s future.
A strong and secure attachment can protect your child against issues like infection, depression, and heart disease. Additionally, these feeding moments can help establish co-regulating habits: as the mother calms, the baby does as well.
Building a strong attachment requires attunement to your child’s verbal (cries) and nonverbal needs. During feeding, your baby may communicate, “Thank you for feeding me. I love spending time with you, but that’s enough for now.” It’s essential to recognize nonverbal signs that indicate your baby is full, such as a change in color, an increased breathing rate, or signs of fatigue. Remember, feeding can be one of the most strenuous activities for your baby, so it’s important to take breaks and troubleshoot when necessary. If your baby seems to need a pause, you might gently remove the nipple from their mouth and wait a moment before trying again. Stroke your baby’s lips to see if they seek the nipple once more. Communicate gently and calmly, as if encouraging someone learning a new skill.
If milk is dribbling out of your baby’s mouth, or their body is going limp, relaxing like a rag doll, that may signal fullness. Offering your baby a break and then trying again by stroking their upper lip is like asking, “Hi, baby, are you still hungry?” in a way that your baby naturally understands. Every feeding session is an opportunity to build your confidence as a mother and caregiver, and your communication with your baby. Each interaction serves as a one-on-one communication session between you and your baby, so cherish these moments and study your baby.
If you’re feeling apprehensive about feeding times, if you notice feelings of inadequacy come up, or if you think you may be struggling to understand what your baby is telling you, consider booking a session with us. We can help you dig under the surface to figure out what your baby’s cues are telling you. Trust your gut, mama! You got this.
