Quality Feeding
The Feeding Relationship: More Than Measures
For many parents of premature babies, the focus of feeding has been a game of measures—tracking volumes, measuring intake, and focusing on weight gain. But feeding is about so much more than what we can measure in numbers and the 'way' we feed is crucial. The 'way' we feed develops the relationship between parent and child, shaping not only nutritional intake but also a baby's emotional security and trust in the responsiveness of their caregiver. Feeding is an opportunity for deeper connection! 🤱
Connection through feeding 🤍
Feeding is an opportunity for babies to learn about trust, comfort, and the reliability of their caregivers. When a baby feeds, they are not just "taking 70ml from a bottle"—they are experiencing being cared for, understanding that their needs will be met, and building an early foundation for recognising and responding to their own body’s signals. 🍼
Through feeding, babies learn:
That hunger is a signal from their body and that eating relieves it. 🍽️
The difference between feeling full and being overfull. 🥛
That they are listened to and respected when they communicate their needs. 💕
Responsive Feeding: How to Promote Positive Interactions 🌱
Rather than focusing solely on intake and schedules, research increasingly supports responsive feeding—where babies are fed based on their cues rather than rigid volumes or timeframes. This approach helps premmies thrive, as they:
Learn to recognise and trust their body’s hunger and fullness signals. 👶
Develop a sense of control over their eating, which is crucial for long-term healthy feeding behaviours. 💪
Build a stronger emotional connection with their caregiver, reinforcing a sense of security and safety. 🤗
Quality Feeding: Nurturing your baby💡
Whether your baby is breastfed, bottle-fed, or tube-fed, the quality of the feeding experience matters more than the method. Responsive feeding can be practised in any form of feeding by:
Watching for and responding to the baby’s cues. 👀
Allowing pauses and respecting when a baby needs a break. ⏸️
Making feeding moments about connection, not just consumption. ❤️
Letting the baby communicate when they want more—or when they’ve had enough. ✅
When to Seek Support 📞
If you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding development or the feeding relationship, don’t hesitate to seek support.
Early intervention makes a significant difference, and at ReadyStepGrow, we see prems earlier than any other service. The research is clear—addressing feeding concerns early leads to better long-term outcomes.
Every feed is an opportunity to build a foundation of trust, connection, and lifelong healthy feeding habits for your baby. 🌟
