Breastfeeding is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to feed your new baby. There is not delay while the food is prepared. There are no worries that while you are out you won’t have enough food. Breastfeeding offers a reliable way to have all the food you need for your new baby, no matter where you might be or when it might be.
There are two camps in the breastfeeding world – those that think the feedings should take place on a specific schedule and those that think the baby should determine when it is time to eat. Both sides have some valid points and some issues. The key is to learn your baby’s individual needs and meet them.
For years (and even still today in some camps), the rule of thumb was to feed the new baby ever 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 (or some experts believe the baby should be left to “cry it out”). The major benefit to scheduled feedings is that the mother will know when the baby will need to eat and can plan around that need.
There is a down side to the scheduled feeding. Many mothers have eventually had difficulties with milk production because the baby doesn’t eat at the scheduled time. When this occurs, problems may arise with the whole breastfeeding experience that causes a frustrated mother to give up altogether. If problems do occur, be sure to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
Breastfeeding on demand is gaining in popularity and is centered on the baby’s own cues of hunger. It is all about learning how your baby communicates and also learning how to 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 (great time for visitors). 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.
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 or tired). It may take some time and need adjusting along the way, but mom and baby will soon begin to develop a 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.