Hailey Tran
Breastfeeding is natural, but it's normal to have questions about how often to do it. Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they get hungry and thirsty often. They should feed at least every two to three hours, day and night. This is called feeding responsively or feeding on demand. Breastfeeding on demand is the best way to ensure that breastfeeding can be sustained for as long as desired. Frequent feeding also helps to stimulate milk production during the first few weeks. Babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months, and this can continue for up to two years or beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to breastfeed | 8–12 times per day for the first month. |
| 7–9 times per day when the baby is 1–2 months old. | |
| Every 1-3 hours for the first few weeks. | |
| Newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding, even overnight. | |
| Babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. | |
| Continue to breastfeed for 2 years if it works for the mother and baby. | |
| Feed on one side until the baby stops suckling, then burp and switch sides. | |
| Alternate starting sides for each feeding. | |
| Some babies may be satisfied after one breast. | |
| It's normal for babies to cluster feed, especially in the evening and nighttime. | |
| If the baby can't breastfeed, use a hospital-grade electric breast pump. | |
| Feed every 1-3 hours for 10-15 minutes. | |
| Feed whenever the baby is hungry, also known as "feeding responsively" or "feeding on demand". | |
| Feed at least every two to three hours to prevent poor weight gain, low milk supply, or having to stop breastfeeding altogether. | |
| Feed whenever your breasts "tingle" or provide some other signal. |
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What You'll Learn
Breastfeed 8-12 times a day for the first month
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it's normal to have questions about how often and how long to breastfeed your baby. Newborn babies should be breastfed 8–12 times per day for the first month. This is because breast milk is easily digestible, so newborns are hungry more often. Feeding your baby frequently also helps to stimulate milk production during the first few weeks.
The duration of each feeding session will vary depending on you, your baby, and other factors. Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side. You can switch breasts in the middle of each feeding and then alternate which breast you offer first at the next feeding. It's normal for babies to cluster feed, especially in the evening and at night.
You can look for feeding cues such as increased alertness, mouthing, rooting, and suckling. If your baby doesn't show cues within three hours during the day, try to wake them. Feed your baby whenever they seem hungry, which may be as often as every 1-3 hours. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. It can reduce the baby's chances of diarrhoea, ear infections, and bacterial meningitis, or make symptoms milder. Breastfeeding may also protect children from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, obesity, and asthma. For mothers, breastfeeding burns calories and helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
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Feed whenever your baby is hungry
Breastfeeding a newborn baby is recommended at least every two to three hours, including overnight. However, it is best to feed your baby whenever they seem hungry, which is known as "feeding responsively" or "feeding on demand". Crying is a late sign of hunger, so look out for earlier feeding cues like increased alertness, mouthing, rooting and suckling. If your baby doesn't show any of these cues within three hours during the day, try to wake them.
Responsive feeding is important for ensuring your baby gets the nutrition and hydration they need. It is also the best way to ensure that breastfeeding can be sustained for as long as desired. Trying to "stretch out" the intervals between feeds, feeding on a set schedule, or cutting down on overnight feeds can lead to a baby's poor weight gain, a low milk supply, or even the end of breastfeeding altogether.
Responsive feeding also means that you should follow your baby's lead when it comes to switching breasts. Your baby may like switching breasts at each feeding or prefer to nurse just on one side. If they finish on one side, try burping them before switching breasts. Some infants need more burping, others less, and it can vary from feeding to feeding. Sometimes, the movement alone can be enough to cause a baby to burp.
Responsive feeding does not mean that you should feed your baby on a rigid schedule or at regular intervals. In fact, very few babies naturally feed at regular intervals. They might feed, then not feed for three hours, then feed three times over the following hour. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.
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Switch breasts during feedings
Newborn babies should breastfeed 8–12 times per day for the first month. As newborns get older, they will nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule. Breast milk is easily digestible, so newborns get hungry often. Frequent feedings help stimulate milk production during the first few weeks.
Switching breasts during feedings is called switch nursing. It is important to offer your baby both breasts at each feeding during the early phase of milk-making. You can allow your baby to finish feeding on one breast before offering the other, or you can switch when you notice that their sucking slows down or stops. You can also try breast compression, which involves squeezing and releasing your breast when your baby starts sucking again. Repeat this until it no longer works, and then offer the other breast.
Switch nursing increases milk flow and supply. It is recommended to alternate which breast you offer first for each feeding. However, some babies may prefer to nurse on just one side. If so, you can offer the other breast at the next feeding. It is also a good idea to burp your baby before switching breasts.
Remember that every baby is different, and the most important thing is to follow your baby's hunger cues. Some babies may want to breastfeed only before bed or in the morning, while others may continue to drink breast milk as a larger part of their daily diet.
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Burp your baby before switching breasts
Breastfeeding a newborn can be a daunting task, especially for new mothers. Breast milk is easily digestible, so newborns get hungry frequently and need to be fed 8-12 times per day for the first month. This also helps stimulate milk production during the first few weeks.
During breastfeeding, a baby may swallow air, which can get trapped in their tummy and cause discomfort. This is where burping comes in. Burping, or winding, is an important part of feeding. However, breastfed babies typically need less burping than formula-fed babies, as they can control the flow of milk and don't swallow as much air. Some breastfed babies may not need to be burped at all and may burp on their own.
If your baby seems uncomfortable during feeding, take a burping break. You can try various burping positions to see what works best for your baby. For example, you can hold your baby against your chest or shoulder and gently rub or pat their back. Alternatively, you can sit them on your lap facing away from you and place your palm flat against their chest, supporting their chin and jaw without applying pressure to the throat area.
After burping your baby, you can switch breasts. Some babies may prefer to switch breasts during each feeding, while others may be satisfied after feeding on one side. It's important to follow your baby's hunger cues and do what works best for both of you.
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Continue breastfeeding for up to 2 years
Newborn babies should be breastfed 8–12 times per day for the first month. Breast milk is easily digestible, so newborns get hungry often. Frequent feeding also helps stimulate milk production during the first few weeks. By the time your baby is 1–2 months old, they will probably nurse 7–9 times a day. In the first few weeks of life, breastfeeding should be "on demand" (when your baby is hungry), which is about every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they'll nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule. Some might feed every 90 minutes, while others might go 2–3 hours between feedings. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with complementary foods introduced around 6 months. The AAP recommends that breastfeeding continues until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child. The WHO and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend breastfeeding for at least 1 year, and state that the health of mothers and babies is optimal "when breastfeeding continues for at least 2 years".
There are numerous benefits to extended breastfeeding. Breast milk is a nutritious food source well beyond the first year of life, and can help supplement gaps in a child's diet as they experiment with new foods. Breastfeeding is also a convenient and economical form of nutrition. It can benefit the health and mental well-being of both the nursing parent and child, as well as their bond. Many toddlers continue to want to nurse at night, as they find it soothing. However, if this doesn't work for you, it's perfectly fine to begin night weaning your child.
Extended breastfeeding isn't for everyone, and it can be difficult in cultures that lack nursing support or where it is not typical. People who breastfeed beyond the typical age may face stigma and criticism. It is a very personal decision that each family has to make on their own.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns should be breastfed 8-12 times per day for the first month. This is called "feeding responsively" or "on demand", and it's important to ensure your newborn is getting the nutrition and hydration they need.
Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5-10 minutes on each side.
Feeding cues include increased alertness, mouthing, rooting and suckling. Crying is a late sign of hunger. If your baby doesn't show cues within three hours during the day, try to wake them.
It's important to avoid unnecessary supplements or pacifiers until breastfeeding is well established. Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand system, so frequent feeding helps increase your milk supply and gives your baby practice at sucking and swallowing.
