What's Normal During the Early Weeks of Breastfeeding?
During the first week, it's normal for baby to be a little sleepy. It is suggested to offer to nurse newborn babies at least every two hours during the day, and at least a couple times during the night (every 3 hrs or so). This may mean you have to wake baby to nurse, but by nursing every couple of hours you are stimulating your milk supply and ensuring your baby is getting enough milk.
Some health care professionals, as well as the authors of some popular books suggest limiting or scheduling baby's feedings. This is not accurate breastfeeding information, and should be avoided. It is very important to follow baby's cues to be fed, rather than allowing baby to "cry" to eat. Crying is a very late sign of hunger, and by then baby is tired, in no mood to be patient to work on good latching, and usually will not nurse very well (or long) before falling asleep.
At about 10 days and again at about 3 weeks of age, most babies will have a growth spurt, where they may do "marathon" or "non-stop" nursing for two to three days. After a couple days, this passes and things calm down again. Another growth spurt hits at about six weeks of age. These first six to eight weeks are often the most challenging, after that, it often settles down to an enjoyable experience for both mom and baby.
It is normal for babies to do what is called cluster feeding. Baby may nurse every 2 - 3 hrs during the daytime hours, but during the evening hours, begin to want to nurse "hourly" for several hours in a row. This sometimes confuses moms and they begin to think their supply is low, or that their milk isn't satisfying baby. This is just baby's way of "stocking up" for a longer stretch of sleep in the nighttime hours.
Sometimes a baby's "fussy time" will co-inside with cluster feeding, and this too, can be very confusing for mom. Keep in mind these things are normal.
It is NOT normal for mom to be experiencing severe sore nipples. Most often this is a result of a latch that's not quite right, or other external issue. With proper help and support, most of these issues can be resolved fairly quickly.
Normal Breastfeeding Patterns After Eight Weeks:
The following suggestions are "average" recommendations - keep in mind there is no "one size fits all" for nursing frequency. Some babies have predictable patterns, others nurse on irregular pattern. Some mom/baby pairs can go longer than others between nursing sessions depending on mom'sstorage capacity. A mom with larger storage capacity might note that her baby goes longer between feedings, and a mom with smaller storage capacity might note her baby nurses more often. (Remember, storage capacity is not related to breast size.) It is helpful to keep note of baby's weight gain and elimination patterns when "judging" whether or not baby is nursing enough
From eight weeks (2 months) to a year, here are suggested minimum number of times a breastfed baby should be nursing, in a 24 hr span:
From 2 - 4 months baby should nurse at least 6 times in 24 hr period
From 4 - 7 months baby should nurse at least 5 times in 24 hr period
From 7 - 12 months baby should nurse at least 4 times in 24 hr period
Growth spurts will likely occur at around 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, again at 6 months, at 9 months and again around a year. Increased nursing can also be the result of the approach of a new developmental stage, illness, teething, or a result of change or usual routine, or increased stress or activity at home
Some mothers become concerned if baby begins to nurse in very short sessions. Most breastfeeding experts advise that if the baby continues to have plenty of wet diapers, regular bowel movements, is gaining weight well and meeting developmental milestones, then baby is getting enough breastmilk. Even sessions as short as five minutes can be normal, as long as baby continues to grow and do well.
It is important to remember that breastmilk should be the baby's primary source of nutrition throughout the first year.
Experts recognize that breastfeeding is not just a method of feeding for the infant, but includes a wide range of physiologic and emotional needs. Too often we hear comments like "he is just using you for a pacifier" or "he couldn't/shouldn't need to nurse already, he just ate". These comments rarely take into account an infant's various needs both physical and emotional. They do not help to solve possible breastfeeding problems, and they do nothing to ease mother's concerns!
If there is a concern, the situation should be carefully be evaluated by someone experienced in breastfeeding issues and management. Most of the time the problem can be solved by adjusting nursing patterns. Supplemental feedings are not needed when lactation is going well. If breastfeeding is NOT going well, the introduction of a supplement may make things worse, and should be offered with the guidance of an experienced lactation consultant.
Any time mother feels concerned about short feeding sessions, or what is "normal", she should speak to an experienced lactation consultant, or her breastfeeding support group for accurate information and support.
For more information on what to expect as baby grows:
http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/development.html
http://kellymom.com/bf/older-baby/index.html
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