Feeding is an Expression of Love

 💕It is the season of love! Did you know? For babies, feeding is an expression of love! ❤️

Whether you breast feed, chest feed, bottle feed, or tube feed, always feed your baby with LOVE! When you respond to their needs with patience and care, you are nurturing a strong bond. These moments create a sense of security and trust, making feeding time an important opportunity to connect emotionally.

How do we express love during feeding time?

❤️ Maintain Eye Contact
❤️ Hold Your Baby Close
❤️ Speak Softly and Lovingly
❤️ Minimize Distractions
❤️ Observe and Learn Their Non-Verbal Cues

Take a second look at that last one. Even the newest newborns express themselves with non-verbal cues aka "body language."

In ALL relationships we know that effective communication is key. Your relationship with your baby is no exception! By keen observation, we can learn to read baby's non-verbal cues (aka “hunger cues”) to make feeding time more effective and non-stressful while promoting self-regulation. This is known as "responsive feeding." This method encourages caregivers to be attentive, patient, and supportive during feeding times, promoting a positive eating environment and helping establish healthy eating habits from an early age. If you want to learn more about the importance of responsive feeding, check out this article from KellyMom.

Ready to learn more about the wonders of breastfeeding? Contact me here!

XOXO -Laura Fellows, IBCLC

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