znaj.ua
1
45
11
3k
Expert Pediatrician Demystifies Constant Hunger in Breastfed Babies
Pediatrician Offers Clarity on Frequent Hunger in Breastfed InfantsKyiv, Ukraine – A recent educational video featuring pediatrician Marina Shakotko has provided valuable insights into a pervasive concern for new parents: the seemingly incessant hunger of breastfed infants. Dr. Shakotko, recognized for her expertise in child health, meticulously explained the physiological underpinnings of this frequent feeding demand, highlighting the unique and efficient nature of breast milk. "Many parents frequently ask why their child is always hungry, even shortly after a feeding, particularly when exclusively breastfed," Dr. Shakotko clarified in the informative video. She elaborated that breast milk is an optimally designed and incredibly easily digestible food for infants. Its unique composition facilitates rapid absorption, meaning an infant's stomach can be completely empty again within a remarkably short period, often as quickly as 20 to 40 minutes after consumption. This swift digestion cycle is the primary reason why infants, even soon after being nourished, may begin to cry or show signs of fussiness, signaling a renewed need for food. "If a baby has consumed a smaller quantity, the milk will evacuate the stomach rapidly, and in as little as 20 minutes, the child may once again experience hunger," she explained. Dr. Shakotko strongly advised parents to consistently interpret a baby's cry as a direct indicator of hunger. She underscored the critical importance of practicing "feeding on demand" for exclusively breastfed infants, advocating for immediate response by offering the breast whenever the baby expresses a desire to feed. This guidance aims to alleviate parental anxieties, promote intuitive and responsive caregiving, and ensure that infants receive adequate and timely nutrition, thereby supporting their healthy growth and development.
