Breastfeeding information for professionals

If professionals work on the basis of basic breastfeeding knowledge they contribute to a relaxed atmosphere in the family, adequate short and long term growth of the baby and well established breastfeeding.


Breastfeeding frequency

A major influence on milk supply and weight gain is the breastfeeding frequency. For establishing good milk supply and breastfeeding followed by continued breastfeeding for months

the NORMAL BREASTFEEDING FREQUENCY is 8 to 12 times in 24 hours on both sides
from day 1 until introduction of solids at around 6 months.

During the first four to six weeks milk supply is being increased and established so that it fits the individual mother-baby-pair. Especially during this time, the recommendation to breastfeed less often or to postpone a breastfeed by a pacifier prevent the normal breastfeeding frequency and jeopardize the easy increase of an adequate milk supply.

The normal breastfeeding frequency of 8 to 12 times in 24 hours is well documented by research. See amongst others

The breastfeeding frequency can vary from mother to mother. The reason is that the quantity of milk supply and the storage capacity of the breast are independent. Mothers can produce lots of milk even if their storage capacity is a bit smaller - in this case frequent breastfeedings are necessary. Babies of a mother with a larger storage capacity have the opportunity to drink larger quantities of milk less frequently - if baby’s stomach allows.

 

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