DEMAND FEEDING IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR NEWBORNS

Don’t time your feeds in the newborn weeks, or try to place your baby on a feeding schedule – feed him whenever he is hungry. Allow your baby to feed on his own time and to pace himself. Frequent feeding in the first weeks contributes to breastfeeding for longer. It allows your new baby to receive all the immunological advantages of the colostrum, and protects him from possible infections. During the first weeks after birth, it is important to allow your baby to feed often, and effectively remove milk from your breasts. Although a breastfeeding mother’s breasts are never empty, drained breasts refill quickly. The sucking stimulation increases the prolactin receptors in the breast and encourages abundant milk production. Prolactin is the milk-making hormone and is often referred to as the mothering hormone, as it is responsible, in part, for the intense feeling of needing to be with your baby.

This enhances attachment and bonding. A feeding pattern will start to emerge within the first six weeks of life. You both need time to get to know one another, so try to enjoy the process. ●