Hi Newbie here, just a few questions about BF and BW

[cuppa72]

Hi Everyone

From what I've read and started to try, basically not let my baby eat to sleep I love the idea and can see how it might work for us. Also just after a few days of reading the book I feel I understand my babys routines much better.

Been wondering how 'on demand' breast feeding rolls along side the ESAY structure? My baby is generally a 3 hourly feeder, but sometimes during the day she can sometime switch to 1 and a half or 2 hourly.

Also how does BW fit when baby has growth spurts?

I probably haven't asked any new questions here, but would appreciate any feedback.

Tina

[daisymelan]

Hi Tina and Welcome!!!

Those are some great questions.  I will answer what I can.  First let me jsut say, I'm so happy that you found BW and are now able to read your los cues.

As far as feeding on demand, once you understand your lo's cues, you will know when she needs fed.  You never have to refuse the breast because you know when your lo needs and wants it.  If your lo has to feed every 2 hours, that is perfectly normal.  I think the thing is to ensure your lo is filling her belly at each feed and not becoming a snacker. 

As far as growth spurts, the book discusses cluster feeding which will help out well, also, you can just use a 2 hour EASY instead of the 3 hour.  I found with my lo growth spurts were pretty easy because I just followed his lead. 

I hope I answered some of your questions.  There are other mamas on here who may be a bit more educated in some areas, especially the nursing on demand.

Enjoy the site!

[Samuel's mum]

Hi and welcome to the boards.
I think you've asked some very interesting questions. The issue of BW vs feeding on demand is something I personally have struggled with especially when it comes to advising new mums. Nursing on demand is the advice of lot of well-respected breastfeeding experts and organisations. I've come to feel that I don't think BW has to be 'all or nothing'. For me, I first found it helped me with reading cues and understanding the importance of communicating with your baby. I loved the emphasis on respecting your LO. I had started nursing on demand as I wanted to ensure I had a good supply. It was only when Sam became older that he naturally fell into a 2.5 hour cycle and then 3 (eventually). I think if he hadn't have done it by himself I'm not sure I would have felt very comfortable stretching him if I felt it wasn't right so in that sense I was lucky. I know someone else from my ante-natal class who started with 3 hours EASY very early on but never felt it wasn't 'natural' and in fact her baby never reached a hungry cry. When growth spurts happen I would cluster feed and even do a little EAEA during the day and maybe some EEEA! I think you should find what works for you. If you want to feed on demand then I say go for it and take from the BW what works for you.