As a new mom, those first few weeks of breastfeeding can be challenging! If you can get through the first month, things do start to get better from there. There are a few ways breastfeeding can change as your baby gets older. In this post we’ll go over breastfeeding frequency changes, when babies become more efficient at breastfeeding, and other causes of breastfeeding changes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months with continued benefits breastfeeding beyond 1 year and up to 2, especially in the mother. Breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases.
When Do Babies Become More Efficient at Breastfeeding?
Many new moms become worried when suddenly their baby goes from nursing for 25-30 minutes at a time to only nursing for 10 minutes. They start to question if they have a low supply or if their baby is getting enough milk in that short period of time.
Babies do become more efficient at breastfeeding as they get older. This is totally normal! If your baby just started having shorter than usual nursing sessions, here are a few things you can look at to determine if your baby is satisfied.
- Normal weight gain patterns
- Plenty of wet diapers (at least 6-8)
- Signs of fullness like open, relaxed hands or relaxed arms and legs
- Turning away from the bottle or breast to show they are done
- Carrying on happily after a feeding (no fussiness or signs of hunger)
Unless your baby is still fussy after feedings, having less urine output, or weight gain issues, let baby nurse as much as they’d like and for however long they wish. Ideally in the beginning you want them to breastfeed at least 8 times in a 24-hour period. But if all is going well, don’t stress about the duration of time they spend at the breast.
If you ever become concerned about your baby’s breastfeeding patterns, reach out to a lactation consultant or your baby’s pediatrician for help!
Breastfeeding Frequency Changes
Sleep Changes
Babies grow and develop so rapidly in their first year of life. They are going through all sorts of physical and mental growth spurts. Your baby’s sleep can change during brain development spurts too. It is completely normal for a baby to wake in the night for the first year of their life.
Some babies may sleep through the night while others may wake a few times a night to nurse. Every baby is so different! My first baby slept through the night from an early age but my second baby woke multiple times a night for the first year of his life. And we did the same things for both of them!
Baby May Become Easily Distracted
Around 6+ months, you may notice your baby becoming more distracted during feedings. They want to watch everything going on in the world around them and may stop feeding multiple times to check something out.
If you experience this with your baby, try bringing them to a quiet room free from all the distractions.
Growth Spurts
When your baby is going through a growth spurt, you can expect more frequent feedings than usual. Growth spurts happen often in your baby’s first year of life because they are growing so rapidly. Growth spurts typically happen around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months.
But keep in mind that these are just ranges and your baby may have growth spurts at different times. Feed on demand and hang in there, it will pass soon!
Teething
Teething can start around four months of age. If your baby is teething you may notice swollen or red gums, flushed cheeks, fussiness, more drooling than usual, or maybe your baby is trying to chew on everything.
Some babies may pull off the breast frequently during feeding due to the discomfort in their gums. Other babies may actually want to nurse more while teething due to the soothing effects.
You may notice your baby start to bite down on your breast while nursing. This can be due to their sore gums or exploring with their new teeth. Try not to make a big reaction. Stop the feeding, and tell your baby not to bite. You may also try using a cool washcloth or teething toy before the nursing session to help your baby with any discomfort in their gums.
Nursing Strike
Nursing strikes occur when your baby suddenly refuses to nurse. They can happen for many reasons and are usually temporary. A few reasons for a nursing strike include illness, teething, supply may be temporarily reduced from your period or taking medication, or maybe you reacted strongly when your baby bit you and they were frightened.
You may need to use a breast pump depending upon how long your baby’s nursing strike lasts. But there are things you can do to get your baby nursing again, so don’t panic!
Nursing for Comfort
If your baby is having a day where they are particularly fussy, they may want to nurse more frequently for comfort. The breast provides more than just nutrient value. It provides closeness to mom and skin-to-skin contact which helps baby self-regulate.
Introducing Solids
Once you begin introducing solid foods, breastfeeding frequency may change. This is really dependent on the baby though and how they do with solid foods. Some babies take time to actually consume a fair amount of food and that’s completely normal. Other babies may still nurse just as often as they did before starting solids.
Breast milk should still be a baby’s primary source of nutrition until they are one year old. As your baby gets closer to 12 months of age, you will want to space your baby’s meals apart from breastfeeding to make sure they are hungry for solid foods and consuming their meal.
Some babies may breastfeed 4 times and others may breastfeed 12 times! All babies are individuals with different preferences, but you may see some changes in breastfeeding when starting solids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my baby really only need breast milk for the first six months?
Yes! Breast milk (or formula) is all a baby needs for the first six months of life. Breast milk is unique to each child and changes as they grow! Pretty incredible.
How will teething affect breastfeeding?
Your baby might pull off the breast more because of discomfort in their mouth if their gums are sore. However, for some babies, it can actually be quite soothing and may make them want to nurse even more.
Can I continue breastfeeding after introducing solids?
Yes! You should continue to breastfeed after introducing solids.
Solid foods should be complementary to breast milk, meaning breast milk is the primary source of nutrition until your baby turns 1 year old. Then solid foods should be the primary source of nutrition.
How long can I keep breastfeeding for?
However long you choose! There is no rule for when you have to stop breastfeeding! The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age with continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to 2 years of age or longer.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months with continued benefits breastfeeding beyond 1 year and up to 2, especially in the mother.
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