HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

CUE-BASED FEEDING Cue-based feeding is the practice of responding flexibly to your baby’s hunger cues. Simply put, you breastfeed when the baby gives you cues that they are hungry.

SCAN + PLAY Then you keep feeding until the baby is satisfied. This practice is also known as breastfeeding on demand, responsive feeding, feeding on cue, and baby-led feeding. During the first month, babies may want to nurse around 8 or more times a day. This is not only good for the baby, but frequent feedings also help stimulate your milk production. By 1 to 2 months of age, a breastfed baby will likely nurse around 7-9 times a day. If your baby is crying, they may be too upset to breastfeed. If this happens, calm your baby first by gently rocking them side to side, or try skin-to-skin contact (see page 56). Benefits of cue-based feeding include: • Your baby feels settled and content • Your baby gets the right amount to eat • Helps prevent breastfeeding complications • Helps you maintain a good milk supply

SUPPLY AND DEMAND Breast milk production is regulated by supply and demand. The more milk removed from your breast, the more milk you will make. To help keep your milk production up, breastfeed as soon as possible after birth and frequently after that. Watch your baby for feeding cues. To learn more about breastfeeding, talk to your health care provider or a lactation consultant . Many medical facilities also offer breastfeeding classes.

FEEDING CUES

Head moving from side to side

Tongue sticking out and fidgeting

Hands to mouth and stretching

Nuzzling your breasts

Lips smacking and puckering

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