Frequency of breastfeeding - Questions and Answers

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Frequency of breastfeeding

How often should I breastfeed my baby?

Feeding cues

Mothers should feed their baby as often as their baby tells them they are hungry by showing feeding cues. Generally a baby should stay at the breast until they have finished and released the nipple. During the first few weeks a baby will establish their own pattern of feeding which sets up breastfeeding robustness. This is why the baby’s cues need to be followed.

Frequency in the early days

Breastfeeds may start off being short until milk supply increases and the baby may only take one breast at a feed. A baby may start feeding more frequently on the second day however and it may seem that the feed times blend into each other because there is not much time between them. This often happens until milk supply starts to increase and flow more quickly. If a baby is latched well at the breast this frequent feeding will not cause nipple damage although most mothers experience the initial 15 to 30 second ‘ouch’ of latching and tender nipples for up until about ten days after the birth. Remember peak ‘normal’, or to be expected, tender nipple time is during the first week after the baby’s birth and between the third and sixth days.

If baby falls asleep

If a baby falls asleep after one breast it may be that they will not take the second breast even if offered. Babies become luxuriously full looking and sleepy because of yet another hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal system. This hormone is what makes the baby look so happy when they have finished a breastfeed. The peak of this hormone occurs just after a feed is finished (when the baby releases the nipple) and research has shown that it peaks again about 30 to 60 minutes later. This means that if the baby falls asleep after the first breast you may be able to encourage them to feed from the second breast between the two peaks. Try breastfeeding the baby when they gives early cues without changing the nappy first and then change the nappy after the first breast if the baby has nodded off to sleep. This may rouse them enough to feed from the second breast.

Changes to frequency once breastfeeding is established

As the baby establishes breastfeeding and the days pass they will start to become more awake and responsive. The baby may then start to feed from both breasts at each feed time although some babies do not do this. Remember – just follow the baby’s cues.

Try and be flexible and allow the baby to establish breastfeeding using their own internal baby programme. This leads to a more settled baby and a breastmilk supply and breastfeeding that is not only establishing well but being robustly maintained.

Research indicates that well breastfeeding babies may take between three to eight breastfeeds in the first twenty-four hours and consume between 7-123mls in total in that twenty-four hours. Research also indicates that well breastfeeding babies have an average of between five to ten breastfeeds or more in the second to the sixth days after birth and the milk intake increases to between 395-800mls by day ten.

Breastfeeding through the night and cluster feeds

Babies do need breastfeeding during the night. By the time a baby is around three months of age she/he may have developed a pattern of feeding around every three hours with a longer night time stretch. When a baby starts to have a longer night time stretch of sleep they often do the frequent cluster feeding in the evening. Babies become more efficient at breastfeeding as they get older and may start to space some feedings out. Babies also have cluster type feedings when they experience what is often called a growth spurt or if they are feeling a bit unwell. Because every baby and mother are different and the day to day circumstances affecting them are also different please remember that if concerned seek advice.

If worried, seek advice

If mothers feel worried and feel that their baby is either feeding too many times or not enough times they should seek advice and reassurance from their Lead Maternity Carer midwife, a La Leche League counselor, Well Child Health provider or a Lactation Consultant.

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Where to get help

Midwives

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Well Child

La Leche League

More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008