Breastfeeding is a fundamental aspect of nurturing newborns, providing them with essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes crucial for their growth, development, and protection against infections. This World Breastfeeding Week, it’s important to understand how often mothers should feed their babies to ensure their optimal health and well-being. Dr. Seema Jain, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, delves into the topic and offers insights for mothers who might be seeking guidance.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding is the primary source of nutrition for infants up to 6 months of age. Shockingly, only around 44% of infants in this age group are exclusively breastfed. Breast milk not only provides essential nutrients but also acts as a source of energy and protection during illnesses, reducing child mortality rates.
The Ideal Breastfeeding Schedule
Dr. Jain suggests a “Demand and Feeding Schedule” as the recommended approach for breastfeeding. Although there are no hard and fast rules, most exclusively breastfed babies tend to feed every 2 to 4 hours. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even notes that babies may desire feeding every 1 to 3 hours, contributing to increased milk supply and honing their sucking and swallowing skills.
For newborns, Dr. Jain recommends breastfeeding 8 to 12 times a day during the initial month. As babies grow older, their feeding frequency naturally decreases. It’s crucial not to let newborns go without feeding for more than approximately 4 hours, even during the night. Feeding sessions can last up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts.
Recognizing Feeding Cues
The CDC emphasizes that feeding frequency can change throughout the day. Babies might have longer or shorter feeding sessions, and it’s entirely normal. Babies tend to consume what they need during each feeding, stopping when they’re full. Look for signs of contentment and drowsiness after feeding, indicating they’ve had sufficient milk.
Signs of Overfeeding
It’s essential to be mindful of signs of overfeeding, such as continuous spitting up or vomiting after feeding, a distended abdomen, excessive crying due to discomfort, choking during feeds, and other digestive issues. It’s common for parents to misconstrue cries or restlessness as hunger, but taking into account the last feeding time and trusting your instincts can guide you.
Breastfeeding is a significant aspect of early parenting, offering numerous benefits for both mother and baby. Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life is recommended, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of other soft foods and drinks as the child grows. This World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate the power of breast milk and the beautiful bond it nurtures between mothers and their little ones.
