For the first month, newborns should be breastfed 8-12 times per day. Because Breast milk is easily digested, newborns are frequently hungry. During the first few weeks, frequent feedings help stimulate milk production.

By the time your Baby is 1-2 months old, he or she will most likely be nursing 7-9 times per day.

Breastfeeding should be done “on demand” (when your baby is hungry) in the first few weeks of life, which should be every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. As newborns grow older, they will nurse less frequently and on a more predictable schedule. Some may feed every 90 minutes, while others may feed every 2-3 hours.

Even overnight, newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding.

How Do I Count the Time Between Feedings?

Count the time between feedings from when your baby first starts nursing (rather than at the end) to when he or she resumes nursing. In other words, if your first feeding started at 6 a.m., the next feeding was around 8 a.m., then 10 a.m., and so on, you can say “about every 2 hours” to your doctor.

It’s normal to feel like you’re nursing all the time, especially at first. Your baby will eventually go longer between feedings.

How Long Does Nursing Take?

Newborns can nurse on one or both breasts for up to 20 minutes. As babies get older and more experienced with breastfeeding, it may take 5-10 minutes on each side.

The length of time it takes to breastfeed depends on you, your baby, and other factors such as whether:

• Your milk supply has arrived (this usually happens 2–5 days after birth)
• Your let-down reflex (which causes milk to flow from the nipple) occurs immediately or after a few minutes into a feeding whether your milk flow is slow or fast the baby has a good latch, absorbing as much of your areola as possible (the dark circle of skin around your nipple)
• your baby starts gulping right away or slowly

• your child is drowsy or distracted

If you are concerned that your baby’s feedings are too short or too long, contact your doctor.

When Should I Alternate Breasts?

Alternate between breasts, attempting to give each the same amount of nursing time throughout the day. This helps to maintain your milk supply in both breasts while also preventing painful engorgement (when your breasts overfill with milk).

You can alternate which breast you offer first for each feeding by switching breasts in the middle of each feeding. Have you forgotten where your baby last nursed? Attaching a reminder, such as a safety pin or small ribbon, to your bra strap can help you remember which breast your baby last nursed on. Then, at the next feeding, begin with that breast. Alternatively, keep a notebook handy or use a breastfeeding app to record how your baby feeds.

Your baby may prefer to nurse on one side only or switch breasts at each feeding. If this is the case, then offer the other breast at the next feeding. Do whatever is most convenient and comfortable for you and your baby.

How Often Should I Burp My Baby During Feedings?

Burp before switching breasts after your baby has finished on one side. A baby’s burping reflex can be triggered simply by movement.

Some infants require more burping than others, and it varies from feeding to feeding.

Burp your baby more frequently if he or she spits up a lot. While it is normal for infants to “spit up” after eating or during burping, a baby should not vomit after feeding. If your baby vomits during or after a feeding, there could be an issue that necessitates medical attention. If you are concerned that your baby is spitting up excessively, contact your doctor.

Why Is My Baby Hungrier Than Usual?

When babies experience rapid growth (known as a growth spurt), they want to eat more than usual. These can occur at any time. However, in the early months, growth spurts are common when a baby is:

• 7–14 days old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old

During these times, and whenever your baby appears to be particularly hungry, pay attention to his or her hunger cues. For a while, you may need to breastfeed more frequently.

How Long Should I Breastfeed My Baby?

That is a personal preference. For the first six months, experts recommend that babies be breastfed exclusively (no formula, water, juice, non-breast milk, or food). Breastfeeding can then be continued until 12 months (or longer) if it is beneficial to both you and your baby.

Breastfeeding has numerous advantages for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding has been shown in studies to reduce a baby’s risk of diarrhea, ear infections, and bacterial meningitis, or to make symptoms less severe. Breastfeeding may also protect children from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), diabetes, obesity, and asthma.

Breastfeeding burns calories and helps shrink the uterus in mothers. Breastfeeding mothers may return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight faster. Breastfeeding also reduces a woman’s risk of diseases such as:

• breast cancer
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart disease

It may also help protect mothers from uterine and ovarian cancer.

breast feeding schedule