In a 1997 breastfeeding statement, which was confirmed and revised in 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger. Those signs include increased alertness, activity, mouthing or rooting. Some call this "demand feeding," while others classify it as "feeding on cue."

Whatever they call it, letting Baby call the shots on feeding times might seem daunting for some mothers, especially those comforted by schedule. With the right information and preparation, even the most routine-laden mothers can lessen any anxiety they feel when feeding on demand.

Nancy Mohrbacher, an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) in Arlington Heights, Ill., and co-author of The Breastfeeding Answer Book (La Leche League International, 1997), explains that while milk production is being established during the first six weeks, research indicates that the more times per day the milk is drained from the breasts, the more milk is produced. "Limited feedings by following a schedule during this critical time can limit or reduce a mother's milk supply," she says. "Also, babies are not normally comfortable feeding at set intervals during their first six weeks, because their stomachs are so small."

According to Mohrbacher, the normal feeding pattern during this early period is called "cluster nursing." This means that babies tend to cluster their feedings close together, showing feeding cues every hour or less for part of the day and then going for longer stretches at other times of the day.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.