On this same thread of; all a normal newborn needs is colostrum in the first
couple of days, this is what I say to parents:
       Birth is a tough experience and therefore babies feel lousy the first
day or two.  Their stomachs are churning with mucous and other substances and
they would prefer to spit up than eat.  All their organs are going through
changes and they all must have a wicked headache!  I liken how they feel to hard
labor or the flu and the last thing one wants during those times is to eat,
drink some yes, food - NO WAY.  Also the best thing to do to recover is to
sleep.  I tell parents that babies want to suck but not because they are "starving"
but because it feels good, gives some thirst quenching, the breast is a warm,
secure, and a good place to be.  They need to nurse about 6 times in the
first 24 hours with an intake of 10-30 cc total.
       The second 24 hours the baby is starting to recover and the stomach is
settling down but they are still not hungry.  They will be slightly more
awake and will nurse a little better, 8 or more with intakes of 30- 60cc total
that day.
       Finally on day 3 newborns are usually recovered and are more alert and
more vigorous when nursing.  The such/swallow has increased and mom is
feeling heaviness in her breast.
       I also describe the size of the baby's stomach and then I tell them
how bottle feeding is not a natural process for newborns and why anyone could
get a large amount when using a bottle.
       I am so tired with parents told their newborns are "starving" and that
these babies need to be fed every 3 hours and crying is a sign that the baby
is hungry.  These 3 concepts along with ad lib amounts of formula DRIVE ME
CRAZY!
How did the hospitals that are Baby Friendly get their staff to give up these
ideas?

Ann Perry RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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