How often to feed a newborn baby?

From the first time the newborn is attached to the mother's breast, the child should develop a sucking reflex. At the same time, the sucking reflex is also important for the reason that lactation is stimulated and milk begins to form. Also for this reason, if possible, the newborn is attached to the mother's breast a few hours after birth. Sometimes the baby latches on the first try, other times it takes longer. It is ideal to put the newborn to the breast every 2 to 3 hours, calmly and more often if he asks for it by crying. In the first days after birth, colostrum is formed in the mother's breasts, which is nutritious and thick milk (builds immunity). Breast milk, as we know it, is formed around 3-5 days after birth, sometimes even later.

Regarding the frequency of feeding a newborn, there is no direct numerical value. Most of the time, you will feed your newborn whenever he asks for it. Sometimes it will be every hour, two or every half hour. Breastfeeding intervals may be very short at first and will gradually become longer. How often to feed a newborn is very individual and it is best to follow the needs of the baby. In other words, whenever the newborn is asked, give him nutrition in the form of the best source of food he can have - breast milk. Breastfeeding gradually becomes a ritual, and if not more often, it should take place at least every 2 to 3 hours. And how often to feed a newborn at night? It will let you know when it needs food. However, if he sleeps, there is no need to forcefully wake him up and breastfeed him.

The length of breastfeeding varies. Sometimes the baby sucks for 10 minutes, other times for 30 minutes, but he can latch on to the breast for a longer time. Similar to the frequency, the ideal length of breastfeeding cannot be determined either. Gradually, the baby will be able to pump more milk and breastfeeding will speed up. A newborn is not yet able to drink effectively, so it happens that even after a long period of breastfeeding, the baby is soon hungry. Gradually, the intervals begin to lengthen. How often to breastfeed a 3-month-old baby will depend on how he gets enough during the given feeding. Even breastfeeding at night can be more pleasant, because in the sixth week the baby can start to get used to rituals and certain breastfeeding intervals. A 4-month-old baby should already have a certain regular rhythm in feeding.

It is also not necessary to strictly monitor how much milk a newborn should drink. Many mothers ask how much milk a 2-month-old, 4-month-old or two-week-old baby should drink. It is important to monitor weight gain and stool regularity. It can easily happen that during a 10-minute breast-feeding the baby pulls more than during a half-hour latch. In the beginning, it's okay to let breastfeeding go free. Later, create a ritual for the baby. Gradually, the child will be able to feed faster, the duration of breastfeeding will be shortened and the frequency of feeding will also decrease. Around the 4th - 6th month, it is advisable to add the first complementary foods. If the child does not want to eat or does not gain weight on the scale, consult a pediatrician about the next procedure.

Breastfeeding time and intervals are very individual. Even mothers themselves know this. In discussions, mothers most often ask about how often to feed a newborn. Most experienced mothers recommend following the needs of the baby and not just follow the recommended interval. It is also not ideal to monitor how much milk a child drinks. In the beginning, the sucking reflex is very weak and the baby can only suck a small amount of breast milk. Therefore, monitor the weight and stool of the newborn. Mothers also prefer not to wake the child from sleep for feeding. The topic is also how often to feed a newborn with artificial milk, while individual needs apply, as well as when breastfeeding with breast milk.

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