Breastfeeding Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing/First Few Days How Much/How Long to Feed? Bottles & Supplementing Special Problems Nursing in Public Weaning
How Much and How Long to Breastfeed?
Q: How much should my baby be breastfeeding?
A: The answer is, as much as he wants. A breastfed baby knows exactly how much they need. There is no ounce gauge on the side of your breasts, so it is difficult to know if your baby is getting enough. Typically, a baby nurses at least 8 times in a 24 hour period, but that number can rise to as much as 20-30 times in one day, if you have a baby who prefers to graze, or have small snacks. The best way to know if your baby is nursing enough, is to check the diapers. What goes in must go out, so if your baby is having lots of wet and poopy diapers, they are drinking enough. Try to have the baby nurse on one side for as long as they like, in order to get both the foremilk and the hindmilk, then switch to the other side. For the next feeding, start on the side where baby last finished. If you have trouble remembering which side baby finished on, you can wear a bracelet on your wrist, and change it according to your baby's location. Or, you can feel your breasts, and if one is fuller than the other, that is probably the one you need to start on!
Q: My baby wants to nurse all the time! Am I over-feeding him?
If baby is going through a growth spurt, it may seem like he is attached to your breast 24 hours a day! Don't worry, this is totally normal! Again, all babies are different, and your baby may develop eating patterns early on, but most babies do experience periods where all they want to do is nurse. They may cry for your breast, even if you've just nursed them 20 minutes before. Let your baby nurse as much as they like. The more they nurse, the more milk your breasts will make for your baby. Growth spurts typically happen at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months, or anytime in between. They may last for up to a week or more, then your baby will resume less frequent feedings.
A growth spurt may last for longer than a week, or you may have an especially fussy or clingy baby. This is all normal behaviour. If you can, invest in a comfortable sling, or a wrap, and wear your baby as much as possible. The baby will be soothed by the motion and closeness of your body, and will not have to cry to summon you. Many mothers find that as soon as they start "wearing" their babies, they calm down, cry less and are more content and alert. There are many beautiful, comfortable, convenient styles of wraps and slings available. For more information on where to purchase these, see the "links" page on the BLISS website.
Q: My family keeps asking me "are you *still* breastfeeding that baby?" How long should I breastfeed? Is my baby too old to continue nursing?
A: How long you breastfeed your baby is completely up to you. You may choose to wean your baby after a few months, or after a year if you are going back to work. Many moms breastfeed until toddlerhood, or even school age. It is recommended by the WHO, the CPA, and the AAP, to breastfeed for a *minimum* of 6 months, and continue up to 2 years of age or longer. Remember, no matter how long you choose to breastfeed, just know that you have given your baby the best possible start in life, and are choosing what is best for you, your baby and your family. Many breastfeeding moms practice "child-led weaning", which means that you allow your child to nurse as long as they like, and know that the child will wean when he is ready. Many breastfeeding experts and organization suggest that the "natural" weaning age for a child is 6 years of age, but only you and your child can decide how long you will breastfeed
Q: I am pregnant. Do I need to stop breastfeeding?
A: That, again, is up to you and your child. Nursing while pregnant can be a challenge, and unexpected events can cause a change in your plans. Many moms and toddlers successfully breastfeed while pregnant, and continue on to a successful breastfeeding relationship with 2 children (this is called tandem-nursing). Other moms experience a loss of milk production during pregnancy (due to changes in hormones), or their nursing child causes pain in the nipples, breasts, or painful contractions, so weaning occurs. Some nurslings may grow frustrated with the lack of milk, or the change in the taste of the milk, and wean from breastfeeding. In a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding. In fact, nursing may make an easier transition for your child to the role of "big brother or sister", and lessen the jealousy and competition. However, if you are at risk for pre-term labour, or have any concerns, talk to your doctor.