Don’t worry if your baby seems like they want to feed all the time. This is completely normal. Your baby is trying to get as much milk as possible by stimulating your milk supply.
Each time your baby feeds they are letting your body know how much milk to produce. Feed your baby often to keep your milk flowing; every two hours or sooner, including at night in the first days.
In the first few days your baby will take very little breastmilk as their tummy is so small. Around days three to four, your breasts will fill with more milk, in response to your baby’s feeding patterns and growing tummy.
Keep your baby close to you so that you start to recognise the signals they make to tell you they’re hungry. Responding to your baby’s cues will help them stay calm and make them feel safe and loved.
Your baby might be sleepy in their first few weeks and may not show hunger cues every time they need to feed.
Offer a feed every time your baby shows one of the cues and at least every two to three hours during the day.
Every baby has their own feeding babies. You may find that overnight your baby feeds little and often, or may go a few hours in between.
If at four weeks your baby is gaining weight well and producing wet and dirty nappies as expected, it’s ok for your baby to sleep for longer. Lots of babies won’t sleep longer at night and that’s normal too.
If your baby is going longer than two to three hours between feeds during the day and four to five hours overnight, it can be a good idea to try to wake them. A nappy change and picking up your baby can encourage them to wake. A dummy can make your baby sleep longer than they should, which could affect how often they feed and how much milk they are taking.
If there is anything not quite right or you are worried at all, please do reach out for your local support.