Frequent Nursing

Frequent nursing is normal in the early months mostly new-borns need to nurse at least 8 – 12 times per day.

Frequent nursing is also needed for the following reasons :

• To nourish and grow a baby who has a stomach the size of his fist.
• To establish a good milk supply for mom.
• To avoid/ reduce engorgement in the early days.

Sometimes it may be a warning sign for inefficient milk transfer or low milk supply, check if the baby has good diaper output, is gaining weight well, then the frequent nursing is unlikely to be a sign of a problem. Problems with latching can result in frequent nursing if the baby is not transferring milk efficiently. Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hand in mouth); don’t wait until the baby is crying. Get help from lactation professional if you feel engorged, pain in the nipples, cracks or blister in the nipple, even after frequent nursing.