Breastfeeding is one of the most intimate and consequential decisions new parents take. The feeding methods, breastfeeding on demand or schedule, often cause many parents to make decisions between them. Each has different benefits and challenges, and the right choice is usually dependent on what your baby needs and how you are as a parent. Knowing the differences, advantages, and practical strategies for each method will help you choose what best suits your family.
What is On-Demand Breastfeeding?
On-demand breastfeeding is feeding your baby only when they show signs of hunger and allowing them to decide on the amount and frequency of feeds. Here's how this usually works:
- Babies feed as frequently as they need to in order to support their growth and development.
- Some feeds last just about 10 minutes while others may go up to 45 minutes or longer.
- During the first few months, babies exhibit hunger cues by licking their lips, sticking out their tongues, rooting (seeking the breast), or sucking on their hands.
- Crying is a hunger cue too, but usually is a later indication.
- A full baby may dislatch on his own and shows no interest in feeding anymore.
- Most of the babies fall asleep nursing. They appear satisfied when one gets untightened gently.
On-Demand Breastfeeding Advantage
Encourages Normal Production of Milk:
- Feed the baby whenever he wants them since this will help to both induce milk production and maintain it within the body.
- When a newborn frequently feeds, it signals the body to initiate sufficient milk production.
- For infants who are experiencing growth, frequently feeding them triggers the release of ample milk to feed them hence fostering good growth.
- Each baby has distinct feeding patterns and needs.
- Demand feeding allows your baby to take in the amount of milk they require over the course of a 24-hour period, which shifts throughout the day.
- Demand feeding allows for the most skin-to-skin contact, which makes the baby feel safe and secure
- The closeness of nursing stimulates the release of oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone" that deepens the emotional relationship between parent and baby.
On-demand breastfeeding adapts with the changing needs of your baby and helps create a nurturing and responsive environment supporting their growth and your bond together.
What is Breastfeeding on Schedule?
Scheduled feeding means that the baby will be fed at specific times even when not showing hunger. This is how it is implemented.
- Fixed Feeding Intervals: The parent follows a pattern, like feeding the baby every three hours during the day and every four hours in the night.
The parents continue the feeding even if the baby does not show any signs of hunger when the set time arrives.
- Feeding Time with Specific Duration: Some parents limit feeding sessions to a specific time, like 15 minutes on each breast.
- Structured Daily Routines: Scheduled breastfeeding often integrates into a structured routine, such as feeding before naps or bedtime, to help establish predictable patterns for eating and sleeping.
Benefits of Scheduled Breastfeeding
Some babies, especially in the first weeks of life, may not wake up enough to feed. This can happen with babies who have jaundice or are low birth weight.
- Feeding the baby every three hours during the day and every four hours at night will guarantee the baby gets at least 8+ feedings in a 24-hour period, thereby helping the baby gain healthy weight.
- If your baby wants to feed more frequently than the schedule, that's perfectly okay too.
- Helps with Triple Feeding: Triple feeding is the combination of breastfeeding, pumping, and supplementing with expressed milk or formula. Some babies may be premature, have feeding challenges such as tongue ties, or have difficulty gaining weight, and a temporary schedule can help ensure they are getting enough nutrition.
- Establishment of a routine feeding can prevent slow weight gain and support the parents in maintaining sufficient milk supply in conjunction with pumping and supplementation.
Scheduled breastfeeding can be used for babies who need additional support in feeding, or for parents who need structure in their daily rhythm. Although it is more structured compared to feeding on demand, scheduled breastfeeding may become temporary or permanent according to your baby's needs.
What’s the Difference Between Breastfeeding On Demand and Breastfeeding On Schedule?
The primary difference lies in timing and flexibility. On-demand breastfeeding prioritizes feeding the baby whenever they signal hunger, fostering responsiveness and adaptability. In contrast, scheduled breastfeeding adheres to set intervals, emphasizing predictability and routine.
On-demand breastfeeding can fulfill a baby's immediate needs and enhance milk supply, but it may interfere with parents' schedules. Scheduled breastfeeding, on the other hand, provides a structured approach but may neglect a baby's natural hunger patterns. Ultimately, the right method depends on your baby's needs, your lifestyle, and your parenting preferences.
How to Choose Between Breastfeeding On Demand and Breastfeeding on Schedule?
Choosing the right feeding approach is a personal decision influenced by your baby's temperament, your daily routine, and your parenting style. Here are some factors to guide you:
Your Baby's Feeding Patterns:
- If your baby feeds irregularly or frequently (common in newborns), on-demand feeding might be more suitable.
- Babies with a natural pattern of feeding at regular intervals may adjust well to a schedule.
Your Lifestyle:
- For those stay-at-home parents, it may feel more doable for them.
- For working parents and multiple children, scheduled feeding might be the best option since it allows them to organize their day.
Your Mental and Physical Health:
- On-demand feeding is exhausting but somehow feels natural and less stressful to some people.
- Scheduled feeding may feel predictable but quite stiff during growth spurts when the babies eat frequently.
Ultimately, it is possible that a flexible blend of both will be the best solution. For example, on demand during the early months, but gradually introduce a schedule once your baby grows.
Tips for On-Demand Breastfeeding
On-demand breastfeeding enables a natural and flexible feeding rhythm by feeding your baby whenever signs of hunger appear. Although such an approach may feel instinctive at times, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding for new parents. Here are some practical tips to help you thrive with on-demand feeding:
Create a Comfortable Setting:
- Identify a quiet, cozy location with comfortable seating.
- Keep a bottle of water, healthy snacks, and a phone or book within reach.
Use Hands-Free Technology:
- The Momcozy M9 Hands-Free Breast Pump lets you pump easily as you care for your baby or complete other tasks.
Incorporate a Nursing Pillow:
- A nursing pillow, like the Momcozy Nursing Pillow, can provide an added level of support and comfort during feeding sessions, as well as reduce strain on the back and arms.
Watch for Hunger Cues:
- Feed before your baby becomes too fussy. Early cues are easier to manage and promote a calm feeding experience.
Balance Rest and Feeding:
- Take naps when your baby sleeps to avoid burnout.
- Consider co-sleeping or using a bedside crib for easier nighttime feeding.
Track Growth Spurts:
- Be prepared for cluster feeding during growth spurts, when your baby may nurse more often for a few days.
How to Read Your Baby’s Hunger Cues?
The key to getting a good feeding schedule is through recognizing your baby's signs of hunger. Babies provide early signals when they feel like eating, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or becoming more alert and active. Understanding these early signals can help you know how to respond before they become fussy, resulting in a smoother and more pleasant feeding experience for both of you.
Early Hunger Cues:
- Rooting-turning the head toward a touch near the mouth.
- Sucking on hands, fingers, or anything within reach.
- Smacking or licking lips.
Active Hunger Cues:
- Fidgeting or squirming.
- Fussiness or mild whining.
- Turning toward your chest or a bottle.
Late Hunger Cues:
- Crying is a sign of extreme hunger. First, calm down your baby by holding and soothing them before starting feeding.
How to Read Your Baby’s Fullness Cues?
Understanding your baby's fullness cues is an important step for building a positive feeding routine. Babies have unique ways to signal that they are having enough, such as turning away from the bottle or breast, slowing their sucking, or appearing relaxed and content. If you recognize these signs, you could avoid overfeeding and let your baby stay in an amiable state after the feeding.
- Feeding at a Slower Pace: Sucking becomes less intense with longer pauses.
- Detaching from the Breast: Babies will naturally detach when they are satisfied.
- Relaxed Posture: A happy baby may open their fists and relax their arms.
- Turning Away: Some babies push the breast away or turn their head to signal they’re done.
What If I’m Feeling Exhausted From On-Demand Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding on demand can be physically and emotionally taxing. Here are strategies to manage exhaustion:
- Delegate Household Tasks: Enlist help from your partner, family, or friends to free up time for rest.
- Incorporate Pumping: Use the Momcozy M9 Hands-Free Breast Pump to express milk efficiently. It will allow others to feed your baby while you are resting.
- Self-Care: Drink plenty of water and eat healthy and practice relaxation exercises for several minutes, whether deep breathing or meditation.
- Support Group: Find other breastfeeding parents to share ideas, support each other, and gather experience.
- Consult a Lactation Expert: Professional training may be advisable to optimize feeding techniques and overcome problems encountered.
When Should I Stop Feeding On Demand?
There is no age-old timeline for stopping on-demand feeding. However, these are some signs it could be time to transition:
- Introducing Solids: At about six months, the introduction of solids occurs, the way babies eat changes naturally.
- Feeding Patterns: If your baby starts to eat at regular times, it might become more practical to maintain a schedule.
- Baby sleeps through the night: If your baby's nighttime feeds are decreasing, this may be the time for a more structured approach during the day.
- Parental Needs: If on-demand feeding is getting overwhelming, switching to a schedule to regulate the development of your well-being and your baby's needs will improve.
Conclusion
Whichever approach you take to feeding - on-demand, scheduled, or a combination of both - the key is that your baby is well-fed and healthy. Every feeding method has its advantages, and what works for you may change over time as your baby changes. By listening to your baby's cues and keeping yourself in good health, you can develop a feeding plan that nourishes a healthy, happy relationship between you and your baby. Each family's journey is unique, however, and the best thing is to trust your instincts to consult the necessary healthcare experts at any stage.
