Breastfeeding is a unique and natural experience that follows the baby’s rhythm and needs. Understanding the baby’s rhythm, and therefore breastfeeding, is essential to ensure good nutrition and promote the infant’s well-being.
First days
Initial rhythm
In the first few days after birth, babies need to suckle frequently. In fact, they may suck between 8 and 12 times a day, or even more. This high frequency is crucial for stimulating milk production and ensuring adequate nutrition for the newborn.
During the last month of pregnancy, your baby swallows 0.5l of amniotic fluid per day. This is done in successive bursts of sucking and swallowing. So it’s this sensation, which he had in your womb, that he’ll be looking for when he’s at the breast.
Signs of arousal
It’s important to spot your baby’s signs of wakefulness, so you don’t miss the right moments for breastfeeding. These signs include eye blinking, hand movements and slight restlessness. Responding to these signals before your baby cries makes feeding easier and less stressful for you and your child. We therefore recommend that you put your baby to the breast as soon as you see these signs, and not wait. If you wait, your baby will be hungry and may become upset. A bit like us when we’re hungry.
Feeding frequency and duration
Breastfeeding on demand
Breastfeeding on demand is recommended, meaning that the baby is fed whenever he or she shows signs of hunger. In the evening, babies may have periods of “cluster feeding”, feeding several times over a short period.
Feeding duration
Feeding duration is not a criterion of effectiveness. Neither is the number of feeds. It’s important to teach women to recognize their breast’s response to their baby’s feed. No two feeds are the same. Some are short and intense, others longer…
The effectiveness of a feed is measured by these signs, much more than by its duration. The duration of a feed can vary considerably. Some babies can feed effectively in 5 to 10 minutes, while others can take up to 30 minutes or more. Beyond 30 minutes, it becomes a lot. We invite you to consult us to see if your baby is having difficulty sucking.
It’s essential to let your baby suck as long as he wants on one breast before offering the other.
One of the most common reasons for poor weight gain is insufficient milk volume, usually due to the baby’s suckling difficulties, and sometimes to the mother’s health.
How can you tell that a baby has had a drink, that there has been a milk transfer?
After the milk has come in, swallowing can be seen: baby pauses at the moment of maximum mouth opening, with a fold of the double chin, and sometimes this can be heard.
Observations that signal a problem:
- absence of oxytocin signs and, after the milk comes in, signs of milk transfer
- persistent non-nutritive sucking (rapid, irregular and superficial)
- mother’s pain
- restless or sleepy baby
At the end of an effective feed, the mother feels the effects of oxytocin to varying degrees, prolactin and endorphins:
- soothing,
- desire to sleep
- breast(s) are more supple
The baby spaces out his swallowing, lets go of the breast or continues non-nutritive sucking “for pleasure”. Sometimes, milk can be seen in the baby’s mouth.
Adaptations over time
Evolving rhythm
Over time, the frequency and duration of feedings will become more precise. Each baby is unique and may maintain a different rhythm. Each baby will roughly maintain his or her own rhythm throughout breastfeeding, and will in fact depend on his or her mother’s mammary capacity, which does not change over the months. So no, a baby doesn’t drink more milk as he grows during feedings. He drinks exactly the same whether he’s 1, 4 or 6 months old. It’s crucial to follow baby’s signals rather than impose a strict schedule.
Night feeds
Night feeds are normal and important, especially in the early months. They help maintain adequate milk production and meet the baby’s nutritional needs. Some babies may space out night feeds more quickly than others, but it is generally advisable to continue to meet night-time feeding needs. 40% of babies are still suckling at night at 6 months of age. The nutritional intake at night corresponds to around 40%.
Practical tips
- Watch out for signs of hunger. Pay attention to the first signs of hunger and breastfeed before your baby gets too agitated. This makes feeding easier and less stressful for you and your baby.
- Promote a good feeding position, make sure your baby is well positioned and latches on correctly. A good latch is essential for an efficient feed and to prevent breast pain. Consult your ibclc or midwife if necessary.
- Listen to your baby. Every baby has a unique rhythm. Listen to and respect your baby’s needs, even if they differ from the often-quoted “norms”. Breastfeeding on demand is the approach that respects your baby’s rhythm.
- Do not time feeds. The duration of feeds can vary from time to time and from baby to baby. Don’t worry if feeds are short or long, as long as your baby seems content and is gaining weight regularly. That said, if your baby is glued non-stop to the breast, you should seek advice.
Conclusion
Understanding your baby’s rhythms will help you know when to put him to the breast. By respecting each baby’s individual needs, mothers can ensure optimal nutrition and foster a close bond with their child. If you have any questions or difficulties, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation consultant for personalized support.
Feeding frequency
Feeding frequency
