Frequency and duration of breastfeeding for newborns

For first-time mothers, the frequency and duration of breastfeeding are unfamiliar. Some people have a lot of breast milk, while others have very little. Even if there is not much breast milk, the principle of increasing the number of breastfeeding and reducing the number of formula feedings should be followed. So, what is the frequency and duration of breastfeeding for newborns? The following are some relevant details.

1. The baby should be allowed to suck the mother's breast within 30 minutes after birth. Even if there is no milk secretion in the first 2, 3 days or even a week, the baby should be allowed to suck 8-12 times a day. The first two weeks after delivery is the critical period for establishing breastfeeding. At this time, the afferent nerves of the areola are very sensitive, and it is easy to establish a conditioned reflex that induces prolactin secretion.

2. After milk is produced, the mother should breastfeed the baby as long as the baby is hungry and the mother feels her breasts are swollen. If the child sleeps for a long time, he should be woken up every 2 to 3 hours for feeding. Newborns should be fed at least once every 1 to 3 hours during the day and at least 2 to 3 times at night.

3. The nutritional needs of newborns include energy consumption to maintain basal metabolism and growth and development. The calories required by infants to maintain a quiet state (including basal metabolism and the special dynamic effects of food) account for about 50% of the total calories, the calories required for growth and development account for about 25%, and the calories required for activities account for about 25%. Calculated per unit body surface area, infants have the highest energy requirement. If the total calorie supply is insufficient for a long time, it can cause emaciation, developmental delay, lack of weight gain, reduced resistance and susceptibility to disease. However, if the total calorie supply is excessive for a long time, obesity may occur. In actual application, the total calorie requirement is mainly estimated based on age and weight. The daily calorie requirement per kilogram of body weight is about 60KCal for newborns in the first week and 100KCal in the 2nd to 3rd week. Premature babies often cannot meet the above needs within one week after birth due to their weak sucking ability and poor food tolerance.

4. At the same time, frequent sucking can stimulate the mother's prolactin secretion, making milk secretion more vigorous. It can also help eliminate the mother's breast engorgement and prevent mastitis. But breastfeeding on demand does not mean feeding the baby as soon as he cries. There are many reasons why babies cry. They cry when they wet themselves, when they want to be held, and when they are frightened. Mothers should observe carefully and make accurate judgments, and not feed their babies as soon as they cry. It is not good to breastfeed too frequently. On the one hand, it will affect the mother's rest. On the other hand, it will prevent the milk from being fully secreted in time, causing the baby to not be full every time.

The above is about the frequency and duration of breastfeeding for newborns. If new mothers do not understand these issues, they can follow the above steps to feed. There is no need to rush the first time, it will get better slowly. For more information, you can follow the editor at any time. The editor will continue to serve you sincerely.