Because tummies will grow as baby gets bigger, babies will start to go longer between feeding sessions as they get older.
Adding solids into their diet can also start to lengthen the amount of they go without feeding at the breast. While this is perfectly normal, it’s important to remember that having baby feed at the breast is the best way to maintain your milk supply. So in order to maintain your supply and reach your breastfeeding goals, keep the following tips in mind:
- Always offer the breast first at any feeding. Even with the introduction of solids, baby should still be getting the majority of their nutrition from your breastmilk.
- Offer the breast anytime you see hunger cues.
- Make sure that care providers are offering baby your expressed breastmilk before solid foods.
- Don’t go too long without breastfeeding or pumping. Allowing your breasts to become full can be painful, can cause your milk supply to drop, and could lead to complications like plugged ducts or mastitis.
- If you do notice a drop in your supply, add additional pumping sessions at home after feeding at the breast.
Your body is perfectly designed to feed your baby and it will adjust to baby as he grows. Just be sure to stay tuned in to baby’s feeding pattern changes and hunger cues and you will have no trouble reaching your breastfeeding goals.
