overeating at breast?

chrissyp86 · March 2011

I know I read somewhere that you can't overfeed you baby at the breast. My LO is very fussy and cries a lot and sometimes all I can do to calm him is put him back on the breast even though he just ate less than an hour ago.

My question is will he really refuse the breast if he isn't hungry or am I overfeeding him? I feel like I have no clue what he needs when he cries. I cannot differentiate a hungry cry from an I'm gassy cry. His cries all sound the same to me.

ncbelle · March 2011

In general, that's true. Have you started to notice a difference in how he sucks? Sometimes he may be sucking for eating and other times just for comfort - that might help you figure out if he's hungry or just wants comforting (not that there's anything wrong with letting him comfort himself on the breast!).

It's also very normal for newborns (how old is he?) to nurse constantly sometimes. And you'll start to sort out his cries - just trust your instincts :-)

chrissyp86 · March 2011

He is one month old. Thank you for your advice. He does seem to be sucking for eating when I put him back on. I guess it could be a growth spurt too.

PunkyBooster · March 2011

It's too soon to know the different cries, I think Smile

Pop him on if he's fussy. I still do that!

cougarlicious · March 2011

My guy is nine weeks and his cries sound the same too. Have you tried offering a pacifier first to see if they'll take that instead? Some babies just need to suck more.

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