How often should I breastfeed?

Babies are people so, obviously each babies will establish a feeding pattern as unique as he/she is.  However, in the beginning he/she will be learning--just as you are.  In the first few days after birth, your baby will likely be tired from his/her hard journey out of the womb, so he/she may seem to be content to sleep.   During the first couple of weeks, breastfeeding is the most challenging as YOU will, more than likely, have to initiate many of these feedings.

Nursing on demand is the ideal way to feed your baby.  Feed your baby when he/she shows signs of being hungry.  It is very normal for some babies to nurse every hour in the beginning.  However, if it has been 3 hours since your baby has eaten, wake him/her up--even at night--to feed him/her.  Newborns should never go more than 3-4 hours between feedings--and these instances should be occasional, not routine.   Their stomachs are tiny and breastmilk is much easier to digest than formula, so it will digest more quickly.  (The breastfed baby will become hungry sooner than a formula fed baby.)  Scheduling your baby's feedings to get him/her on a schedule is NOT a good option.  This will leave the baby frustrated,  hungry, and will likely diminish your milk supply. 

In the beginning weeks/months, your baby should nurse at least 8-12 times in a 24 hour period.  (Notice that feeding every 3 hours would give the MINIMUM number of feedings in a 24 hour period.)  This will:

• help you build an adequate milk supply.  The more you nurse, the more milk you will make.  Nursing this frequently in the first 2-3 days after birth (when your breasts contain colostrum), will also hasten your true milk coming in.  This will ensure, that once your baby gets his/her appetite,  you will be more than able to oblige him/her. 
• give you and your baby an ample number of practice sessions during the first few weeks.  If you nurse 8-12 times a day, over a span of the first 6 weeks, you and your baby will have breastfed for 252- 504 times!!  You and your baby will be considered "pro" by that time.
• give your baby the nourishment he/she needs to grow.   (See Is Baby Getting Enough? for more details)

As your baby continues to grow, he/she will be able to take in more milk at a feeding.  This will eventually enable him/her to begin stretching his/her feedings further apart.