Find out how on-demand feeding works, what are its benefits and cons.
In recent years, controversy has arisen about when to feed a baby. Many moms tend to choose demand, that is, breastfeed their babies when they ask for it, without respecting schedules or duration. The baby is the one that indicates that he is hungry with crying or head movements and also determines the duration of the feeding.
However, there is also a belief that this system could cause indigestion and it is necessary to wait for 3 to 4 hours to offer food again. This system is known as the 3-hour rule. The benefit of this option is that the baby learns to follow a schedule and is more comfortable to feed.
However, it is the baby who knows best whether or not he is hungry, despite how well we feed him. The breastfeeding on demand is a way that ensures that the baby takes exactly the food you need, at the pace you want without risks empacharse, since the milk matern to, to the opposite of artificial, it is easier to digest and stays in the stomach for less time.
On the other hand, not all babies have the same demand: some drink milk for a longer period and ask for food again several hours later; others take less and their demand is more frequent. This means that each baby has his own feeding rhythm, which can cause conflicts for his mother.
Despite the drawbacks of on-demand breastfeeding, most moms have opted for this option, since it is not possible to know for sure if a baby is satisfied or really lacks appetite. In addition, this system promotes the mother’s milk production, which also benefits her.
It is necessary to break the taboo that a baby demands more food because the mother’s milk does not satisfy it. All breast milk is of quality, except if there are cases of malnutrition.
To learn more about feeding your baby and if he is nourishing himself properly, do not forget to consult your pediatrician.