Breastfeeding on demand vs. keeping a schedule

One of the biggest debates in breastfeeding your child is whether to feed on demand or to maintain a tighter schedule around feeding. There really isn’t a right answer - some parents like to go with the flow, while others prefer their baby to be on a schedule. But, as with most things in life, everyone has his or her own opinion on what is best for their baby.

On Demand Feeding

Feeding on demand means you’re letting your baby decide when and how much he or she will eat, rather than according to a set schedule. Advantages of breastfeeding on demand include: When feeding on demand, you’ll need to learn when your little one is hungry, so look for cues such as: Crying is actually a late indicator of hunger. It is possible that your baby is frustrated and may tire from the crying. This may even lead to difficulty latching on to the breast. It may take you several days or even weeks to feel confident in your ability to understand your little one’s needs and feeding cues so don’t get discouraged. If you are worried your little one isn’t eating enough, keep a log of your feeding schedule that includes when and how long the baby nursed and keep track of the baby’s wet diapers and stools for the first few weeks.

• An increase in your breastmilk supply
• It puts mom’s mind at ease, knowing her baby eats when he/she wants to eat
• It helps prevent engorgement and/or clogged milk ducts
• Helps mom to learn her baby’s feeding cues
• Wakefulness and moving around
• Rooting behavior such as searching for the nipple, and sucking on fingers, fists, or wrists
• Tongue movement in the mouth
• Lip and tongue-smacking
• Sucking noises
• Clenching fists or bending arms while their hands are near their mouth or face

Scheduled Feeding

Some parents prefer to have a routine, so they feed according to the clock – typically every two to three hours in the beginning. Between those time frames, if the baby gets fussy, he is soothed, but not with food. Some parents will consider introducing a pacifier to soothe the baby but this should not be done until the baby has established a good latch and feeding routine. Advantages of breastfeeding on a schedule include:

• Promises parents predictability
• Parents gain confidence if they are following instructions from a trusted authority such as their healthcare provider or lactation consultant.

Combination of On Demand and Scheduled Feeding

Many times parents find themselves using a combination of the two feeding styles. They may have started off feeding on-demand, and, then end up on a schedule once their little one gets older. Something to keep in mind: Eventually your baby will settle into his/her own natural routine. And as they grow, the time between feedings will increase. Whichever way you choose to breastfeed, in the beginning it may feel like you’re nursing all of the time. When babies are growing quickly, they nurse more often. Typically newborns eat eight to 12 times a day, or every two to three hours. But as your baby grows and other foods are introduced, he/she will nurse less often. All babies are different, and so are their requirements when it comes to feeding. Choose the option that is best for your and your baby. As long as your baby is getting enough to eat, growing well, and keeping you busy changing diapers, he or she will be healthy and happy.