Breastfeeding

Signs of hunger

Mothers can follow their baby's lead in how often to breastfeed.

Rather than watching the clock, watch for cues that your baby is hungry such as the rooting reflex, chewing/sucking on hands or fingers.

Early feeding cues (signs) are the best time to feed!

Early cues: “I’m hungry” (stirring, mouth opening, turning head and seeking/rooting).

Baby showing early signs (cues) that they are hungry including stirring, mouth opening, turning head and seeking / rooting.

Mid-cues: “I’m really hungry” (stretching, increasing physical movement, hand to mouth).

Baby showing mid signs (cues) that they are hungry including stretching, increasing physical movement and bringing hand to mouth.

Late cues: “Calm me, then feed me” (crying, agitated body movements, colour turning red).

Baby showing late feeding signs (cues) that they are hungry including crying, agitated body movements and their colour turning red.

In this guide:

Previous ( https://www.qld.gov.au/health/children/pregnancy/antenatal-information/breastfeeding-101/breastfeeding-the-first-few-days )
Next ( https://www.qld.gov.au/health/children/pregnancy/antenatal-information/breastfeeding-101/breastfeeding-the-early-weeks )

Acknowledgments: Queensland Health acknowledges the Metro North Hospital and Health Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, for permission to use the content of their GLOW antenatal education resource.