Breast Feeding - Time and Place

Breastfeeding at least once every two to three hours helps to keep up the milk supply. For most women, a target of eight breastfeeding or pumping sessions every 24 hours keeps their milk supply high. It is common for newborn babies to feed more often than this: 10 to 12 breastfeeding sessions every 24 hours is common, and some may even feed 18 times a day. Feeding a baby on demand (sometimes referred to as "on cue"), which may mean breastfeeding many times more than the recommended minimum, feeding when the baby shows early signs of hunger, is the best way to maintain milk production and ensure the baby's needs for milk and comfort are being satisfied.However, it may be important to recognize whether a baby is truly hungry, as breastfeeding too frequently may mean the child receives a disproportunately high amount of foremilk, and not enough hindmilk, potentially creating problems.

Babies usually show they are hungry by waking up (newborns), mouthing their fists, moaning or fussing. Crying is a late indicator of hunger. When babies' cheeks are stroked, the rooting instinct makes them move their face towards the stroking and open their mouth.

Breastfeeding can make mothers thirsty, especially at first, when both mother and baby are inexperienced and when feeding sessions can last for up to an hour or more (there is no time limit for breastfeeding). Having water readily available helps mothers maintain proper hydration.