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breastfeeding

Feeding

breastfeeding

i plan on breastfeeding but i just have a question..do babys feed every hr or every few hrs like with a bottle? or is it when ever the babys hungry w.breastfeeding?
asked by jessandmike08 2 years 14 weeks ago
answer this question
answers (4)
by POONIE submitted 2 years 14 weeks

i plan on breastfeeding also :] I was told that baby's feed more frequently when breast fed than if they were fed formula.But it's prolly best to just offer the breast whenever your baby seems hungry and you will know if he is getting fed enough by how many wet diapers he/she has.

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by kahchagirl submitted 2 years 14 weeks

normally every 2 hours when they are newborns, but you just have to check wet diapers too. keep a log, and that will also help you remember what breast you used last. the nurse in the hospital should help you with all of this. i breastfed both of my daughters and it is very time consuming. you will feel as if they are literally attached to you the first 6 months, but it is the best gift you can give your child. i remember thinking i couldn't do it anymore a few times during those first few months, but i never gave up, and before you know if it will be over and they have so much to benefit from it. kudos to you for trying to do the best you can for your baby. :)

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by Orane submitted 2 years 14 weeks

Breastfed babies do have to be fed more often, but that is only because breast milk is made for babies and is easily digested where as formula is not.

To begin with you will have to feed your baby "on demand" this is to establish your milk supply. I found that by doing this, I learned a lot from my baby and could react to her cues. Then as time goes on you will fall into a pattern.

Breastfeeding is wonderful, and you will pick up on it so easily and it will feel like you have done it forever! Breastfeeding is also so good for mom and baby! 

Good luck!

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by COUNTRYMOM27 submitted 2 years 14 weeks

Check out Kellymom.com - great info there.  Also your local La Leche League has meetings for moms where kids are welcome - I found them very helpful and non-judgemental, and it was a great place to practice nursing in public without flashing!  They also helped me figure out the sling, etc.

In general, babies will nurse every 1 1/2 - 2 hrs in the beginning, but sometimes more, sometimes less.  My advice? Put away your watch for awhile.  Your baby will start to root and fuss, and that's a sign they're hungry.  I always offered breast first before looking to see if it was anything else and 99% of the time that was it!  You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby (you can overfeed a FF baby) so just let them nurse on demand.  You also don't have to nurse from both breasts each time.

A great book that I loved was Dr. Sears' Baby Book.  Also "So That's What They Are For!"  Avoid "What to Expect" - their breastfeeding info is poor at best, wrong in many cases.

Good luck!

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