What is the best way to breastfeed? We have recently heard that it is better to schedule feedings rather than feed on demand. Is feeding on demand the equivalent to snacking throughout the day rather than getting full meals?
I now know that I have lived a good long time when I see things go full cycle. I too have seen some advocacy of breastfeeding schedules but I am still a "breast on request" sort of midwife.
If you think about the physiology and psychology of infants, I think you will agree with me. Breastmilk is metabolized and the stomach is empty in the newborn after about an hour -- sometimes up to two hours -- after a feeding. Because stomach cramps from hunger are a new thing for baby, any discomfort is interpreted as pain and a threat to survival. When adults get hungry, we start a complex process of planning where our next meal is going to come from. For babies, because they do not have any associations built up in regards to meal planning, they become fretful and cry. As the newborn matures and becomes more confident in his environment, he or she may be able to delay gratification because he knows that a full stomach is soon ahead. A baby who is required to wait for a scheduled feeding, may delay that trust or confidence.
Consistency is important, therefore, and if "scheduling" means feeding a newborn every two hours, that is about right. But it turns out that newborns up to a few months of age nurse about 12 times in 24 hours, but that does not necessarily translate to every two hours.
The breast on request philosophy is not just baby-centered. Mother may request a feeding when she is especially full or if she is going out for a while.
I have heard lactation consultants say that when babies wake up in the night and nurse for a few minutes and go back to sleep, they are not getting much of the hindmilk, which is richer in fat content. That is why some babies may wake frequently to feed again. They recommend making sure the baby is really awake and ready to nurse.
You will see that people have many opinions on this topic. I would get a book such as: Kitzinger, "Breastfeeding your Baby", or Stanway, P. "Breast is Best: A Common Sense Approach to Breastfeeding" or Olds, "The Complete Book of Breastfeeding" or any book that fits your approach to childcare. The services of a board certified lactation consultant are also a good idea if you have specific questions or problems.
