How Often to Feed Your Baby? Feed your baby on demand (approximately every 2-3 hours). If your baby sleeps for more than 3 hours during the day, wake the baby and attempt to feed him/her. If the baby is nursing well during the day, let him/her wake you for feeding at night. Remember, breastfed babies eat 8-12 times per 24 hours.
Nursing every 2-3 hours during the day and at least 1-2 times a night will help bring in your milk supply. Frequent feedings are typical in the beginning, so be sure to get your rest between feedings. Growth spurts do occur and your baby will demand more frequent feedings during these spurts. Increasing feedings will increase milk production in 2 or 3 days and the feedings will space out again. Remember, the more your baby nurses, the more milk you'll make.
Do breastfeeding mothers have to show their breasts in public?
No. A mother can turn her back to begin nursing around people. Use a blanket or shawl over the chest and shoulder to hide the breast. Many people think that the mother is cuddling her baby.
Should I breast feed if I know I will only be able to do it for six weeks?
Yes. Breastfeeding can be beneficial to both mom and baby even if it is only for a short time.
Can breasts be too small or too large to breastfeed?
No. Enough milk is present whether the mother has large or small breasts. The more frequently the mother nurses, the more milk is produced. Milk is made in the glands in the back of the breast and is then carried to the nipple by the milk ducts. Breast feeding tissue develops early during pregnancy in every woman.
Does breast feeding cause mothers to lose their figures? Breast size increases during pregnancy and while nursing. Breasts return to their normal size after weaning. Breasts may become less firm after pregnancy, but this is a result of pregnancy, not breastfeeding.
Do breastfeeding mothers have to follow a special diet?
The only diet needed during breastfeeding is a well-balanced one. Caffeine should be limited to small amounts. Small traces are passed through the milk to the infant. Avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking.
Why do my breasts leak when my baby cries or when I think about feeding my baby?
Leaking is caused by the let down reflex. This reflex usually occurs when your baby is sucking on your breast. Your baby does not have to be eating for this reflex to occur. Thinking about your baby, an infant's cry, a warm shower or sexual touch can cause milk to leak. Leaking is common for many women. You may want to have a clean cloth, breast pad or handkerchief in your bra to keep it from getting wet.
Is breast milk white?
Yes and No. During the first few days after delivery, breast milk is orange-yellow in color. This is called colostrum. It is rich with nutrients and antibodies. This is exactly what your baby needs during the first few days of life. Your "true" milk is bluish to white and usually comes in one to five days after your baby is born.
What role can the father play in breastfeeding?
Fathers can have a special bond with their baby. They can get involved in baby's care by changing diapers, bathing and dressing. When mother goes shopping, exercising or to an appointment, dad can feed the baby expressed milk (breast milk that has been put in a bottle) if needed. A dad can help with breastfeeding by giving support to mom at times when she is tired or discouraged. A dad can also help with housework and cooking so the mom can get enough rest and a well-balanced diet. Anything special the dad can do for the mom helps the on-going success of breastfeeding.
Are breastfeeding parents more apt to be confined at home?
No. During the first months when babies need to be nursed often, usual activities can be done with the baby. Breastfed babies are easy to take along almost anywhere. When baby is hungry, mother can nurse and then resume her activity.
Can breastfeeding be continued if the mother returns to work or school?
Yes. More and more women continue to breast feed and return to work or school.
