Breastfeeding on demand?

Question

I would like to give breastfeeding a go but the idea of feeding on demand is putting me off.
My sister in law managed for a few weeks but my nephew wanted feeding every hour or so, are all babies the same when you feed on demand?
Thanks

Answer 1

Some babies want it every 1.5 - 2hrs and it is tiring. Get as much sleep as you can. It is the best you can do for your baby.
But when you get out and about it is so convenient - no bottle warming, measuring, or carrying anything extra!

Answer 2

breastfeeding is a commitment to your baby and it gets tiring that's just a part of the process that you can't get around. so it's either you are dedicated or not because it really is just one hill you have to get over until you don't have your baby, seemingly, attached to your breast day and night. It's only been 11 days. These are trials that test you. So many ppl have the choice to be lazy and defer to formula just because it's there, do you want to be one of those ppl w/ already having the knowledge of breastfeeding? Your partner is doing so well to be involved already I personally don't think you need to switch to formula so he can be that much more involved. Pump more if you'd like but be sure to keep it on a schedule. (also, regular pumping should be started at least after 6 wks becuase of milk regulation and establishment). It's so stressful, I know! I've been there and on top of the NORMAL trials and tribulations I got mastitis, thrush, PPD and hives from stress (not necessarily linked to breastfeeding)! And here I am at 4 mos post partum and have made the choice to do baby led weaning becuase we are both doing so well at breastfeeding now. I'm no super mom at all and I did it. It's just hard for the first 6-8wks but I guarantee you that at 8 wks you will be significantly happier. Maybe even sooner...

Answer 3

No babies are the same I'm afraid, I breastfed my first baby on demand and it was easy for the first few months but as she grew it got harder and harder, she was feeding almost constantly and I couldn't keep up. Both the La Leche League and my health visitor were insistent I should not stop and it was only my friends mum who said hey, you've done 6 months, be proud and move on. She presented me with formula and bottles and babes drank 2oz and slept for 4 hours-oh the bliss.
Although that doesn't sound positive, it is. Do it for as long as you possibly can and enjoy the beautiful bonding process when that baby peeps up at you and it's just you two. Lots of cushions and baggy t-shirts and muslin squares required!
You will know when it's enough and you may find you are utterly brilliant at it. My friend breastfed on demand for two years(not sure that would ever been for me but we're all different)
The thing to remember is NO GUILT!! Any breastmilk is better than none and I would advise all new mums to give it a go-it is beautiful. The bras however are not!

Answer 4

Please please! Do give breastfeeding a try. Outside of giving your baby a great start at antibodies, the bond between the two of you is amazing. I breastfeed my son. He is 3 months old and weighs a good 14 1/2 pounds. He is healthy and happy. It is a demanding procedure. My son nurses every hour to an hour and a half at home. I pump for our outings since the world seems to be anti-boob in public lol. The reason that breastfeeding is so demanding versus bottle feeding (formula) is because breast milk flows right through the little boogers, where as formula witch is obviously thicker, sticks to them longer. If actual nursing becomes too much for you, then pump and store milk so that you can do the schedule thing or consider supplementing. Give him breast while at home and give him formula while out and about. A little breast milk is better than none at all.

Answer 5

All babies are different. I breast fed all 4 of my children. The first 6 weeks can seem like all you do is have the baby attached to your breast. But, it sometimes takes that long for your milk production and your baby's needs to balance out. It is important in those early weeks to feed on demand as that is what builds up your milk production. Your baby will begin to develop a schedule that is best for him/her. For some babies, this is every hour for a while, but it will balance out to 2-4 hours as your baby gets bigger. The health benefits to both you and your baby far out-weigh the few weeks you may need to spend feeding your baby often. It is a special bonding time between you and your baby as well. Don't let the frequency of your baby's nursing in his/her early weeks put you off to this important start you can give your baby.

Answer 6

All babies are different. My girls have both been good sleepers right from the start. Little babies have little stomaches and have to eat very often from breast or bottle. Sure formula is harder to digest so they feel full a little longer but they still need to eat every couple of hours. I find that bottle feeding isn't any easier. You still have to get up to warm bottles. Sure hubby can help more with bottles than breast feeding but it gets easier quickly and then I think it is much easier than bottle feeding in the long run.

There are lots of places to get help and support. babycenter.com has a group where you can chat with other mothers on a board all about breast feeding.

There may be a class on breast feeding offered through your hospital or a local chapter of La Leche League where you can actually talk to some one face to face.

Good Luck,
Tricia

Answer 7

If you are interested in doing it, then absolutely give it a shot. Every baby is different, some more demanding than others. If you are worried about your schedule, using a breast pump will allow others to feed your baby if you need a break and make it more comfortable for you if you are adverse to feeding in public. My doctor told me that if you breastfeed for 6 months total (no matter how many kids you have) in your lifetime, it greatly reduces the risk of certain cancers. Not to mention the great benefits for your baby.

Answer 8

You will have to feed on demand weither you breast or bottle feed. Babies need to eat every 1-3 hours day or night. Everybaby is different. Give breastfeeding a try and you won't regret it.

Answer 9

it depends on the baby and how much milk you are producing.
i wanted to breast feed my daughter but she was feeding for about 45 minutes every 1hr 30. it was awful i ended up bleeding within 24 hours. however i found out i wasnt producing colostrum or milk. i was basically dry and the poor little mite was starving!
Im sure when your baby has had enough he/she will go back to sleep for a whle and be content your nephew was probably just a hungry baby or it could be that he was comfort sucking.
give it a go and see what happens.

Answer 10

Depends on you and depends on the baby.

Babies go through growth spurts every few days, and in order to get you to produce enough milk to feed them, they will demand feeding more often - it's a supply and demand situation.

If you rest plenty, eat really well and look after yourself, your body should be able to produce the milk easily enough, so while you get the odd day of having to feed often, it should settle quickly as your body tunes in.

Give it a go - even for a week or two - you'll give your baby a head start with the immunity you'll pass on.

Answer 11

If the idea of having to stay in the house all day to feed the baby is your concern you should consider pumping your breasts, this way other members of the family could feed the baby and you get to rest