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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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Should I feed my baby on a schedule?
In order to be successful with breastfeeding, it helps to know about the needs of normal babies. Breastfeeding babies cue by rooting or chewing their hands when they are hungry. Successful breastfeeding mothers respond to early cues and feed before their babies cry.
Breastfed babies don't eat on schedules. Breast milk is fully digested in an hour and a half to two hours, so babies respond to their empty stomachs by cueing for more. Trying to schedule a breastfeeding baby or to restrict how long he can eat is a recipe for breastfeeding failure.
Infants have hunger needs and touch needs which must be met. Perhaps formula babies can be scheduled more easily, since their food digests slowly. In fact the whole idea of scheduling has come from formula-feeding practices. Breastfeeding is totally different. Many breastfed babies will fall into a pattern after a few weeks, going longer between feeds, becoming more efficient at eating. Growth spurts may interrupt the pattern, but babies will fall back into their pattern after the growth spurt.
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- I am pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?