[Blog] Ep 12. Pediatrician & IBCLC Explains: How to Feed a Newborn Baby

In a powerful episode of the Modern Indian Parent podcast, hosts Rinie Gupta and Sanchita Daswani dive into the often-overwhelming world of newborn feeding. Drawing on expert insights and personal experiences, they explore the challenges and nuances of supporting infant nutrition in the early months.

Introduction

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural yet least understood aspects of early parenting. Many new parents enter this phase without knowing what to expect, and hospital systems often fall short in offering the immediate support needed. But understanding how breastfeeding works and how to support it can make all the difference.

The Breast Crawl and Newborn Instincts

One of the most astonishing phenomena at birth is the breast crawl. When placed skin-to-skin on the mother's chest immediately after birth, a newborn will instinctively use all five senses to find the breast. The scent of amniotic fluid. similar to breast milk, the contrast between the nipple and surrounding skin, and the sound of the mother’s heartbeat all guide the baby.

Key instincts involved:

• Newborns recognize high contrast (e.g., dark nipples against lighter skin)

• The smell of breast milk mimics amniotic fluid and draws the baby

• Skin-to-skin contact stimulates bonding and reflexes essential for feeding

Supporting this instinctual process right after birth can improve feeding success, even in cases where anatomical or physiological challenges exist.

Frequent Feeding and Nipple Stimulation

Breast milk production is a demand-driven process regulated by hormones. The more often the breast is emptied, the more milk the body produces. Early stimulation—especially within the first four hours after birth—sets the tone for long-term supply.

Crucial points include:

• Frequent feeding stimulates pituitary hormones responsible for milk production

• Pumping can substitute stimulation if direct breastfeeding isn’t possible

• Milk supply is calibrated within the first 7–14 days postpartum

Missed feedings during this critical window can reduce supply without the parent realizing it. Whether nursing or pumping, consistent breast emptying helps the body understand how much milk is needed.

Rinie adds that for mothers separated from their babies, like those with NICU stays, pumping is a valuable tool. Sanchita agrees, recalling her own experience with twins and how pumping helped establish her milk supply despite initial challenges.

Dispelling the Myth of Low Milk Supply

Many parents worry about not making enough milk. However, studies show that 95% of these concerns stem from perceived low supply rather than actual deficiency.

Common misconceptions include:

• Soft breasts or a crying baby = low supply (not true)

• True low supply is often linked to medical conditions like breast hypoplasia or previous surgeries

To assess milk supply effectively, consider the "Rule of Eight":

• At least 8 wet diapers in 24 hours

• Around 8 feeds in 24 hours

• Yellow stools and visible weight gain

• A calm and satisfied baby after feeding

Understanding the biology of milk production helps, too. There are three stages:

1. Lactogenesis I – Begins during pregnancy, with hormonal changes preparing the breasts

2. Lactogenesis II – Occurs after delivery, with colostrum production and eventual mature milk

3. Lactogenesis III – Peaks 48–72 hours postpartum when full milk production begins

During this phase, if milk is not regularly removed, the body receives a signal to slow down production. That’s why frequent feeding in the early days is essential.

The body "calibrates" milk supply based on demand within 7 to 14 days, creating a personalized rhythm. If this window is missed, production can decrease without the parent even realizing it.

Using Supplements and Spices to Support Milk Production

While milk supply is fundamentally hormone-driven, traditional Indian dietary practices include spices and supplements believed to aid lactation and recovery. These ingredients are not miracle cures, but they can support overall well-being during the postpartum period.

Popular natural supports include:

• Shatavari, methi, jeera, and ghee for hormone balance

• Fenugreek, moringa, and other galactagogues to support milk flow

• Hydration and nutrient-dense meals for sustained energy and supply

Though lactation cookies and commercial supplements are widely marketed, they’re not essential. A wholesome, culturally rooted diet often works just as well.

Sanchita shares her personal experience with these traditional foods, and Rinie observes that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by commercial products like lactation cookies. Dr. Zinal emphasizes returning to basics. Breastfeeding doesn’t require expensive gadgets or supplements.

The Importance of Milk Transference and the Impact of a Poor Latch

At this stage of breastfeeding, it's not just about whether the baby is feeding, it’s about how effectively the baby is transferring milk. A baby can appear to be latched and sucking, but if the milk isn’t being properly drawn out of the breast, both the mother and baby can suffer from various issues.

Milk transference depends on the baby forming a complete seal around the breast. For effective milk flow, the nipple needs to reach the junction of the hard and soft palate, creating the suction needed to pull milk out. When this suction is weak or incomplete, the milk remains in the breast, causing complications.

Problems resulting from poor transference can include:

• For the baby: slow weight gain, persistent hunger, reflux, and gas

• For the mother: sore nipples, blocked ducts, breast engorgement, or mastitis

Rinie observes that some babies seem to feed all day without feeling satisfied. This may be due to poor milk transfer, not low supply. She advises watching for swallowing, not just sucking—jaw movement alone isn’t enough. If swallowing isn’t visible or audible, it’s time to consult a lactation professional to assess latch and feeding effectiveness.

Identifying and Addressing Problems with Latch

Parents must watch for swallowing, not just sucking. A baby may suck without transferring milk, similar to chewing gum versus drinking water.

Common latch problems may stem from:

• Recessed jaw or high palate

• Flat or inverted nipples

• Oral ties (tongue, lip, or cheek)

It is emphasized that these conditions are diagnosable and treatable with the right support.

Impact of Tongue Ties on Babies

Tongue ties can severely restrict a baby's ability to feed properly. When the tongue cannot reach the palate, babies:

• Have difficulty latching

• Remain gassy due to air intake

• Exhibit reflux symptoms

• May keep their mouths open often

Rinie notes that these symptoms are often overlooked by pediatricians who may not assess latch during regular visits.

Treatment Options for Oral Ties

The treatment for oral ties, like tongue or lip ties, should depend on symptoms, not just appearance. If the baby feeds well and gains weight, no intervention is needed, though parents should stay alert.

When symptoms like poor latch or nipple pain are present, options include:

1. Tongue exercises: In cases with minor symptoms, specific exercises may help improve tongue mobility and function.

2. Craniosacral therapy (CST): This hands-on therapy helps align the baby’s body and nervous system, often relieving tension caused by restricted oral tissues.

3. Frenotomy (release procedures): For more pronounced ties, a procedure may be necessary. This can be done using:

• Scissors (a traditional surgical method)

• Laser (a modern alternative with minimal bleeding and quick healing)

Typically, these procedures are done by pediatric dentists, surgeons, or specialists with experience in oral tie releases.

Myth or Fact Rapid Fire

• Drinking milk boosts milk supply – Myth

• Breastfeeding reduces cancer risk – Fact

• Breastfeeding helps to lose weight – Fact

• Breast milk can have different colours – Fact

• Wet hair while feeding causes cold in baby – Myth

• You can overfeed a baby – Myth

• Small breasts mean less milk – Myth

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding is a learned skill, not just for the baby, but for the parent as well. With timely support, consistent education, and a focus on both biology and bonding, this journey can be a fulfilling and empowering experience. Every feeding session contributes not only to the baby's physical growth but also to a deeper emotional connection, making it a central part of the early parenting journey.