when to stop breastfeeding on demand?

(July 22, 2010)

Breastfeeding On Demand

Breastfeeding on demand has many advantages. It ensures that the baby’s hunger is being satisfied. It also eliminates the concern of the child going hungry for a certain period of time since not much time would have elapsed since the last feeding. The mother’s worries about how to feed the baby will also be alleviated and she can allow herself to enjoy her time with her baby. There is also the advantage of not having to be restricted by a schedule. It may also help to reduce the frustrations that occur during feedings, such as the ones that occur during night feedings.

Mothers who breastfeed according to a fixed schedule usually nurse their babies every 3 to 4 hours. On the other hand, feeding on demand is done when the baby displays hunger signs. The baby is then fed for as long as they wish to be nursed. This could mean that feeding may take place more often than those who stick to a schedule. But it also means that the baby is receiving the amount of food he or she requires. Also in some cases, babies that are fed according to a schedule tend to overeat so that they remain full until the next feed. There may also be long periods when they remain hungry until the next feeding. The best way to breastfeed on demand is to understand the baby’s hunger signs. Babies usually display several hunger cues. Mothers who are unfamiliar with these signs will benefit from learning about them. Some common hunger cues include mouth movements, rooting, sucking, making sounds, crying and moving the head frantically. In case the baby is crying, but not showing any other hunger signs, it is possible that they need to be changed or burped.

A mother should also be ready to breastfeed on cue. This may not always be easy. Some mothers may need to keep pumped milk handy when they are not available for feeding. This allows a caretaker to feed the baby when he or she is hungry. Mothers should also be prepared to feed the baby in public places and should carry any breastfeeding accessories like a shawl if they require it. Babies mostly go for at least 2 hours between feedings. It is also important to be aware when to stop breastfeeding on demand. There are certain cues that indicate that the baby is full. When a baby is satiated, he is likely to release the nipple, close his lips tightly and draw his head away from the nipple.

Submitted by P T on July 22, 2010 at 06:23