Normal newborn behaviour normally involves at least one unsettled period a day, commonly occurring during the late afternoon to evening. Your baby may want to feed frequently, is unsettled and doesn't like to be put down. This time is often referred to as "evening unsettledness" and is common to most babies in the first 12 weeks of life. It appears to be a normal part of the breastfeeding process. Offering a bottle of formula will interrupt the delicate balance of supply and demand. If a bottle is given your baby will go off to sleep and not waken to stimulate your lactation as often as is needed.
Prepare for this unsettled time by:
- resting during the day whenever possible
- preparing the evening meal in the morning
- having your main meal at lunch
- eating and drinking regularly throughout the day
A baby should not be left to cry for more than a few minutes especially in the early days. Lengthy periods of crying will exhaust your baby and making feeding even more difficult.
