Ask Our Expert - Breastfeeding A Newborn

October 11, 2008

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Ask Dr. Jana Breastfeeding A Newborn

QUESTION


Is it normal for my newborn to want to breastfeed incessantly? — Karen in Seattle, Washington

ANSWER	June 8, 2000


Based on the concept of supply and demand, a newborn's "incessant" breastfeeding serves a valuable purpose in telling his mother's body to make milk. Frequent nursing helps speed up the process of producing more mature milk instead of colostrum during the first week of life. In the following weeks, infants will commonly breastfeed 8-12 times or more in a 24 hour period. During this period, nursing mothers should simply make sure that their nipples are not becoming overly sore or cracked. Generally, these are not just signs of frequent nursing but of improper latching on. Remember that babies gain weight and grow bigger at an incredible pace over the first couple of months relative to their small size, and this requires plenty of calories and nutrition. — by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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