How Often Should Baby Breastfeed: A Guide for New Mums

How often should baby breastfeed? This is such a common question! Did you know that your baby is the ultimate guide to their own feeding schedule? When I began my breastfeeding journey, I was baffled by the constant questions around breastfeeding schedules. Let’s talk about that. In my practice, I’ve seen the magic unfold and stress drop dramatically when mums understand this crucial aspect. In this post, I’ll cover why following your baby’s lead is pivotal, the impact of strict routines on your milk supply and baby’s growth, the normalcy of uneven feeds, and when to consider adjustments.

Following Baby’s Lead: The Key to Harmonious Feeding

From the moment your little one enters the world, they’re in sync with their own needs. Babies are marvellous at signalling when they’re hungry. This innate ability is their way of making sure they receive the nourishment needed for their growth and development. Embracing and responding to these cues is fundamental. It’s a dance where your baby leads, and you gracefully follow. This instinctual connection fosters a healthy breastfeeding relationship. Now that’s not to say it’s easy. It’s not! It’s freaking exhausting! But it’s what’s needed for baby to thrive, and I promise, it’s not forever! It does get easier.

Impact of Enforcing Strict Routines

Babies are not robots. They have unique and individual needs just like we do as adults! Strict routines can interfere with the natural flow of breastfeeding, potentially affecting your milk supply and your baby’s growth. Babies don’t consult schedules; they feed based on their needs. Trust their cues over a predetermined timetable to ensure both you and your baby thrive.

The Unpredictability of Feeding Patterns

When baby’s feeding pattern is all over the place, you might wonder, “how often should baby breastfeed?” Here’s the thing: babies don’t adhere to a consistent timetable. Sometimes they’ll want to feed every hour, other times they might go for longer stretches. It’s absolutely normal for their feeds to not be evenly spaced. The main thing is to aim for at least 8 feeds per day in the early months, as this is what most babies need, but don’t stress if the timing isn’t uniform

Around-the-Clock Nourishment

Feeding often around the clock might seem overwhelming (and exhausting!), but it’s perfectly normal. Babies have tiny tummies that need frequent refuelling and breastmilk is very easily digested, so moves through baby’s gut quickly. This pattern helps in setting up a robust milk supply and makes sure your baby gets the nourishment they need for best growth and development.

Night Feeds: A Common Concern

Ah, the inevitable question: “When can I stop feeding at night?” Truth be told, there’s no set timeline. Babies are unique; some may gradually reduce night feeds as they grow, while others may continue for longer. Research shows that the majority of babies still wake to breastfeed past their first birthday, despite what social media, baby books and unfortunately, even some health professionals tell you. Babies can get up to 20% of their nutrition from night feeds, so they truly need these feeds for nourishment, comfort, and reassurance. It’s a natural part of their development. Your baby will start sleeping through the night when they’re developmentally ready, and each baby does this in their own time. Comparing to others here can really mess with your head and confidence, so don’t stress about what others are doing and just follow your baby’s lead.

On the other hand, another question that surfaces often is “should I let my baby sleep through the night without feeding?” Some babies do start sleeping longer stretches quite early, though this isn’t common. When this happens, mums often worry that their baby is going too long without a feed. But if baby has started this pattern on their own, they’re having a good amount of wet and dirty nappies (check out this blog post to learn more about nappies) and they’re gaining enough weight, then it’s ok to let them sleep. You might find that baby wants to feed more often through the day to catch up and that’s normal too.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often should baby breastfeed. Embrace your baby’s cues, trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not sure. And hey, I’d love to hear from you! DM me on Instagram to share what resonated with you most from this post. Together, let’s navigate this beautiful phase of motherhood, honouring the unique needs of both you and your precious little one.