breastfeeding schedule

Breastfeeding, once you and baby are past the early days of learning, is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to feed your new baby.  There is no waiting while the food is "prepared" - you just lift up your shirt and nurse.  There are no worries that while you are out you won't have enough milk for your baby.  Breastfeeding offers a reliable way to have all your baby needs, no matter where you might be or what time it might be.

Breastfeeding works best when it takes place "on demand", but there are those that think you should nurse your baby on a specific schedule, and they are often quite vocal about their opinion. Books have been written that praise the concept of "putting baby on a schedule". Some even go so far as to claim that scheduled feedings will save your marriage and keep your baby in line. But what's the truth about putting a breastfeeding baby on a schedule? 

Scheduled feedings became popular as formula use increased. Doctors instructed moms to feed their new baby every two to three hours.  Feedings were strictly regulated by the clock.  If the baby cried outside of the schedule then something other than food was used to try and soothe her. This approach makes sense with formula feedings, because babies cannot self regulate their caloric intake when they are being bottle fed.

However, scheduling the breastfed infant is a bad idea. Many mothers find that they will have difficulties with milk production because the baby doesn’t nurse frequently enough to keep their supply up. When this occurs, problems may arise with the whole breastfeeding experience that causes a frustrated mother to give up altogether.  Breastfeeding is a natural act - much like you wouldn't tell an adult how often or when to eat, drink or snack, you would do well to listen to the baby's own cues of hunger.  Learn how your baby communicates their need to nurse and respond to that communication in ways that will help the baby feel more comfortable and confident. 

When a baby is beginning to get hungry she will start to squirm around.  There is often a period of increased activity and the baby will be more alert.  Many times the baby will begin to suck on her hand or put a clenched hand up next to her face.  Sucking noises are always a good indication of hunger.  Crying is the last sign that babies will give when they are hungry, therefore it's a good idea to nurse before baby starts crying. The feeding will go much more smoothly for both mom and baby this way.

Babies that are fussing are not necessarily hungry.  On-demand feeding requires that you learn to distinguish between hunger and other needs (such as cold, hot, scared, bored, lonely or tired).  Your baby may just need a change of scenery at times, or may need to fuss a little bit at the end of a long, stimulating day. It may take some time and adjusting along the way, but mom and baby will soon begin to develop a kind of pattern. 

It is important to allow the baby to nurse as long as she wants.  Limiting the feedings will mean that the baby will feed more often, but not receive the benefits provided by the later milk.  When a baby first begins to breastfeed, the milk that comes out is thin (compare it to skim milk).  As the feeding progresses, the milk changes and becomes heavier (like whole milk).  Having a complete feeding is the best option for the baby and for mom - it means proper weight gain and growth for baby and a bountiful milk supply. Babies who get too little "hind" milk may also develop symptoms of fussiness and gassiness. They will also appear hungry more often.

To sum up, scheduled breastfeeding is not a good idea. Babies nurse for many reasons other than just hunger, and frequent nursing also is good for Mom. Watch your baby, not the clock and things will go far better for you.