how often?

[chloe1]

HI guys, my little man is 5 months old and i just wanted to know every how often should he be breastfeeding. How many feeds in the day? It seems like he's constantly feeding. 6-7 times in 24 hours..Isnt that what a newborn is meant to be doing?? How can i stretch it out?? Thanks in advance..

[the_queen]

Hi Chloe! :)
Short answer: he should be feeding on demand. Easiest and best way to keep your supply up, and for him to get what he needs.
Of course, when you feel like a dairy cow who's just being kept around for milking, the short answer sux :D !!
Has he suddenly started feeding more often lately? If so, that sounds like a growth spurt. Which means that he's needing more milk, and by sucking more often he's making more milk.


There's heaps of very wise women on bubhub who will be along shortly to give you more advice, I'm sure. I'm almost ready to welcome bubs number 2, but my "bubs" number 1 is 4.5 yrs old so it's been a while since I've been a "milk machine" as my DH used to call me!!:rolleyes:

[Valosgirls]

Hi Chloe:)
For 5months I would say that sounds about right - if you think though that he is feeding too much perhaps you should try him on some solids - that will stretch him out wonders.

Rik

[Notchalk]

I'm an adult, and I'm sure I eat or drink at least that often in 24 hours. There is no "what they should be doing"... as long as there are enough wet nappies in that 24 hours your baby is getting enough, and you can't over feed a breastfed baby, so whatever he wants he should get.

When you start solids (rec 6 months) you might find he feeds less often, or you might not.

Don't forget it's summer and babies need to drink breastmilk as well as eat it :)

Jo

[draught]

My babies were both on 6 - 7 feeds a day at 10 months, so at 5 months that is quite normal. Once he is past the 6 month mark and you start some solids it may change, but in my case it didn't - they ate well but still liked their breastfeeds as well. Might not be the answer you were looking for but all quite normal.

[jarrahsmumma]

AS often as he wants!! Good job!!:smiliedance: