The Advantages of Breastfeeding on Demand

Tweet Pin Facebook

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby. It’s a special bond between you and your little one, providing not only essential nutrients but also comfort and love. One approach to breastfeeding that many parents find beneficial is called “breastfeeding on demand.” In this blog, we will explore the advantages of this approach and why it can be a great choice for both you and your baby.

What is Breastfeeding on Demand?

Breastfeeding on demand means allowing your baby to feed whenever they show hunger cues or simply want to nurse. Instead of following a strict feeding schedule, you respond to your baby’s cues and offer your breast when they seem hungry or in need of comfort.

By the way, this article may contain affiliate links where I may earn a small commission for purchases made via those links. This comes at no cost to you.

Understanding Your Baby’s Needs

Every baby is unique, and they have their own feeding patterns and preferences. The average baby should breastfeed 8-10 times per day, but it’s important to remember that this is just an average. Your baby will tell you when they’re hungry. Some days, they might want to nurse more frequently, while on other days, they may feed less often. It all depends on your infant.

Some babies are what we call “snackers.” They prefer to have smaller, more frequent feeds throughout the day. Other babies are “feasters,” who like to have longer, more substantial feeds but less frequently. Trust your baby’s instincts and let them guide you in when and how often they need to breastfeed.

The advantages of breastfeeding on demand

It’s less stressful.
Adjusted to the baby’s needs and appetite
Infants tend to gain weight more quickly.
It more effectively regulates and increases milk supply
There is no scheduling and it adapts to your routine better.
self-corrects to growth spurts

Meeting Your Baby’s Needs

Breastfeeding on demand ensures that your baby gets exactly what they need when they need it. This approach allows you to respond promptly to hunger cues, helping your baby feel secure and satisfied. It’s a way to meet both their nutritional and emotional needs. Also check out The easy breastfeeding Tips

Boosting Milk Supply

Feeding on demand can help stimulate your milk production to match your baby’s growth spurts and changing needs. When your baby nurses frequently, your body receives signals to produce more milk, ensuring an adequate supply.

Enhanced Bonding

Breastfeeding is not just about nourishment; it’s also a time for bonding and closeness between you and your baby. Feeding on demand allows for more skin-to-skin contact and the opportunity to connect emotionally with your little one.

Reduced Breast Engorgement

Following a strict feeding schedule can sometimes lead to breast engorgement, where your breasts become painfully full. Breastfeeding on demand helps prevent this discomfort, as your baby will empty your breasts more regularly.

Better Sleep for Mom and Baby

When your baby is allowed to feed on demand, they are less likely to become overly hungry and fussy. This can lead to better sleep for both you and your baby, as they will wake less often during the night.

Easier Transition to Solids

As your baby grows, they will gradually transition to solid foods. Breastfeeding on demand can make this transition smoother, as your baby will learn to self-regulate their hunger and fullness cues from an early age.

how can you tell whether your baby is gettig enough?

If your child is well fed, she or he should be more satisfied and comfortable.
The baby should change 4-6 diapers each day (depending on age) and have regular bowel movements.
When awake, the infant will be alert and should be gaining weight.
Bowel movements are always changing. When the newborn is first brought home from the hospital, he may have 2-4 bowel movements per day. After a month, the infant may only have one dirty diaper each day, or every other day.

But, your baby’s pattern may differ somewhat. See your pediatrician and a lactation specialist if you are concerned.

indications that your baby is not getting enough

Weight gain is slow or non-existent.
Cries frequently
Doesn’t appear to be satisfied
Has few wet diapers or does not have regular stools.

Mom Tips

You are not required to make a single decision. For example, you could start breastfeeding on demand and gradually transition to a scheduled breastfeeding strategy. Instead, you could begin with a schedule and later decide that on-demand is preferable.

You are the mother, and you are the most familiar with your child. Therefore, if the recommendations are to eat 8-10 times a day, but your baby is doing well on a little less or a little more. Follow your instincts.