You should nurse a newborn at least 8 times per day. You should feed your baby every 3-4 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. If your milk supply is decreasing, you may need to add a nursing or two to your day. Your child will eat more during each nursing session. At around 6-14 weeks of age, most babies stop feeding themselves in the middle of the night.
Babies are usually ready to do this around the age of three months. If you believe your child cannot go without the late-night feeding, move it back in 15-minute increments until you are feeding him at the time you prefer.
Q. How frequently should a newborn be breastfed?
A. Depending on how long he sleeps between feedings at night, you should nurse a newborn at least 8 times per day. If he can go four hours without eating, you'll probably feed him twice between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. You may only need to get up once during the night if you feed him right before he goes to bed.
Q. How frequently should an older baby be breastfed?
A. Depending on your child's age, you should feed him every 3-4 hours during the day. Your child will nurse less as they get older, but they will eat more during each nursing session. If you are going to nurse your child after he or she is 6 months old, you should not nurse less than 5 times per day. If your milk supply is decreasing, then you may need to add a nursing or two to your day to help increase your milk supply.
Q. How do I discontinue a feeding as my baby grows older?
A. The most common change that moms must make is switching from a 3 hour to a 4 hour routine, discontinuing a feeding in the middle of the night, or discontinuing a late-night feeding.
When your baby is ready to change their eating habits, you will usually notice a change in their sleep patterns. A baby who has been on an every 3 hour routine normally takes three naps per day, and if they eat every 3,5 to 4 hours, they may drop the last nap of the nap or significantly shorten one of the other naps. Babies are usually ready to do this around the age of three months.
At around 6-14 weeks of age, most babies stop feeding themselves in the middle of the night. You'll know they're ready when you wake up in the middle of the night wondering why your baby didn't come to you for a feeding. However, the baby will need more food during the day, and if you are breastfeeding, your breasts may feel full for a few days, but it will be well worth it!
The late-night feeding is usually the most difficult to give up. Some parents believe that if the baby is not fed right before bed, he or she will wake up in the middle of the night. If you believe your child cannot go without the late-night feeding, then move it back in 15-minute increments until you are feeding him at the time you prefer. Don't be concerned if the last two feedings of the day appear to be too close together. It will all work out in the end, and you will both be much happier for it!
No comments:
Post a Comment