Frequency of feedings

Behavior: Infant breastfeeds frequently, day and night.

• Mother allows infant to breastfeed on demand (as often as infant wants). This means feeding every 2Â3 hours (8Â12 times per 24 hours) or more frequently if needed, especially in the early months.
• Breastmilk is perfectly adapted to the infant's small stomach size because it is quickly and easily digested.
• Mother breastfeeds frequently to stimulate milk production, help prevent breast engorgement and cracked nipples, help delay the return of menses, and protect against possible pregnancy.