Getting to know your baby’s routine

During the early days, feeding on demand is the best way to make sure your baby is getting what they need and while also helping you build a good milk supply.

In the beginning, your little one’s tummy is tiny, about the size of a cherry. So they will probably feed between 10 and 12 times during 24 hours. But over a couple of weeks as their tummy gradually gets bigger, this will usually reduce to eight feeds as they are able to take in more milk each time they feed.

All small babies wake at night for feeds. For breastfed babies, night feeds are particularly important. The milk producing hor-mone, prolactin, is high at night. So night feeds help ensure that Mums build a good milk supply. Also breastmilk produced at night is richer in all the nutrients your baby needs. Breastfeeding at night is convenient (no sterilisers, temperature checks etc), for more information and tips on night feeds visit www.breastfeeding.ie.

During the first week or so, you can expect to feed your baby 10-12 times in 24 hours. This may happen every two to three hours, or sometimes babies can have a number of feeds close together. This is called cluster feeding and your baby may settle off for a longer sleep after a cluster feed.

Over the next few weeks you may begin to notice a pattern to your baby’s feeding and daily routine. This will develop natu-rally over time. Once your milk comes in you can expect your baby to have 5-6 (or more) wet nappies in 24hrs with at least 2 – 3 dirty nappies that are yellow in colour. The length of time your baby feeds for at each feed will vary. They will come off the breast themselves when they are finished. You can offer them the second breast – they may or may not take it depending on whether they are still hungry or not.

By the third or fourth week, your little one should be getting more efficient at nursing, so feeding times may get a little shorter and your baby will start to settle quicker. Normally at this point, mums notice a natural pattern emerging, helping you bring a bit of normality and routine back into your life. There may be some days when your baby feeds more often, and maybe going through a growth spurt.

What is ‘cluster feeding’?Every baby is unique and while many will feed at regular(ish) intervals during the day, there are some who will feed very fre-quently at one particular time of the day. This is known as ‘cluster feeding’ and is completely normal. Your little one may cluster feed for a couple of hours before they settle – usually in the evening – and will then go for a longer sleep.If your baby has a particular time they like to ‘cluster feed’ it can be helpful to alter your routines so you can feed your baby during this time and rest when they have settled.

How do I know if feeding is going well?Here are the signs to look out for.

• Baby is content after most feeds• When awake, your little one is bright and alert• Baby is gaining weight• Your baby is settling and sleeping after at least some of their feeds • Your baby is producing plenty of wet and dirty nappies

Settling your babySometimes between feeds, your baby can be fussy and it may seem as though they want to feed, but they’re not actually hungry – just looking for comfort. Here are some tips for settling a fussy tot in between feeds.

• Hold your baby: Holding your baby in a cosy bundle will create a calming, womb-like feeling. • Rocking: Swaying and rocking can have soothing effects on babies. • Attention: Your baby may be fussy simply because he wants some attention. Play, sing and sway your baby and they’ll

soon feel content again.• Change of scenery: Sometimes just taking them to a different area of your home or adjusting the angle they’re facing

is enough to settle your little one.

For more information about breastfeeding, visit breastfeeding.ie, supported by the HSE.And remember, every breastfeed makes a difference.