How Often Should You Breastfeed a New Born Baby?

Current reseach indicates it is ideal that nursing mothers feed their newborns on demand rather than forcing scheduled feedings.

Newborn Feeding Schedule

For many years, medical professionals stressed the importance of developing a feeding schedule to breastfeeding mothers. While it is fairly rare in current times that this be routinely given as medical advice, women still have access to this information through old books, friends and especially well-intended mothers-in-law and grandmothers. Often, it is said women should feed their newborns every three to four hours.

Feeding on Demand

Currently, most research indicates breastfeeding on demand is ideal for feeding newborn babies, and most major medical entities including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Mayo Clinic have rejected the concept of scheduled feeding for newborns. On average, most babies will eat eight to 12 times daily in their first months, although these feedings will unlikely be at perfectly timed intervals and the length of individual feedings will vary. As the baby grows, nursing sessions will become longer, less frequent and more scheduled.

Bottom Line

While most breastfeeding mothers may hear at one point or another that it is important their newborns adjust to a feeding schedule, current research indicates it is more beneficial that mothers feed their babies on demand. KidsHealth advises mothers to nurse their babies when they express signs of hunger, such as sucking their hands, puckering their lips, moving their heads side to side and opening their mouths.

References

• Parenting Science: "The Infant Feeding Schedule: Why Babies Benefit from Being Fed 'On Demand'"
• Kids Health: "Breastfeeding FAQs: How Much and How Often"
• Mayo Clinic: "Remember the Basics: Feeding Your Newborn"
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Sample Hospital Breastfeeding Policy for Newborns