Frequent Feeding
“Are you feeding that baby AGAIN?!”
How many times have I heard that? Usually from people who've never breastfed, particularly those of my mum's generation.
Breastfeeding mums are often told that their babies are ‘feeding too often' because there is something wrong with either the quantity or the quality of the milk they are producing. This suggestion understandably causes a lot of anxiety and upset, but it's usually not true.
The first question to answer is this: what is “normal”? Many would have us believe that all babies feed 4 hourly during the day and sleep all night from about 6 weeks old. Well I know plenty of babies whether breast or formula fed, who haven't read that part of the instruction manual! Our mums were encouraged to feed on strict schedules, but these days, many mums prefer to feed “on demand”, and it's usual to find that demand fed babies feed more frequently. Breastfed babies, in the early weeks particularly, may feed very often, especially during the evening. This is very common and quite normal. It can be hard work at the time, but it doesn't last forever, and in time feeds will space out.
Breast milk is very easily digested – it's designed that way of course – so a breastfed baby will digest their milk more quickly than a formula fed baby, and therefore may well feel hungry again sooner. But this does not mean that there is anything wrong.
The other reason that breastfed babies feed often is that breast milk is manufactured on a “supply and demand” basis: the more baby suckles, the more milk is produced. You may notice times when there is a sudden increase in the frequency and/or duration of your baby's feeds for a few days, and then things settle down again. These are “growth spurts”. Baby is stimulating your breasts to produce extra milk to meet an increased demand as he grows. These typically occur at 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, but again many babies haven't read the manual, so they can occur at other times.
If you are worried that your baby is feeding “too often” it can be a great comfort to meet other breastfeeding mums and discover that they have experienced similar patterns: a breastfeeding support group is a great way to meet other mums. Additionally, if you are concerned, it's worth getting a breastfeeding expert to check that your baby is latching on properly (see the contact details on the FAQ page). Whilst frequent feeding is common, occasionally a baby may be restless and feeding often because they aren't latching properly and therefore not getting enough milk. “Ordinary” midwives or HVs may not have the expertise to be able to help you with this, so it's better to ask someone with a specialist interest in breastfeeding, either a breastfeeding counsellor or a health professional with a special interest, depending on who is available locally.
In summary, breastfed babies often do feed frequently especially around the times of growth spurts. It's hard work, but it will pass. Try to avoid the temptation to give “top ups” of formula, as this will interfere with the supply and demand system and may reduce your milk supply. And, as ever, if you're worried about your baby's feeding, get help and support from an expert.
Happy feeding!