Every baby is unique, and how much and how often they breastfeed can vary significantly. Your baby’s feeding schedule will depend on their needs, growth patterns, and mood. Here’s what you can expect during the first days, weeks, and months of breastfeeding, along with some insights into breastfeeding beyond 12 months and up to 24 months.

Breastfeeding in the First Days

In the first few days of your baby’s life, breastfeeding is critical in establishing your milk supply and teaching your baby how to nurse effectively. Here are some key points to consider:

Tiny Tummy

Your newborn’s stomach is tiny at birth, so they don’t need a lot of milk at each feeding. Even a tiny amount of colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk produced in the first few days, fills their little belly.

Frequent Feedings

Your baby may need to nurse as often as every 1 to 3 hours, especially in the first few days. These frequent feedings help your body increase milk supply while giving your baby practice at latching, sucking, and swallowing.

Listening for Cues

It’s common to hear your baby making sucking and swallowing sounds during feedings. This is a good sign that they are actively taking in breast milk.

Avoid Formula

In most cases, exclusively breastfed babies do not need infant formula in the first few days. If you have concerns about your baby getting enough milk, it’s best to contact a lactation consultant or your baby’s healthcare provider. They can help you resolve breastfeeding challenges and ensure your baby is thriving.

Breastfeeding in the First Weeks and Months

As your baby grows, their feeding needs will change. Here’s what you can expect during the first few weeks and months of breastfeeding:

Growing Stomach, Growing Appetite

As your baby’s stomach grows, it will gradually be able to take in more milk during each feeding. This means the time between feedings will begin to lengthen.

Feeding Frequency

On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will nurse every 2 to 4 hours during the first few weeks. Some babies may cluster feed, meaning they may nurse more frequently for short periods. Others may have longer stretches of sleep, lasting 4 to 5 hours.

Variable Feeding Sessions

The length and frequency of feeding sessions may vary throughout the day. Some sessions may be extended and leisurely, while others may be quick and efficient. This is normal; your baby will take in what they need at each feeding. Babies tend to stop eating when complete and should appear satisfied and relaxed after feeding.

Feeding Frequency at 8 to 12 Times a Day

In the early months, expect your baby to breastfeed about 8 to 12 times over 24 hours. This frequent feeding is essential for their growth and helps maintain your milk supply.

Breastfeeding Between 6 to 12 Months

As your infant starts to try out solid foods, the frequency and length of breastfeeding will naturally shift. Here’s what to keep in mind during this stage:

Introducing Solids

While your baby will start to eat more solid foods, breast milk remains their primary source of nutrition during the first year. Continue to breastfeed on demand and look for your baby’s hunger cues.

Maintaining Interest in Breastfeeding

Some babies may show less interest in breastfeeding once they start solid foods. To ensure they continue getting the benefits of breast milk, you can try breastfeeding before offering other foods. This keeps breast milk as the foundation of their nutrition.

Breastfeeding on Demand

Just like in the earlier months, it’s essential to follow your baby’s cues for when they want to breastfeed. This may mean offering the breast more frequently or less frequently as they eat more solids. The flexibility in breastfeeding on demand helps ensure your baby’s nutritional needs are met.

Breastfeeding Between 12 to 24 Months

As your baby becomes a toddler, the breastfeeding frequency may decrease, but it still provides essential nutrients and emotional comfort. Here’s what to expect as your child grows older:

Varying Nursing Habits

Toddlers often have varying breastfeeding patterns. Some may only nurse in the morning or before bed, while others continue to breastfeed throughout the day as part of their regular diet.

Follow Your Child’s Lead

The best approach to breastfeeding during this stage is to continue following your child’s cues. Breastfeeding may become a source of comfort and bonding rather than just nutrition, but it still plays a vital role in your toddler’s overall health and well-being.

Breastfeeding Beyond 24 Months

Breastfeeding beyond 24 months, often called extended breastfeeding, is a personal decision with numerous benefits for both mother and child. The recommendation from various health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), is to encourage breastfeeding for at least two years.

Emotional Comfort

Breastfeeding provides more than just nutrition for toddlers. It offers emotional comfort and security and helps strengthen the bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding for an extended period can help with transitions like beginning daycare, relocating to a new residence, or adapting to other changes in routine.

Nutritional Benefits

Even after two years, breast milk remains a valuable source of nutrients, antibodies, and healthy fats for your child. Boosting their immune system and enhancing their general well-being aids in complementing the nutrients they receive from solid foods.

Cultural and Social Considerations

Extended breastfeeding is common in many cultures and is supported by numerous health professionals to ensure a child receives ongoing nourishment and emotional support. Each family can choose the length of their breastfeeding journey based on their needs and preferences.

Ultimately, every breastfeeding journey is unique, with no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you choose to breastfeed for a few months or several years, the benefits to your child’s health and emotional well-being are immense. Trust your instincts, follow your baby’s cues, and enjoy the special bond that breastfeeding creates.