Breastfeeding Routine

Are you confused on how often you need to feed baby, whether or not you should wake baby for feedings or put him on a feeding schedule??

Here are all your answers…

How often should baby be breastfed?

- Baby should not be breastfed less than eight times per 24 hours. Breastfeeding more than this is perfectly okay…actually the more you breastfeed the better especially in the beginning as this is when a good milk supply is established.

- The time spent on each time you breastfeed can vary between 10 to 45 minutes.

Should I wake baby to breastfeed?

- You do not need to wake baby at night if he has breastfed at least 8 times during the day. But keep in mind that your milk supply can drop if you do not breastfeed at least once at night.

What if baby wants to breastfeed before three hours have passed?

After a while, you will learn to recognize the signs of hunger in baby, these usually include things like routing for your breast or sucking of fingers.

It’s best to breastfeed when you see these signs instead of waiting for baby to cry as this could become frustrating and cause difficulty in latching.

You do not need to wait specific times before breastfeeding…in the beginning it's best to breastfeed as much as possible, even if you think your breasts are empty…they are actually not... as breast milk is produced continuously. The more stimulation your breasts get the better as this is what signals your body to produce more milk

Can I overfeed my breastfed baby? Read more on this here

How long should I breastfeed on each breast?

Always let baby empty a breast before offering the other one. The next time you breastfeed you can offer the breast that was left out with the last feeding. This is so that baby is given enough time to drink the hind milk at the back of your breasts, which is fattier and more substantial.

If you don’t allow baby to finish one breast and keep changing sides he will only be drinking the watery foremilk in the front of your breast which causes gassiness and colic symptoms.

Read more here on hind milk and foremilk imbalance.

Why does baby sometimes breastfeeding more at times?

There are times when baby may drink more or less…

Read more on cluster feeding (when baby breastfeeds more at night.)

Read more on comfort feeding (when it feels as though baby is breastfeeding all the time)

Read more on growth spurts in the breastfed infant.

How do I know if baby is getting enough milk?

- During breastfeeding mom should be able to see baby swallowing.

- Is baby picking up weight? If he is, then he is receiving enough milk

- From 5 to 8 weeks baby should have at least 4 stools and 5 pee nappies.

- From 8 weeks on baby will start to have fewer bowel movements

- The first few weeks mom should just concentrate on getting to know baby and establishing a good milk supply.

- Try introducing a feed – wake – sleep pattern or something that is comfortable for you and baby. Baby will usually catch on to whatever feeding pattern you introduce.

- Start baby’s day at a specific time every morning. This can be very helpful to those moms who need to breastfeed before going to work. Baby will start to adapt to a breastfeeding routine within about two weeks.

- Going to bed at a set time every night will also help set a breastfeeding routine. This way mom has some predictability of when baby will breastfeed.

- Usually if you keep other things for specific times like watching television or having a bath. Baby will start to recognize these things and associate them with a feeding time.

Should I put my breastfed baby on a feeding schedule?

- It’s best not to, as research has shown that a baby breastfed on demand thrives much better than one put on a tight breastfeeding schedule. Frequent breastfeeding will also help mom increase her milk supply. It's best to wait it out and find a breastfeeding routine that works for both you and baby.

Other pages on "breastfeeding problems" in connection with a breastfeeding routine

-  Breastfeeding in public

-  Breastfeeding at night

-  Breastfeeding on demand

-  Working and breastfeeding

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