(Video uploaded 08/2014)

Transcript

My baby cries after breastfeeding. Is my milk supply not enough?

When your baby cries, it does not necessarily mean that he is hungry or you do not have enough milk to feed him. As long as your baby's urination and bowel movements are normal as well as gaining weight at a satisfactory rate then he is getting enough milk. In fact, there are many reasons why a baby cries. For example when he is too dirty, too hot, too cold, tired, sick, or having abdominal colic, and feeling lonely etc. All these will make your baby uncomfortable and start crying. If your baby is still crying after feeding and you have taken out other factors, the crying may relate to how you breastfeed. The following tips may help you to reduce your baby cries:

• Start feeding your baby once you noticed the early feeding cues
• Breastfeed before your breast becomes swollen or engorged
• Apply cold compress to soothe breast engorgement before feeding
• Try out different feeding positions
• Soothe the crying baby by having skin-to-skin contact with him by you or your family members
• Do not smoke. Reduce intake of dairy products, caffeine or other stimulants in your diet

If the situation persists or you have further question, you may consult Maternal and Child Health Centres or other healthcare professionals for advice.