Jordan Ellis
Breastfeeding is the process of feeding a baby milk from their mother's body. While breastfeeding is natural, it can be demanding for mothers, and hospitals recommend different approaches to how it should be done. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding be baby-led, also known as breastfeeding on demand, where the baby guides the pace, frequency, and duration of feeding. This approach is advocated by the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and is based on the idea that breastfeeding should be responsive to the baby's hunger and fullness cues. However, some hospitals and pediatricians recommend a scheduled approach, where breastfeeding is timed and restricted to a predetermined pattern, such as every 3 hours at 3 months. This provides a structured and predictable pattern that can help mothers manage their time and establish exclusive breastfeeding. The decision to breastfeed on demand or on a schedule depends on various factors, including the mother's comfort level, the baby's hunger cues, and the advice of healthcare professionals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of breastfeeding | 8-12 times per day for the first month, then 7-9 times per day until the baby is 2 months old. |
| Timing of feeds | Every 1.5 to 3 hours for the first few weeks, then every 2-3 hours until the baby is 3-4 months old. |
| Duration of feeds | Up to 20 minutes on one or both breasts for newborns, then 5-10 minutes on each side as they get older. |
| Breastfeeding approach | Baby-led (on demand) is recommended as best practice by the WHO. Scheduled breastfeeding is an alternative approach. |
| Benefits of scheduled breastfeeding | Provides a structured and predictable pattern, allowing mothers to manage their time effectively and establish exclusive breastfeeding. |
| Risks of scheduled breastfeeding | Increased risk of clogged ducts, painful engorgement, and low milk supply. May not meet the baby's nutritional needs, leading to poor weight gain. |
| Exclusive breastfeeding duration | Recommended for the first 6 months, then continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond if mutually desired by mother and child. |
| Hospital support | Many hospitals offer breastfeeding classes, and nurses and lactation consultants provide information and support. |
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What You'll Learn
- Baby-led breastfeeding is recommended as best practice by the WHO
- Scheduled breastfeeding provides a structured and predictable pattern
- Breastfeeding schedules may mimic parents' eating schedules or daycare schedules
- Breastfeeding on demand lets the baby set the pace and avoids unpleasant side effects
- Hospitals offer breastfeeding classes and lactation consultants to give information and support
Baby-led breastfeeding is recommended as best practice by the WHO
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child's health and survival. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life. Breast milk is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses. It provides all the required energy and nutrients for the infant in the first few months and continues to provide up to half or more of a child's nutritional needs in the second half of the first year. Breastfeeding also has benefits for the mother, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Baby-led breastfeeding, also known as breastfeeding on demand, is recommended as best practice by the WHO. This approach allows the baby to control the supply of milk by determining the frequency and duration of a breastfeed, ensuring that enough milk is produced to meet their needs. Close contact between the mother and baby is encouraged, with no restrictions on their time together.
The alternative approach is scheduled or restricted breastfeeding, where the frequency and duration of feeds follow a predetermined pattern. This approach provides a structured and predictable pattern that can help mothers manage their time and establish a pattern that allows exclusive breastfeeding.
There are instances where mothers may not be able to breastfeed on demand, such as when they are separated from their babies. Additionally, there can be uncertainty for the mother if and when the baby does not demand a breastfeed. Mothers may also find breastfeeding demanding and may be more comfortable with a scheduled approach.
While there is currently no evidence from randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of baby-led versus scheduled breastfeeding, it is recommended that no changes are made to current practice guidelines without undertaking robust research. Future exploratory research on baby-led breastfeeding should consider the mother's perspective and include various patterns of breastfeeding.
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Scheduled breastfeeding provides a structured and predictable pattern
The early days of breastfeeding can be demanding for mothers, and scheduled breastfeeding can provide a structured and predictable pattern to the frequency and duration of feeds. This can help mothers deal with competing demands on their time and establish a pattern that allows them to breastfeed exclusively.
Scheduled breastfeeding can be particularly useful for mothers who are separated from their babies or who are working. Flexible working hours can also help working mothers continue breastfeeding. A scheduled approach can also be beneficial when a baby is not gaining weight appropriately, as marking daily feedings on a simple checklist chart can help address this issue.
However, it is important to note that current guidelines encourage baby-led breastfeeding as best practice. This approach, also known as breastfeeding on demand, allows the baby to guide the feeding by deciding how slow, how often, and how much they eat. This is called responsive feeding, where the mother follows and responds to the baby's hunger and fullness cues.
While scheduled breastfeeding can provide a structured pattern, it is crucial to be prepared to meet the baby's schedule rather than the other way around. Babies are constantly growing, and their needs will change frequently to support that growth. Therefore, a schedule may shift from day to day and will continue to change as the baby grows.
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Breastfeeding schedules may mimic parents' eating schedules or daycare schedules
Breastfeeding schedules are often recommended by hospitals and doctors to help new mothers balance the demands of motherhood with self-care. While breastfeeding on demand is ideal for the baby, it can be challenging for mothers who are returning to work or have other commitments.
Scheduled feedings provide a structured and predictable pattern that can help mothers manage their time and establish a routine. This is especially beneficial for working mothers, as flexible working hours can facilitate continued breastfeeding.
However, it's important to recognise that baby-led breastfeeding, also known as feeding on demand, is recommended as the best practice by organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO). This approach allows the baby to guide the feeding process, responding to their hunger and fullness cues. Exclusive breastfeeding on demand for the first 6 months is advised, after which solids are gradually introduced.
As babies grow and develop, their feeding patterns may start to align more with their parents' eating schedules or daycare schedules. This often happens around 6 months when solids are introduced, and babies typically breastfeed 6 to 8 times per 24 hours, along with 1 to 2 solid food feedings per day.
It's important to note that each baby is unique, and their feeding patterns will vary. Some babies may continue to breastfeed on demand beyond 6 months if they are not yet interested in solids. Others may gradually reduce their breastfeeding sessions as they explore solid foods.
Ultimately, the decision to follow a breastfeeding schedule or feed on demand should be made based on what works best for the mother and baby. It is beneficial to remain flexible and responsive to the baby's needs, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and care.
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Breastfeeding on demand lets the baby set the pace and avoids unpleasant side effects
Breastfeeding on demand, also known as baby-led breastfeeding, is recommended as best practice by the World Health Organization (WHO). This approach lets the baby set the pace by following their hunger cues and avoiding the unpleasant side effects sometimes associated with scheduled feedings.
Scheduled breastfeeding, on the other hand, involves timing and restricting feeds to a predetermined pattern. While this approach provides a structured and predictable pattern that may allow mothers to manage their time more efficiently, it can also lead to unpleasant side effects such as clogged ducts, painful engorgement, and low milk supply.
In the early days of breastfeeding, it is particularly important for someone to sit with the mother and provide guidance on recognizing infant feeding cues, milk production, and responsive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding on demand ensures that the baby receives breast milk as their primary source of calories and nutrients for the first six months, as recommended by experts.
While breastfeeding on demand is ideal, there may be situations where a mother is unable to breastfeed her baby on demand, such as when she is separated from her baby or when the baby does not demand a breastfeed. In such cases, a mixed pattern of breastfeeding can be adopted, combining baby-led and scheduled approaches to accommodate the mother's needs.
Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed on demand or follow a schedule should be informed by high-quality evidence and the relative effectiveness of each method. It is normal for breastfeeding to feel demanding at first, but with time and practice, it will become easier for both the mother and the baby.
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Hospitals offer breastfeeding classes and lactation consultants to give information and support
Hospitals offer breastfeeding classes and lactation consultants to give new mothers the information and support they need to breastfeed their babies successfully. Breastfeeding is the ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants, and it comes with many advantages for the baby's general health, growth, and development. It also decreases the risk for certain infections and diseases.
Breastfeeding classes and lactation consultants can provide new mothers with guidance on practical aspects of breastfeeding, such as recognizing infant feeding cues, milk production and transfer, responsive breastfeeding, attachment, and positioning. This support can be especially important in the early days of a baby's life, as breastfeeding can be demanding for some mothers.
Lactation consultants can also help with specific issues such as feeding problems, pumping, pain management, and ensuring the baby is getting enough nutrition. They can provide advice on a range of topics, including how to hold the baby correctly, breastfeeding with implants, and increasing breast milk supply.
Breastfeeding classes and consultations can also help mothers understand the different approaches to breastfeeding, such as baby-led (or on-demand) feeding and scheduled feeding. Baby-led breastfeeding, where the mother responds to the infant's cues, is recommended as best practice by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). However, scheduled feeding, where breastfeeding is timed and restricted in frequency and duration, may be preferred by mothers who want a more predictable pattern that allows them to manage their time effectively. Ultimately, the decision of how and when to feed their baby is a personal one that should be made by the mother in consultation with healthcare professionals.
Overall, hospitals offer breastfeeding classes and lactation consultants to ensure that new mothers have the knowledge and support they need to breastfeed successfully and make informed decisions about their infant's feeding.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals recommend breastfeeding on a schedule because it provides a structured and predictable pattern to the frequency and duration of a breastfeed, allowing the mother to manage her time effectively.
Newborn babies should breastfeed 8-12 times per day for about the first month. By the time the baby is 1-2 months old, they will probably nurse 7-9 times a day.
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.
Baby-led breastfeeding, also known as breastfeeding on demand, allows the baby to guide the feeding. This approach helps to ensure adequate weight gain and maintains milk supply by responding to the baby's hunger and fullness cues.
Breastfeeding can be demanding for some mothers, and they may experience unpleasant side effects such as clogged ducts, painful engorgement, and low milk supply. Additionally, it can be challenging to establish a breastfeeding routine, especially in the early days, and mothers may need guidance on recognising infant feeding cues and positioning.
