When to Breastfeed

Relax and enjoy your baby! Babies need to be held and loved. You will have plenty of milk if you feed your baby whenever he/she is hungry. Your baby will tell you when he/she is hungry by giving feeding cues. Early feeding cues are an increase in body movement such as stretching, rapid eye movement and sucking on lips, tongue, finger or fist; rooting; fidgeting. Late feeding cues are fussing and crying.

• Daily breastfeeding patterns vary from baby to baby.
• Your baby’s breastfeeding patterns may change as he/she grows.
• Your baby will fall into a breastfeeding pattern that is ideal for him/her.
• You should “watch the baby and not the clock”.
• Most babies do need to nurse 8-12 times during a 24 hour period but many babies may not be content with the 2-3 hour feeding intervals.
• Don’t wait until your baby cries. Learn your baby’s cues.
• It’s ok to offer your breast every time your baby is hungry, even if it’s been only minutes since he/she has nursed.
• Your baby will tell you when he/she is finished. Baby may let go of the breast or will suck gently for awhile at the end of a feeding. Burp the baby and offer the second breast. Offer the second breast at the next feeding.