mother breastfeeding - Does My Baby Need to Be on a Schedule?

Babies are as different from each other as are adults. Some babies, like some adults, naturally prefer a regular schedule with predictable times of feeding, sleeping, and activity. Other babies and adults seem to thrive on less regular schedules. As you get to know your baby and learn to recognize his/her cues, you will probably see some consistent patterns of sleeping and feeding, but they may vary from day to day. If well-meaning friends or relatives pressure you to "put that baby on a schedule," think about whether the schedule truly meets your baby's needs or if it's meant to please other adults. Learn to "watch your baby, not the clock," and know that responding to your baby is more important than trying to regulate him or her, mother breastfeeding.

Newborns need to eat very frequently, since the have tiny stomachs and since breastmilk is digested very rapidly. In the first few weeks, babies need to nurse ten to twelve times per day, and their feedings will gradually space out as they grow older. Any schedule that prevents newborns from breastfeeding at least every 2-3 hours (or less during growth spurts!) could potentially cause the baby to gain weight poorly, mother breastfeeding.

Healthy full term infants need to nurse every 2-3 hours during a 24 hour period. This equates to 8-12 feedings per 24 hours. A newborn should not go longer than 3 hours between feedings for two reasons 1) so that they get adequately nourished and hydrated and 2) to ensure that your breasts are stimulated enough to establish a full milk supply, mother breastfeeding.