Getting Started - Feeding Styles & Schedules
Feeding time will vary with your baby's particular nursing style. Breastfed babies usually eat frequently, averaging 2 to 3 hours from the start of one feeding to the start of the next. Your baby may occasionally need to eat more often. Expect your baby to eat between 8 and 12 times in a 24-hour period. During the first few weeks of life, a typical feeding lasts about 10 minutes on each side. It is important to feed your baby until he is content and avoid watching the clock. Try to burp your baby when switching to the second breast. Your baby may not always have to burp, so do not force the issue with prolonged attempts. Start the next feeding on the breast used at the end of the last feeding. If your baby does not nurse completely at the second breast, you can pump that breast if it is uncomfortably full. There are no rules saying that babies have to take both breasts at each feeding. Some babies only nurse on one breast per feeding and grow as well as the two breast babies.
Over time you will learn your baby's nursing style. Some babies are down to business and breastfeed quickly. Other babies can linger at the breast, almost savoring every drop. Remember that breastfeeding is not just for nutrition, but also for bonding and soothing. Allowing your baby to breastfeed on demand will ensure an adequate milk supply and a content baby because both of his nutritive and non-nutritive sucking needs are being met.
Your Baby Is Getting Enough to Eat If...
Once your milk "comes in" 2 to 4 days after delivery, your baby should:
- Have 6-8 wet diapers and at least 2 bowel movements in a 24-hour period
- Be content for 1 to 2 hours between most feedings
- Have audible swallowing during each feeding
If your baby is meeting the above criteria, then chances are that breastfeeding is going well for you. Take our interactive breastfeeding test found in our web site. As always, if you have any questions about breastfeeding, please call our office. You can have your baby weighed at any office if you feel there is a problem. Newborns gain ½ to 1 ounce each day after mother's milk has "come in". It is normal for newborns to lose weight after birth, but a baby should at least weigh their birth weight by the 2-week check-up.
