Parentpedia

What Experts Say^*

When you were pregnant, you probably read that newborns typically sleep 18 hours a day and that the typical feed lasts a mere 20 minutes. So why are you so exhausted, and why does it feel like the all-night milk buffet never closes?

Though sleep deprivation and frequent nursing may be tiring you out, most experts agree that letting your baby set the schedule for feeding is the right idea in the early weeks.

According to Dr. William Sears, author of "The Baby Book," "your baby knows how much she needs." According to Sears, nursing your baby early and often helps to avoid common breastfeeding problems, such as problems with your milk supply (too little or too much), positioning and attachment (good frequency keeps your breasts soft and graspable), and engorgement (which left unchecked can lead to mastitis, a type of infection).

La Leche League reminds moms that it is normal for babies to "cluster feed" -- wanting to feed at times close together in the day, particularly during the evening, while going longer between other feeds (BAB).

How Often to Feed Your Newborn

• Nurse often. Your baby should be fed at least every two to three hours during the day, timing from the start of one feed to the start of the next. (This is about the time it takes for breast milk to be digested.) With a bit of luck, this will allow one longer stretch of up to four or five hours at night. If your baby is hungry in less than two hours, it's a good idea to go ahead and feed her again. Waiting until the next scheduled feed will not only frustrate her, but may also reduce your milk supply.
• Watch your baby, not the clock. Pay attention to your little one's needs and watch her cues, such as sucking on fingers or fist, rooting (lip movement), rapid eye movement or body movement while sleeping, and the soft sounds she makes. You can anticipate your baby's hunger by watching for these signs and nurse her before she is crying and frantic. You'll notice that she has a more relaxed and comfortable (less gassy) feed. If you ignore these cues you may find it more difficult to get your baby settled at your breast.
• Expect a varied feeding schedule each day. In the early weeks your baby's nursing frequency will probably vary from day to day. Babies experience differences in appetite, just as we do, and they know when your milk supply needs to be kicked up a notch or two. Watch your baby's cues and allow her to control her feeds.

Safety Note

• "Constant" nursing can be a sign that your baby is not properly accessing your milk supply. Keep an eye on your baby's output. By day three she should be wetting at least five to six disposable diapers and having at least two to three bowel movements each day. If her output isn't in this range, it is very important to have her weight checked to be sure she is gaining weight normally.
• Do not let your new baby go for an extended period without feeding. If your new baby isn't nursing at least eight times in a 24-hour period, it's a good idea to wake her to breastfeed more often.