Does your baby need less breastfeeds as he gets older?
Does your baby need less breastfeeds as he gets older?
Yes.
No.
It depends on the day...
See, this is the problem with blanket rules for babies - all babies are different and no baby progresses in the same way.
Some will gradually, as time time goes by, breastfeed less and less until they wean completely.
Some babies will feed regularly and frequently into their second year of life and beyond, until weaning may be gently encouraged by mother.
Others will yo-yo, the frequency of their feeds ebbing and flowing depending on their current individual needs and growth.
We need to remember that our babies are small humans, whose need for milk is as unique as their features and temperament.
This is why scheduled breastfeeds aren’t natural or recommended - they just don’t honour our baby’s ability to recognise their own signs of hunger, thirst and a desire to reconnect and be close to Mum.
So next time someone tells you that your baby should be breastfeeding less as he ages, remember that you know your baby best and you also know what he needs. And if you feel that need is still frequent breastfeeds, then go ahead and meet that need with confidence.
{Photo: my boy, 8 months old, who still breastfeeds frequently throughout the day and night.}
Georgina Dowden is a mother, midwife and lactation consultant (IBCLC).
In her day to day life, she looks after her two beautiful children and also supports other families on their parenting journey.
If you would like to get in touch for breastfeeding or sleep/settling support, please email:
Skype/FaceTime consultations available OR home visits if you live in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
