• 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:
  • how to make sure your baby is getting enough milk
  • Night-time nursing

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