Breastfeeding on demand, both day and night

Breastfeeding on demand, both day and night

• Breastfeed your baby on demand, day and night (8 to 12 times) to build up your breastmilk supply.
• More suckling (with good attachment) makes more breastmilk.
• Early signs that your baby wants to breastfeed include:
  • Restlessness.
  • Opening mouth and turning head from side-to-side.
  • Putting tongue in and out.
  • Suckling on fingers and fists.
• Crying may be a late sign of hunger, or of another problem.
• Let your baby finish one breast before offering the other. Switching back and forth from one breast to the other prevents the baby from getting the nutritious ‘hind milk’. The
• ‘fore milk’ has more water and satisfies the baby’s thirst. The ‘hind milk’ has more fat and satisfies your baby’s hunger.
• If your baby is ill or sleepy, wake him or her to offer the breast often.
• Do NOT use feeding bottles, teats, or spouted cups. They are difficult to clean and can cause your baby to become sick.

Notes for community worker:

• If a mother is concerned about her baby getting enough milk, encourage the mother and build her confidence by reviewing how to attach and position the baby to her breast.
• Reassure her that her baby is getting enough milk when her baby is:
  • Not visibly thin (or is getting fatter/putting on weight, if he or she was thin earlier).
  • Responsive and active (appropriately for his or her age).
  • Gaining weight - refer to the baby’s health card (or growth velocity table if available). If you are not sure if the weight gain is adequate, refer the child to the nearest health facility.
  • When baby passes light-coloured urine 6 times a day or more while being exclusively breastfed.