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How
often should you breastfeed your baby?
- Usually, it's best to practice demand
feeding That means you nurse your baby whenever she or he
wants it, for as long as she or he wants it--even if you've nursed
ten minutes ago. This way, you never worry about insufficient
milk, or a growth spurt.
- Make sure your baby nurses at least eight to twelve
times in 24 hours
- An important exception to demand feeding: if your baby is
too sleepy to nurse at least eight
times a day, wake her or him up to nurse.
- In the beginning (preferably until your baby starts eating
solid foods) try not to be separated
from your baby for more than an hour or so during the day. If you
have to be, express or pump some milk
to be given to the baby while you're away. If you're going away
for more than a few hours, make sure you express
or pump while you're away to maintain your milk supply.
- People might tell you that you should not feed more often than
once every two (or three or even four) hours. You might see this
recommendation in some old books too. This is the worst advice
that can be given to a breastfeeding mother. Your breasts need to
be regularly emptied and stimulated in order to produce more milk.
Feeding on a schedule is the main reason for insufficient
milk. For the same reason, avoid supplements (formula, juice,
water, sugar water) until your baby is ready
to start solid foods. Supplements reduce your milk
supply by depriving your breasts of stimulation.
- See also:
Back to:
How to breastfeed
The breastfeeding page
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