Breast feeding on demand

Breast feeding on demand is an instinct; every new mother follows in an endeavor to pacify their baby. As long as this act ensures fulfillment of the nutritional needs of the baby and the mother does not become a mere human pacifier, breast feeding on demand is highly recommended by pediatricians and child psychologists all over the world. Scientifically speaking, breast milk is pre-metabolized in the mother’s body thus is quickly digested due to which the baby’s stomach is usually hungry within an hour or so. Highly sensitive babies are quick to panic from hunger cramps and demand breast milk.

Denying nursing at this time may cause the baby to be insecure about future feedings as well thereby breast feeding on demand is encouraged in order to ensure, not only nutrition but also emotional security. A content and secure baby tends to sleep better for longer duration. However, there is an exception for colicky babies who are usually insecure not from hunger but separation from their mother’s womb. In the case of colicky babies, breast feeding on demand may prove to be physically harmful and emotionally distressing for the new mother who needs her own rest.

Lactation experts advise that mothers should ensure that their babies feed long enough to acquire the hind milk that is rich in fat content and stays longer in their stomach. Thus, if your babies wake up for nursing in the night, one must ensure that they have woken to feed long enough to reach the hind milk. Breast feeding on demand is definitely recommended but one needs to keep the above guidelines in their mind.