Breastfeeding - The Law of Supply and Demand

Milk production works on the principle of supply and demand. The more your baby breastfeeds, the more milk you will produce, totally meeting your baby's needs. It is the frequency of breastfeeding, as well as the milk removed from the breast, that stimulates further milk production. Babies who are given supplemental bottles of water or formula breastfeed less frequently, ultimately decreasing the milk supply. Supplements, unless medically indicated, should be avoided for three to four weeks, until your milk supply is well-established and your baby is latching-on to the breast without difficulty. Babies need to be breastfed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours the first two to four weeks, or until they are well above birth weight.