Life changes in an enormous way after having a baby, especially if you are a first-time mama. While you adjust to life as the official caretaker of a tiny human being, you’ll find yourself learning and relearning things.
Case in point: breastfeeding will require a big-time commitment from you. We won’t sugarcoat it: breastfeeding will not be easy. It will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. But it will all be worth it, mama. The attachment (pun intended) you will have with your child will be unlike no other.
If you have made that wonderful decision to breastfeed your baby, let us help you get acquainted with what to expect during your baby’s first year. Here’s what your feeding schedule will look like.
Feeding on demand vs. Scheduled feeding
Both the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as it still is the best source of nutrition for most infants.
For most new mamas, it can be confusing when it comes to when and how often they should breastfeed the baby. Should you follow baby-led feeding or shape the child’s feeding according to a structured schedule?
What the experts recommend: newborns should feed on demand. Also called responsive feeding, this means you feed the baby when they show signs that they are hungry.
In the past, babies were fed on a strict schedule (every three or four hours). However, forcing your little one to feed when they are not hungry and not feeding them when they are will only result in cranky babies… and yes, tired mamas!
When breastfeeding on demand, it’s important that you know how to read your baby’s hunger cues. Crying is not the only sign that your little one is longing for breastmilk. Watch out for these signs that they want to feed: opening and closing their mouth, turning their heads as if looking for the breast, sucking on their hands, bringing their fist to their mouth, and appearing to be more alert.
So how often should you breastfeed?
Every baby is unique, so the answer to this question really depends on your little one’s needs. But newborns should not go more than about four hours without feeding to ensure they get enough nutrition. You may need to wake up your baby if it’s been about four hours since they last breastfed.
First few weeks
Breast milk is easy to digest so your baby will be feeding often. For the first month, newborns breastfeed about 8 to 12 times per day. While this can make you one exhausted mama, these frequent feedings will help stimulate your milk production.
First 3 months
As your little bean grows and your milk supply is established, your baby can take in more milk in one feeding so it will be about 7 to 9 feedings per 24 hours. You and your baby should have been able to establish a breastfeeding routine — one that’s more predictable — by the third month. Feedings at this time will be about 6 to 8 times per 24 hours.
6 to 12 Months
In the sixth month, you will already introduce solids to your baby. But don’t be mistaken that they will no longer need your breast milk. Pediatricians suggest you continue breastfeeding even after solids were added to your baby’s diet. During this time though, your little one will nurse only around 6 times per day. The feeding frequency will further decrease to about 4 times a day during your baby's 12th month.
Good luck on your breastfeeding journey, mama!
