New Mom's Guide

10 Signs That Your Baby is Teething

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  Hello beautiful mamas! Welcome back to MamaExpert. If your baby has suddenly turned into a fuss-machine and you’re left puzzled as to why, we might have an answer for you.  That’s right, your baby could be teething. Let's explore the 10 most common signs your baby is teething, so you can swap the guessing for comforting. Ready to become an expert in teething? Let’s get started!             1. Excessive Drooling   One of the earliest signs of teething is an increase in your baby's drooling. Your baby's body produces extra saliva to help lubricate the tender and swollen gums. This might result in constantly wet bibs and onesies. Keep some cloths handy to keep your little one comfortable and dry.   2. Chewing on Everything   If your usually placid baby suddenly starts chewing on anything they can get their hands on, teething could be the reason. This includes their fingers, toys, or even your fingers! The pressure from biting can off...

Signs that my baby is getting enough milk: Breastfeeding and Formula

 Bottle Feeding or Pumped Breastmilk: Understanding Your Baby's Needs



As new moms, it can often feel overwhelming trying to discern the hunger cues and feeding needs of your little one. Whether you choose to bottle-feed with formula or pumped breastmilk, it's crucial to pay close attention to your baby's signals of hunger and satiation. Of course, any concerns should always be addressed with your healthcare provider or midwife, who can provide personalized advice for your baby's unique needs.


Most formula packaging provides a basic guideline for how much your baby might need, but remember, it's just a starting point. Each baby is wonderfully unique and might need more or less.


Studies have shown that 'responsive' or 'paced' bottle feeding can be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of obesity. Don't hesitate to discard any leftover milk in the bottle after feeding, as it could potentially become a breeding ground for bacteria. For more tips and tricks on responsive bottle feeding, make sure to check out our other articles!



Decoding Signs of Successful Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can seem like a complex dance at times, but there are key signs that can reassure you it's going well:


If your baby is latching correctly, you'll notice:

  • They open their mouth wide to take in a good portion of the breast.
  • Their chin is in contact with your breast.
  • Their lower lip is slightly turned out, although this might not always be visible.
  • Their nose is typically not pressed into your breast, except in cases of larger breasts.
  • You feel comfortable and pain-free when your baby is feeding, save for the initial strong sucks.
  • More of the areola (the darker skin surrounding your nipple) can be seen above your baby's lips than below.


If your baby is getting enough milk, you might observe:


  • Their feeding begins with rapid sucking, which then slows down to rhythmic sucking and swallowing with occasional breaks.
  • Signs of swallowing can usually be seen and heard by day three or four.
  • Their cheeks remain rounded rather than sunken while sucking.
  • They appear calm and satisfied during and after feeds.
  • They show signs of a moist mouth after feeding.
  • Your breasts feel softer post-feed.
  • Your nipple returns to its normal color and shape after feeding, without any signs of flattening or discoloration.
  • Often, you may also experience a sense of relaxation and sleepiness after breastfeeding.

Is My Baby Thriving?

A thriving baby has healthy skin color, shows alertness during their awake periods, cues for feeds, and generally appears satisfied after each feeding.



Worried About Your Milk Supply?

Breastmilk production operates on a simple supply-demand principle. The more your baby feeds, the more milk your body produces. To boost your milk supply, try the following tips:


  • Allow your baby to feed as often and as long as they desire.
  • Encourage feeding from both breasts at each session.
  • Engage in skin-to-skin contact to stimulate breastfeeding opportunities, especially during the early weeks.
  • Try to avoid the use of infant formula and dummies until your baby has well-established breastfeeding habits.

However, if you have concerns that your baby isn't getting enough milk, reach out to your health visitor, midwife, or breastfeeding counselor. They can assess your baby's latch and might suggest changes for a deeper latch. They can also help rule out any health issues or refer you for further assessment if needed, like a tongue-tie assessment.




To all the new moms out there, remember, you are doing a fantastic job. The journey into motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be filled with uncertainty and many questions. That's completely normal! Don't hesitate to seek help and ask questions when you need to.


We'd love to hear from you! If you've got any questions or comments, or even your own tips and experiences to share, leave us a comment below. And don't forget to subscribe to the Mama Expert Channel for more helpful resources on your motherhood journey.

Happy mothering! Remember we're in this together 

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