I have been breastfeeding my 9 month old son almost exclusivly on demand. The other day while I was checking up on my friend that is about to deliver her first I was talking about Breastfeeding as birth control using NFP and LAM. When I mentioned the ‘breastfeeding on demand’ she said she that she ‘had heard negative things about breastfeeding on demand’ on furture inquiry she said she has been reading some “Babywise” book that suggests ‘lovingly guiding your child to a schedule’ this is the first time I ever heard anything negative about on demand. So I am curious how other mothers that breastfeed feel about this? I started to think ‘what does she know.. she hasnt started breastfeeding yet? But the tone of her voice sounded like –your doing it wrong–. Am I off the wall or is she? Opinions either way?
September 30th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Read more about babywise here.. http://www.ezzo.info/Articles/chickering…
those people don’t know their eyeball from their elbow when it comes to breastfeeding… the AAP advises against it, it is not compatible with successful breastfeeding, often leads to formula supplementation and ending breastfeeding altogether, since the supply / demand process is undermined.
Routines work, schedules can work with older babies – mothers successfully breastfeed and work or go to school.
She’s off.
Any form of “baby training” is for the parent’s benefit, not meeting your child’s needs does nothing to “teach” them… a baby does not know the difference between his/her wants and needs… wanting a snuggle feels the same as hunger pains…
the ezzos also badmouth La Leche League… um, hello? they’re the world’s leader in breastfeeding information, education, support and encouragement – but since 1958 they’re “fanatics” who can’t control their kids? sorry, don’t think so. if she’s serious about breastfeeding, encourage her to attend a LLL meeting, or seek the advice of the highest breastfeeding professionals, IBCLCs… I’ll be her $1million that not one will say that babywise is a good method of parenting or feeding.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I breastfed on demand until my son was about 11 months old. At that point, he was so interested in the world around him that he couldn’t sit still to nurse; I set a schedule in place, and took him somewhere quiet every 4 hours so he would be more willing to nurse. He also has a schedule for solids and a loose one for sleeping, but this has only worked out because I paid attention to his natural schedule, noticed a pattern, and stuck to that.
From http://www.llli.org//ba/May99.html :
“It is now commonly accepted that infants, most especially breastfed infants, thrive best when allowed to feed as they indicate their needs. Nevertheless, some mothers continue to believe that they must wait for their breasts to “fill up” between feedings in order to have enough milk for their babies, and some popular sources of advice for parents urge mothers to stick to a feeding schedule in which even young infants are fed at 3- to 4-hour intervals. Some infants may be able to thrive on scheduled feedings, but many others do not.”
October 1st, 2009 at 12:33 am
On demand is best for the first at least six months of life- can you imagine trying to sooth a hungry 10 week old just because he’s got another half hour before he’s supposed to eat? Docs start suggesting that once you start solid foods at six months, you start trying to get them to more a schedule at about three meals a day, plus snacks (snacks being your booby!). Until then, on demand is best!
October 1st, 2009 at 5:51 am
ON DEMAND. why would you put your baby on a schedule he/she will let you know when hunger strikes.
i despise scheduled feedings whether it is breast or formula(my sister in law does this)
October 1st, 2009 at 6:36 am
I am also a BFing on demand mama…to my 9 1/2 month old son. I personally believe that the authors of Babywise are a bunch of quacks. I’m sorry, but I, as an adult, don’t do things according to a schedule. Why on earth would I expect my infant, who has NO concept of time, to conform to same time constraints that I decide upon?
ETA~
s7e28w81
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?!?!?! If breastmilk has no benefits after 1 then WHY does the AAP reccommend nursing for at LEAST one year and then as long as mutually desired? And how about WHO? They reccommend nursing for at least 2 years! The benefits of breastmilk NEVER GO AWAY!
October 1st, 2009 at 11:53 am
There are two types of parenting, “detachment” and “attachment” parenting. It doesn’t mean that either philosophy is wrong, but I am a firm practicer of Attachment Parenting. It teaches to give a baby what he wants on demand, especially feeding. A baby only knows how to give cues and cry for what he wants, whether it is to feed, to be changed, or simply just to be comforted and held. If you begin putting a baby on a schedule and ignoring his cues and cries, he will begin to break down and lose confidence in his cues and cries, and realize that no one is listening to him. He may then stop all together, it can cause more damage than good, while providing more convenience for the parent. In my opinion, why deprive your child of the things he wants. It’s only for a short time out of your life… so give him all the love and everything you can during this time.
October 1st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
you know, it’s totally up to each individual mother-you do what you see fit for you and your baby. I personally fed my children when they were hungry-I saw no other way-to each his own, right?
October 1st, 2009 at 6:41 pm
that is crazy, babies need to eat when they are hungry. I know that until they regain their birth weight you should feed on demand but not let them go longer than 3 hours without a feed to help them gain weight and establish your supply, but to make a baby wait or force feed a baby that isnt hungry yet is ludacris. Sometimes I wonder about these books. a lot of people think they know about having kids,but until one they have one, they have no idea.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 am
If on demand is working for you at 9 mos…keep it up. You’re not doing anything wrong. Some babies are on more of a schedule for nursing at that point – some aren’t. Do what works best for you.
You know what they say about people and opinions, especially about how you should rear your child – they’re like a**holes…everyone’s got one.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:42 am
I’m currently breastfeeding my daughter who is almost 9 months and I’m totally on demand with her. I honestly don’t see how you can put a baby on a nursing schedule, I say let your friend give it a try and she’ll also realize that’s not gonna work. Babies get hungry fast and I’d like to see her try to lovingly reason with a two week old who is screaming because it’s hungry but mommy thinks she has to wait another 20 minutes – good luck to her. You continue what you’re doing, I think on demand is definately the way to go.
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:21 am
As a midwife and breastfeeding mum to my 5 month old son, I strongly agree to feeding on demand. You know how it goes from older family members…. ‘my baby was in a routine by 2 months!!’…. I thought that I would try to get him into a routine, but both of us ended up stressed out and upset after 2 days, so BF on demand is definately best for us!! Everyone does it how they feel is best, and what works well for them. Wait until your friend has her baby!! The baby won’t have read the manuals, then she will realise that babies are individual people, not robots that can be programmed!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Your friend is way off base. Babywise is written by a bunch of fruit loops. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics has warned people against Babywise. That style of parenting (I call it abuse) is the absolute worst thing you can do for your baby. Babies thrive on comfort and closeness and unconditional love and cuddles. Babywise forces your child to adhere to an unnatural way of life. You should get some Dr. Sears book and read them to your friend and let her know the permanent damage she could be doing to her baby. You are doing great. Keep feeding on demand and following your mommy instincts!
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:43 am
Babywise is much critiized in the BFing community for undermining successful BFing relationships. How can you tell a baby, even at 9 mos, “yes, you’re hungry” or “no, you’re not”? it just doesn’t make sense!!
you’re doing the right thing, mama! every parent is different so always do what works for you, but i think ur friend will learn when she actually has her baby.
give her The Baby Book by Dr Sears!!
also, check out http://www.kellymom.com for tons of info on all things BFing
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I bf on demand my 4 month old. It has worked for us very well and she is a happy thriving baby. Do what works for you. Some people that write those silly books don’t even have kids sometimes. I am gonna keep bf on demand for a year, maybe longer. When she eats solid foods, I will try to put those on a schedule, but I plan on making my breast available anytime!
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
A newborn cannot physically overeat. A 9 month old can. This age needs to be on a schedule, as you will probably be weaning soon. APA shows no benefits of breastfeeding after 1 year. You should also be intorduicng solids by now, which should also be on a schedule.
PS- throw the books away. I read all of them and, funny, how most are written by men who never breastfed.