Feeds are not just for nutrition. They can also give comfort and reassurance to your baby. Breastfeeding releases a hormone called oxytocin in you and your baby. This helps you both to bond, relax and recover from the birth.
Feed your baby when they start showing signs of hunger. This makes sure your baby is getting what they need. It also helps you to build up a good milk supply.
As your baby is building up a supply, they will want to spend lots of time at the breast. This is called 'responsive breastfeeding' and is normal.
First few days
In the early days it is common for your baby to feed 10 to 12 times in 24 hours. As your baby’s stomach grows and they take more milk at each feed, this may go down to 8 feeds a day.
The frequency and length of feed may vary. Some feeds are longer and some are quicker. This allows your baby to regulate milk production as needed.
Feeds should not be restricted or timed. Let your baby feed as often as they want. Talk to your midwife or PHN if you have any questions on how often your baby should feed.
In the beginning, it can feel like you're feeding constantly. As your baby gets older, they will get better at taking the amount of milk they need from the breast. This means that feeds may get a little shorter and your baby may settle quicker.
Changing feeding patterns
Within a few weeks you may start to notice a feeding pattern emerging. This may make it easier for you to plan your day.
You will know that feeding is going well when your baby is:
- satisfied and happy after most feeds
- bright, alert and active when awake
- settling and sleeping after some feeds during the day or night
- having plenty of wet and dirty nappies
- gaining weight
How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk
Growth spurts
It is common for babies to have a sudden growth spurt and feed more often at around 2 to 3 weeks, This is called cluster feeding.
Your breasts may also feel more full after the growth spurt. This will usually pass after a few days.
Settling your baby
Babies have a strong need to be close to their parents. This helps them feel secure and relaxed, which helps their overall development.
Newborn babies cannot become spoilt or demanding if they are held close. They are too young to fit into a routine. Instead, babies thrive when parents respond to their needs. This means that they may cry unless they are held.
Some ways of settling your baby will work better at different times of the day or night. What works for one baby may not work for another.
If you find your baby is unsettled during or between feeds, try the following:
- spend time on skin-to-skin contact
- choose a quiet area for feeding
- play music in the background
- dance slowly with your baby in your arms
- play white noise in the background - this could be the vacuum, washing machine, radio static or running water
- rock them gently from side to side or in a rocking chair
- move to a different room
- use low lighting
- give them a relaxing bath
- go for a walk outdoors, if the weather allows
- consider using a baby carrier or sling rather than a pram - being in an upright position and close to you can give them comfort
How to use baby carriers and slings safely
Night time feeds
Night time feeds are important to help build your breast milk supply. This is because your body produces more prolactin (milk-making hormone) at night.
Night time feeds can be very tiring on you. Rest while you can in between feeds.
Bottle feeds
If possible, try to make sure you and your baby are comfortable with breastfeeding before giving your baby any bottle feeds.
Exclusively feeding at the breast helps to build your milk supply to meet your baby's growing needs. It's best to allow time do this before introducing any bottle feeds.
Combination feeding: bottle and breast
Support groups
Breastfeeding support groups are a good place to prepare for breastfeeding, meet other mothers and get advice.
Breastfeeding support groups are run by:
- public health nurses (PHNs)
- lactation nurses and midwives
- La Leche League leaders
- Cuidiú breastfeeding counsellors
- Friends of Breastfeeding
- private lactation consultants