Mothers can follow their baby's lead in how often to breastfeed.
Rather than watching the clock, watch for cues that your baby is hungry such as the rooting reflex, chewing/sucking on hands or fingers.
See Also
Physiology, Obesity Neurohormonal Appetite And Satiety ControlI’m Never Hungry: Causes and What to DoWhy Am I Not Hungry? Causes and TreatmentThe Best Time to Eat Your Meals, According to Science - Fitbit BlogEarly feeding cues (signs) are the best time to feed!
Early cues: “I’m hungry” (stirring, mouth opening, turning head and seeking/rooting).
Mid-cues: “I’m really hungry” (stretching, increasing physical movement, hand to mouth).
Late cues: “Calm me, then feed me” (crying, agitated body movements, colour turning red).
In this guide:
- Breastfeeding 101
- In pregnancy – planning for breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding – the first few days
- Signs of hunger
- Breastfeeding – the early weeks
- Positioning and attachment
- Signs of an effective attachment
- Breastfeeding positions
- Common breastfeeding questions and concerns
- Common breastfeeding issues
- Breastfeeding in the first year
- Important points about breastfeeding
- Acknowledgments
Queensland Health acknowledges the Metro North Hospital and Health Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, for permission to use the content of their GLOW antenatal education resource.
- Last updated:
- 18 May 2020
