NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - After Birth Booklet

29 Baby Breastfeeding We support breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed your baby. It provides nutrition, protects against infection and helps growth, development and bonding. Breastfeeding is about closeness and comfort as well as nutrition. When to feed your baby We recommend ‘responsive’ feeding - which means feeding your baby as soon as he/she shows early cues that they are hungry, such as: • wriggling • rapid eye movements • hand to mouth movements • sucking their fingers, fist or blankets • rooting (turning head to the side and opening mouth) • slight murmuring noises. You can also breastfeed when your breasts feel full, or when you want a rest or cuddle with your baby. Babies do not always feed at regular intervals and may ‘cluster feed’ with short gaps in between feeds, followed by periods of longer sleep. Cluster feeding is normal, especially when your milk starts to ‘come in’ - meaning your supply changes from the first colostrum to mature milk. How often should my baby feed? Aim for... In your baby’s first hours Number of feeds they should have 12 hours at least 2 in total 24 hours at least 3-4 in total Day 2 at least 6-8 in 24 hours Day 3 onwards at least 8 in 24 hours