It is a transformative time as the new parent faces so many decisions in caring for their newborn that it can feel overwhelming. How long to breastfeed a Newborn is one of the biggest decisions new parents will make. There are innumerable benefits to breastfeeding, for baby and mum alike. But knowing how long to breast-feed, how often and the best way to do it can be confusing for new parents. This guide covers all you need to know about breastfeeding your newborn — including expert advice on how long to breastfeed, tips on breastfeeding scheduling, and the incredible benefits of breastfeeding.
The Importance of Breastfeeding for Your Newborn
Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant nutrition. It offers a full range of nutrients required for the growth and development of the newborn. Once your baby’s born, it all starts: breastfeeding immediately provides your little one with important antibodies that help strengthen their immune system and protect them from infections and illnesses. Breast milk also has a digestible mixture of proteins, fats, and vitamins that formula milk cannot duplicate.
Breastfeeding helps create a bond that is also profoundly emotional. You are not only feeding your baby; you are also bonding. Being close to each other helps both mother and baby release a hormone known as oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” which promotes a sense of warmth and security.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
How Long Should You Breastfeed Your Baby?
How long should newborns get breastfed is a question that many parents wonder about and varies depending on a number of factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. During this time the baby will receive all the food they need from breast milk. Solid foods can be introduced after six months, but breastfeeding should be continued together with solids for a minimum of one year.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Breastfeed only for the first six months
The best thing you can feed your infant is breast milk exclusively for the first six months. This means either from your breast or expressed breast milk, giving your baby the ideal nutrition during their time of great and important growth and development. Beyond the nutritional benefits, exclusive breastfeeding promotes gut health and the immune system of the baby.
Nutritional Benefits: The composition of breast milk has the perfect ratio of fat, protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients.
Immune System Support: Your body produces thick yellow milk in the first couple days postpartum called colostrum; it is packed with antibodies that help protect your baby from infections.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Cognitive Development: Some studies indicate breastfed babies may have a higher IQ later in life as certain fatty acids present in breast milk promote brain development.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months: Starting Solids
After six months, you can introduce solid food as breastfeed. The AAP advises that mothers continue breastfeeding for at least one year and as long as mutually desired by the mother and baby. Although solids are introduced, breast milk is still a key source of nutrition for your baby.
Balanced Nutrition: After six months, solid foods will provide your baby with the vitamins and minerals they need, however, breast milk will remain the primary source of nutrition.
Boosts Your Baby’s Immune System: The longer your baby breastfeeds, the more protection your baby receives against illness while his/her immune system develops.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Extended Breastfeeding: After the First Year
Breastfeeding after the first year is a personal choice and will depend on both the mother and baby’s needs. There’s no global “cut-off” for breastfeeding: Some mothers breastfeed into toddlerhood; others stop before then. Breastfeeding past the age of one has also been associated with continued immune protection and nutritional benefits. Breastfeeding through the challenges and excitement of a toddler’s rapid development also proves to be comforting and stabilizing for mothers and babies alike, should you choose to breastfeed beyond one year.
How Often Should You Breastfeed Your Newborn?
29: Learn how often your newborn needs to feed Another common question: How often the baby will need to breastfeed? Newborns breastfeed more often than older babies do: Their stomachs are small, and they digest milk quickly. Here’s a broad guideline for how often you should breast-feed in your first few weeks:
Feeding Schedule for Newborns (0-2 Months)
Frequency: Newborns feed every 2 to 3 hours, about every 8 to 12 times per day.
Time: Each feed can usually take around 10 to 20 minutes on each breast, depending on how hungry and efficient your baby is at feeding.
Cluster Feeding: Some newborns may encounter an episode of “cluster feeding,” whereby they nurse more frequently for shorter periods of time, often occurring in the evening hours.
Development of the Baby (2-6 Months)
As your baby grows, feedings will spread out, and they may nurse every 3 to 4 hours. Babies are sometimes still nurse more frequently during growth spurts (usually around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months).
Adjusting the Feeding Schedule — 6+ Months
Breast milk will remain the main source of food after six months, although you will be incorporating solids into your babe’s diet. Around this time breastfeeding may also be more flexible and mothers may feed their babies 3 to 4 times per day depending on the baby’s eating frequency and their growing needs.
Common Breastfeeding Issues & Solutions
Breastfeeding has a lot of advantages, but it’s not all smooth sailing. In general, there are a number of common issues mothers might experience while breastfeeding that are easily overcome with the right information and support. Here are common challenges you may face and advice on how to tackle them:
Sore Nipples
One of the most common breastfeeding problems, especially in the first few days postpartum, is sore nipples. The most important thing you can do to prevent sore nipples is to make sure your baby is latched on properly.
Solution: Have a lactation consultant examine your baby’s latch. Apply nipple creams or lanolin for sore nipples and allow your breasts to air dry after nursing to promote healing.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Low Milk Supply
What mothers and mothers to be often worry about though is how their milk production is going and if they’re going to have enough, particularly in those early days and weeks of breastfeeding. A low milk supply can stem from a number of factors, such as a poor latch, stress, or not enough feeds.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Solution: Nurse even more to encourage milk production. Think about pumping to up your supply to stem the flow, or consult a lactation consultant who can help you figure it out.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Engorgement
Breast engorgement refers to when your breasts are too full, which can lead to pain and discomfort. This commonly occurs when your milk “comes in,” or if you skip a feeding.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Solution: Pump, or hand express to relieve engorgement. Make sure your baby is nursing regularly to establish a good flow for milk to prevent a build−up in the breasts.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Latch Issues
A bad latch can lead to nipple pain and may impact your milk supply. Make sure your baby is well-positioned to feed.
Solution: Keep your baby well positioned at the breast with their mouth covering the nipple and areola. Get help from a lactation consultant if you need it.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Common Questions on How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Q: How do I know if my baby is drinking enough milk?
A: You can tell that your baby is getting enough milk from consistent weight gain, at least 6 wet diapers a day and regular bowel movements. Your baby should also be content after feeding and alert and active.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Q: If I go back to work, can I continue to breastfeed?
A: Yes, with proper planning. You can also express breast milk and save it for your baby to eat when you are away. Many working moms do continue to breast-feed successfully with a combination of pumping and direct nursing.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Q: How do I make a breastfeeding schedule?
A: In the first weeks, concentrate on feeding on demand because your baby’s needs will vary. Just keep in mind that things will change as your baby starts to grow, and you can start setting a more regular schedule that comes as a result of their feeding habits, while still being flexible for times of growth spurts.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Q: Can I still breastfeed if I have a medical condition?
A: Most mothers with medical conditions are able to breastfeed. However, it is best to consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition to consider the health and safety of both you and the baby.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is one of the most satisfying experiences for both mother and baby. Knowing how long to breastfeed your newborn, how often, and how to face hurdles can help you give your baby the best nourishment possible. Regardless of whether you breastfeed for six months, one year, or during subsequent years, each drop of breast milk is immensely beneficial for your baby’s health.How Long to Breastfeed a Newborn
Every breastfeeding journey is different. Speak with medical providers and lactation consultants if you need support, and be gentle on yourself as you traverse the peaks and valleys of new parenthood. But this was my experience and no matter how long you breastfeed, the love and bond you create alongside your baby is what it all comes down to.
Knowing the benefits of breastfeeding and companying them with experts recommendations will help you set guidelines on how long to continue to feed your newborn.
