how often should a 3 month old eat if breastfeeding

When babies are hungry, they usually have obvious hunger signs. They may root around more, suck on fingers or their hand and you may notice a different cry. Try to feed your baby when she shows these signs instead of waiting for her to cry. Crying is a late indicator of hunger so she's ravenous by the time she starts crying. Babies have tiny tummies that need to be filled often, let your baby lead you in breastfeeding. They will let you know when they are hungry.

Babies want to nurse for so many reasons other than just hunger. They nurse because they're thirsty, lonely, bored, tired, cold, you name it! Nursing is extremely comforting to a newborn who has spent his entire existence under his Mom's heart, hearing her voice. It is okay to nurse your child in any of those situations. Your 3 month old looks to you for comfort and that's a healthy pattern for him.

Scheduling feeds is not recommended for breastfeeding babies. Scheduling can and does lead to a lowered milk supply and underweight and/or dehydrated babies. A baby who is allowed to nurse "on cue" is a happier baby, and because he is more contented, Mommy is less stressed. Frequent nursing also releases the "love hormone" oxytocin and relaxes Mom which makes it easier for her to make the physical and emotional transition to motherhood smoothly.

Additionally, offering solids will not help a 3 month old sleep longer periods at night, this is a myth. A 3 month old baby is not ready for solid foods and should only be eating mother's milk. Breastfeeding supplies him with everything he needs for the first 6 months of life