What Is Demand Feeding? How Frequently Should My Baby Be Breastfed?
You must breastfeed whenever the baby wants to. This is called demand feeding or unrestricted breastfeeding. The more the suckling, the more breast milk will be produced. It also helps to prevent engorgement or undue fullness of your breasts. Breast milk is digested easily and more rapidly than artificial milk. So your baby may want to feed frequently. She may feed irregularly at first; only a few times in the first day or two, then very often for several days. Every baby is different, but most settle down into some sort of rhythm after a week or two. However, follow your instincts and recognise when your child’s cries are not for a feed. This is termed ‘intelligent demand feeding’. For example, if your baby had a proper feed and then starts crying within half an hour or so, the reason is probably not hunger but something else. It could be a wet nappy. The baby may need to be wiped or may want to be picked up for more body contact. She may be feeling hot or may want to be covered up. A
