breastfeeding on demand - should I breast feed my baby on demand?

In the last few years there has been an increase in the number of women breastfeeding their babies.  This is a great thing! Research is showing that the natural way of breastfeeding - on demand, or "cue feeding" is actually the best way.  Unfortunately, there are a number of misconceptions and confusion that causes many mothers to give up on breastfeeding before they even get started.  Milk supply is at the top of those issues. And breastfeeding on demand is one of the best ways to ensure a plentiful milk supply.

Having a good milk supply is important to the new baby, but there is no real way to judge how much milk you have when you are breastfeeding - there are no ounces marked on your breasts!  The size of the breast or the length of time the baby feeds is not a good indication of the amount of milk available or how much baby has taken in.  The only real measurement is the weight gained by the baby (and maybe the number of wet and soiled diapers each day). 

The best way to bring in a robust milk supply is to breastfeed on demand - any time that the baby "asks". This will also help to increase your supply when the baby goes through growth spurts and needs more milk. Nursing more frequently is the baby's way of alerting your body to send more milk. Each time your baby is latched on to your breast, nerve signals send the message to your brain to "make milk!".

In the beginning, your newborn baby may require up to twelve feeds in one day. It may take a few weeks for her to settle into a kind of feeding pattern that is normal for her. Every baby is different - some are leisurely feeders, others are quick and efficient at the breast.   Eventually she will settle into a pattern. It is not unusual to nurse your baby eight times a day (sometimes even more) with on-demand feeding.  As your baby gets older, she will likely require fewer nursings since her tummy can hold more and she will be a more efficient nurser. Then as she starts eating solids, she may nurse even less.

The key to settling in to a comfortable on-demand pattern is to learn how to recognize the cues your baby gives when she wants to nurse (sucking on her hand, becoming more aware/alert, squirming towards the breast, etc) before she starts crying.  Crying can make it harder for her to latch on properly and can cause her to have more gas since she will swallow a lot of air when she cries.

Keep in mind that supplementing breastfeeding with formula feedings will likely reduce your milk supply.

While at times it may seem that your baby spends a lot of time nursing, remember that breastfeeding saves you time in other ways. For example:

• Not having to wash bottles and prepare formula - you just lift your shirt and nurse
• Reduced illness and trips to the Doctor for you and baby
• Breastmilk doesn't smell bad or stain like formula, so less laundry
• Breastfed babies are more content so less time spent comforting baby - nursing solves many problems

Remember that time you spend breastfeeding your baby will be beneficial to her long term growth and development AND to your own health! Similar to time you spend exercising, it's an investment that is well worth the time.