Breast milk is easily digested, so newborns are hungry often. Frequent feedings helps stimulate your milk production during the first few weeks. As newborns get older, they'll nurse less often, and may have a more predictable schedule. Some might feed every 90 minutes, whereas others might go 2—3 hours between feedings.
Count the length of time between feedings from the time your baby begins to nurse rather than at the end to when your little one starts nursing again. In other words, when your doctor asks how often your baby is feeding, you can say "about every 2 hours" if your first feeding started at 6 a. Especially at first, you might feel like you're nursing around the clock, which is normal. Soon enough, your baby will go longer between feedings.
Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5—10 minutes on each side. Alternate breasts and try to give each one the same amount of nursing time throughout the day. This helps to keep up your milk supply in both breasts and prevents painful engorgement when your breasts overfill with milk. You may switch breasts in the middle of each feeding and then alternate which breast you offer first for each feeding.
You will know your baby is getting enough breast milk if: Your newborn has frequent bowel movements. Many breastfeeding mothers find that keeping a diary can be very helpful in determining if their baby is getting enough milk. Occasionally, there may be times where your baby is not able to breastfeed for a while. At first, you may be able to only express a few drops of milk. This is very common, especially if this is your first baby.
Begin double pumping pumping both breasts at the same time as soon as possible and continue pumping on a regular basis every 1 to 3 hours, or 8 times in 24 hours, for 10 to 15 minutes.
Your milk supply will increase over time. Do not worry about how much milk you are pumping. When you are able to breastfeed your baby, your milk production will be better. Caring for more than one baby is a challenge that requires a lot of time, energy and patience. Breastfeeding can be a less expensive and convenient way to feed your babies, once you ease into the routine.
Your milk supply will be plenty as long as your babies nurse often. Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process — the greater the demand, the greater the supply.
Support groups, such as Mothers of Multiples, offer valuable support and helpful tips for nursing your babies. We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences. Error was Detected. Your browser doesn't support JavaScript code, or you have disabled JavaScript. Only express enough to feel comfortable as you do not want to overstimulate your supply. If your baby has not fed recently, you could offer them a feed as breastfeeding is also about you being comfortable. Sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Page last reviewed: 4 November Next review due: 4 November Breastfeeding: the first few days. Preparing to breastfeed before the birth It's good to find out as much as you can about breastfeeding before you have your baby. Skin-to-skin contact Having skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after giving birth will help to keep them warm and calm and steady their breathing. Skin-to-skin after a caesarean If your baby is delivered by caesarean, you should still be able to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after delivery.
Colostrum: your first milk The fluid your breasts produce in the first few days after birth is called colostrum. Your let-down reflex Your baby's sucking causes muscles in your breasts to squeeze milk towards your nipples. Some women get a tingling feeling, which can be quite strong.
Others feel nothing at all. How often should I feed my baby? It's not possible to overfeed a breastfed baby. When your baby is hungry they may: get restless suck their fist or fingers make murmuring sounds turn their head and open their mouth rooting It's best to try and feed your baby during these early feeding cues as a crying baby is difficult to feed.
Building up your milk supply Around 2 to 4 days after birth you may notice that your breasts become fuller. They might suggest giving your baby some expressed breast milk along with breastfeeding.
Dealing with leaking breasts Sometimes, breast milk may leak unexpectedly from your nipples. Help and support for breastfeeding Find out more about positioning and attachment , including how to get comfortable and make sure your baby is properly attached. If you are having difficulties with breastfeeding, take a look at breastfeeding problems.
Ask a midwife or health visitor for help. They can also tell you about other breastfeeding support available near you. Search online for breastfeeding support in your area. Every baby is different. Here are a few things to know about how much and how often babies breastfeed during the first days, weeks, and months of life.
At first, babies need to eat about every 2 to 4 hours to help them get enough nutrition and to grow. This means you may need to wake your baby to feed. You can try patting, stroking, undressing, or changing the diaper to help wake your baby to feed. If you have concerns about how much your baby is sleeping or eating, talk to his or her doctor or nurse.
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