We all know that breast milk is the best milk, right? No one can deny that babies who drink breast milk have greater immunity, because it comes straight from the mother. Even breast milk fed from the breast or by pumping during the first stage of a baby’s life gives them vital nutrients that are hard to find in formula.
The choice to breastfeed is just one of many important decisions new parents face. While it can be challenging and time consuming at first, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences for both mom and baby. With patience and persistence, breastfeeding becomes easier, and the incredible benefits of breast milk make the effort worthwhile.
The early weeks can be tough, but even a small amount of breast milk provides tremendous benefits as your baby grows stronger and healthier.
A schedule or plan can make breastfeeding smoother, especially in the first months. You’ll want to balance feeding your baby on demand with maintaining a strong milk supply.
Feeding on Demand
- Newborns usually feed every 2–3 hours, or about 8–12 times in 24 hours.
- Watch for hunger cues (rooting, sucking on hands, fussiness) and feed promptly rather than waiting for crying.
Pumping for Milk Supply
- If exclusively breastfeeding: You may not need to pump right away unless you’re building a freezer stash or planning to return to work.
- If nursing + pumping: Try pumping for 10–15 minutes after 1–2 nursing sessions per day to increase supply or store extra milk.
- If exclusively pumping: Pump every 3 hours (7–8 times in 24 hours) for about 15–20 minutes each session to keep supply strong.
Example Daily Flow (0–3 months)
- Night feeds: Expect at least 1–2 feedings between midnight and 6 a.m.
- Morning: Nurse baby around wake-up, then pump if you want extra supply.
- Daytime: Alternate nursing sessions every 2–3 hours. Add pumping after a couple sessions if desired.
- Evening: Cluster feeding is common (baby nurses more often in the late afternoon/evening).
Special Considerations
- Premature or sleepy babies may need to be woken for feeds until weight gain is steady. Pumping can help maintain supply during this stage.
- Growth spurts (around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months): Baby may want to nurse more often, this helps boost your supply naturally.
Here is a sample schedule:
7:00 AM – Nurse your baby (or give a bottle if using expressed milk). Pump for 10–15 minutes afterwards if you’re building supply or storing milk.
9:00 AM – Nurse or pump. Baby may want a nap afterwards. This is also a good tummy time session about 30 minutes after feeding.
11:00 AM – Nurse, then pump for 10–15 minutes if desired.
1:00 PM – Nurse or pump. After feeding, try gentle playtime or reading to your baby.
3:00 PM – Nurse, then pump afterwards if you want to maintain or boost supply. Baby may nap.
5:00 PM – Nurse or pump. Evening can be a good time for play, a walk, or bathtime.
7:00 PM – Nurse and begin the nighttime routine. Pump for 10–15 minutes once baby is down.
10:00 PM – Nurse or pump if your baby is still asleep and you want to maintain supply.
1:00 AM – Night feed (common at this age). Pump for 10–15 minutes if needed.
4:00 AM – Another night feed or pump if baby is sleeping longer stretches.
