Feed the newborn by the hour or on demand. Breastfeeding and complementary foods: why the diet is harmful. Reasons Parents Don't Want to Choose Feeding on Demand

A few years ago, pediatric specialists argued that mothers should adhere to a clear schedule for breastfeeding. Now neonatologists, modern books and magazines, birth preparation courses convince expectant mothers that they need to feed their newborn baby on demand. Having listened to the advice of friends, grandmothers, doctors, having read books that sometimes contradict each other, it is difficult for young women to find the truth. And so you want to decide even before the birth of the crumbs: after all - by the hour or on demand?

Let's think a little: universal and absolutely correct scheme behavior with a baby does not exist. Both of you are unique. Relax and calm down. Maternal instinct help you do right choice. Just to hear inner voice, many inexperienced mothers are prevented by fear, to do something wrong.

You might be reassured by the story of a mother of two who went from frightened inexperience to calm conviction. Everyone has their own path. A woman can find him by listening carefully to herself and her baby. But behind the polyphony of advisers, the answer to this question may not be heard ...

So, feeding by the hour

in the maternity hospital

Immediately after the birth of my first child - a daughter - I began to feed her on a schedule. Every 3 hours, I gave both breasts for 10 minutes each. First right, then left, in the next feeding, vice versa - first left, second right. Since the baby was with me in the ward, I saw that my daughter was sleeping peacefully between feedings. So she's eating. At first, I supplemented her with formula. I was scared that there was no milk yet, and there was not enough colostrum. But the doctor advised me to refuse supplementary feeding. Her argument was simple: if the crumbs behave calmly, then they have enough food. Besides, you don't need to teach them to bottle feed because it can cause them to refuse breastfeeding because sucking is more difficult. Colostrum is very nutritious, it contains everything necessary for the first days of a child's life, when the stomach is still learning to digest food, and it needs very nutritious and at the same time easily digestible food.

In the hospital, we were all advised to pump. But I had so little milk left after the baby that I did not understand the meaning of this procedure. Although the young woman from our ward could not do it differently. Her milk just poured in glasses, even the child choked. Here it would be difficult to do without pumping ... (but it is possible, see “The World of the Family”, 2nd year, p. 6, approx. ed.). So passed 6 days in the hospital.

• give two breasts at one feeding;
• refuse pumping and supplementary feeding;
• switch to feeding on demand, not by the clock.

Do not torment the baby with hunger, and yourself with doubts. Just offer him breasts when he asks. But at the same time, watch how the baby behaves.

• Maybe the baby is crying because of gases, and not from hunger. In this case, he will twitch his legs, cry, throw a nipple, or refuse to take it in his mouth at all.
• If he happily starts eating as soon as he was given a breast, you guessed it: the little one was hungry.

This happens for two reasons. First– due to stress or illness, the mother's milk supply decreases. In this case, to restore the flow of milk, switch to breastfeeding every hour. This will last just a few days, a maximum of a week. And lactation will be restored.

The second is the increased needs of the growing child. Some children grow in leaps and bounds. During intensive growth they need more building material” - mother's milk. While mom's breasts are being rebuilt to meet the increased needs of the baby, the interval between feedings can temporarily decrease. Don't worry, you will soon be back in balance with your little one.

Breast-feeding poses many tasks for new parents, one of which involves the choice of the method of "transferring milk" to the baby. Many grandmothers and even some doctors convince that feeding by the hour will help a woman maintain some independence from the baby and establish a routine from the very first day.

In the 20th century there was a radical change in the role of a woman in the social structure of the state. The fair sex is now active, militant, not inferior in many respects to men and not to that extent is the keeper of the hearth.

To new mother, who was breastfeeding, returned to the team as soon as possible, pediatricians suggested timed feeding. That is, the parents did not need to constantly monitor the babies, it was enough just to provide the breast after three hours.

Breastfeeding according to a clearly established schedule was carried out according to some rules and requirements of pediatricians:

However, in this century, views on breastfeeding have changed a bit.

Modern breastfeeding experts provide new mothers with complete freedom actions, but still recommend adhering to feeding at the "request" of the baby.

Today, more and more often, young mothers feed a child, as soon as he wishes to breastfeed. And it absolutely does not matter how many times he wants to eat and when he gets hungry again. Scientists are convinced that the mother's body adapts to the needs of the baby and the volume of milk also corresponds to its needs.

Feeding according to the regime is an adjustment of needs and desires baby under a special schedule, which is developed by the mother or neonatologist.

Despite the rather harsh criticism of scheduled breastfeeding, this regimen also has some advantages that should be discussed in more detail:

1. Breastfeeding on an exact schedule allows you to build a clear daily routine. A woman more or less imagines when the baby will need to be applied to the breast and give milk, and when she will have a free minute. That is, mom will be able to plan the day and even leave the house.
2. Since this feeding regimen takes a break at night, a woman can count on good night. Of course, such "luck" awaits her through certain time, and if only it is possible to adjust the infant to the chosen schedule.

However, experts on breastfeeding are relentless - scheduled feeding infants in no way satisfies their physiological and psychological needs. The disadvantages of this feeding regimen are obvious.

1. Doctors assure that, due to the imperfection of the gastrointestinal tract, in newborn children, the stomach practically does not participate in digestion. Breast milk can easily be absorbed in the intestinal tube, while the stomach is connected when the baby begins to receive complementary foods. Thus, the assimilation of breast milk occurs extremely quickly, much faster three hours- the interval recommended for "modal" nutrition.
2. Feeding infants by the hour, according to scientists, it can suppress lactation. Breast milk is secreted in response to the baby's digestive needs. That is, the volume milk secretion directly proportional to what the baby sucked. If the breast remains “untouched”, special hormones in the brain are not secreted, which means that much less milk will be released next time. As a result, this leads to early supplementation and cessation of lactation.
3. When breastfeeding according to the regimen, milk stagnation and mastitis occur more often. Reducing the number of feedings is “milk plugs”, but if it is started, it can turn into mastitis in three days, for example, when an infection is connected. Although the breasts can be partially emptied, the number of mastitis in mothers who follow the schedule for breastfeeding, significantly more than women breastfeeding babies at the first "squeak".
4. Not to mention the possible psychological problems. According to psychologists, breastfeeding according to the regimen is harmful to the baby. A nursing woman, in fact, is forced to ignore children's needs, thereby denying the child the satisfaction of his natural sucking reflex. As a result of the lack of maternal warmth and enjoyment of the maternal breast, the habit of sucking a finger or a fist is formed.

WHO opposes scheduled feeding. Breastfeeding experts advise breastfeeding mothers to breastfeed their baby at the first request. Thus, the establishment of any time frame on the issue of breastfeeding is considered inappropriate and even dangerous for the child.

Feeding on demand is considered by some mothers to be an invention of modern pediatricians, but such a diet, on the contrary, is traditional. Another common name for this regimen is natural feeding, because this approach has evolved in the course of human development.

Nursing mothers in antiquity, of course, did not even think about feeding the baby by the hour. Newborns were constantly held in their arms, so the babies received breasts in the literal sense on demand.

We repeat once again that today WHO recommends breastfeeding mothers to take into account the needs of babies and apply to the breast at any time of the day.

Breastfeeding consultants highlight the following benefits of squeak feeding for infants:

• Newborn babies who are given breast milk at the first request, they are able to quickly overcome the so-called birth stress and get used to new living conditions.
• Close bodily interaction helps the child and mother to establish emotional connection, which contributes to a sense of security in infants.
• Satisfying needs help harmonic psychological development newborns, because the baby, asking for the breast and being on the handles, forms basic trust to the surrounding world.
• When breastfeeding at the request of the child, good weight gain is noted, since children receive as much milk as they need. Being next to the mother's breast, the baby receives both the anterior (liquid) and the posterior (thick, fatty) milk secret.
• Reduces the likelihood of regurgitation in infants. The volume of the gastric sac in a newborn baby is extremely small, since it is intended for the frequent intake of small milk "doses". With an increase in pauses between meals, the child absorbs larger volume breast milk, resulting in regurgitation or bowel problems.

Breastfeeding on demand also has a positive effect on the body of a newly-made mother. Breastfeeding experts highlight the following benefits for breastfeeding women:

• When a baby suckles, the hormone oxytocin is released, which promotes uterine contractions. The more often the baby interacts with the mother's breast during breastfeeding, the rather a uterus returns to natural size and the less the threat of bleeding after childbirth.
• When feeding a baby, at the very first cry, the optimal production of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates lactation, occurs. Moreover, milk flows into the chest in the volume necessary for the baby: how much milk secretion is sucked out, so much is produced again.
• It is believed that at frequent application the baby's breast is emptied much more efficiently. And this significantly reduces the likelihood of stagnation and inflammatory processes in the mammary glands.
• The hormone prolactin not only stimulates breastfeeding, but is also natural contraceptive because it inhibits the ovulation process. So when feeding babies on demand, the risk is reduced unplanned pregnancy, although, of course, this method is not considered one hundred percent protection against possible conception.

Thus, there are quite a lot of advantages when feeding babies on demand. These positive sides and allow specialists to talk about the need to transfer infants to this particular feeding regimen.

Are there any downsides?

Despite all the arguments of the experts and the benefits for all participants in feeding, some women find it not very convenient to attach the baby to the mammary glands at the very first “beep”.

Modern newly-made mothers highlight several disadvantages of this approach:

That is, there are still disadvantages, but this method has more advantages. A woman can either downplay or eliminate such negative nuances. Therefore, the cons are easily leveled through a reasonable and balanced approach.

What does Komarovsky say?

Famous pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky does not oppose, but is not a supporter of on-demand feeding, however, like scheduled feeding of infants. What is his opinion about the main types breastfeeding child?

1. Feeding infants at intervals, at first glance, allows the mother to feel more free. However, Komarovsky is sure that it is extremely difficult to maintain such a schedule, and the night turns into a period of continuous tears.
2. If you feed the baby on demand, you will not be able to enter optimal mode. Komarovsky is also convinced that not every mother will be able to give breast milk 25-30 times during the day.

Komarovsky is sure that the best way out for a woman and a baby will be the so-called free feeding. Pediatrician Komarovsky offers to feed the baby at his request, but not more than once every three hours. This mode is maintained at night.

This type of feeding is ideal for babies and active women. So says Dr. Komarovsky, and whether to listen to his opinion, it is up to the specific nursing mother to decide.

Rules for feeding on demand

WHO recommends feeding infants on demand to meet their physiological and emotional needs. Counselors are quick to reassure mothers who feel that this method is too complicated. It's all about habit.

Here are some tips to help you get started with on-demand feeding:

• Try to put the baby to the chest after each “squeak”, without bringing the first soft sounds to pronounced and loud cries. You can understand that the baby wants to eat by his anxiety, sucking movements of the lips, grunting, moving the head.
• Avoid "breast surrogates". Soothers are meant for babies who are otherwise unable to satisfy natural desire suck. Feeding a baby on demand means giving up nipples, bottles, and other devices that interfere with the suckling habit.
• Avoid drinking water. A child of the first six months of life does not need water at all, since breast milk is both food and drink. natural feeding satisfies all the needs of babies.
• Try sleeping with your newborn. In this case, the woman can right moment to feed the baby with milk when he starts whimpering in search of his mother's breast. If the mother let go auspicious time, the likelihood of calming the crumbs will greatly decrease.

If a woman correctly applies the baby to the mammary glands, then they will be completely released from milk. And this significantly reduces the risk of lactostasis.

Most nursing mothers seeking to switch to natural feeding of newborn babies do not always understand some of the points of this approach. For example, women are confused by the frequency and duration of feedings.

How often to feed?

The newborn baby satisfies the basic needs by sucking on the mother's breast. Mom is a source of food, warmth, protection.

Many babies begin to pass gases, an act of defecation occurs, since the gastrointestinal tract is activated during breastfeeding.

Since the newborn from being close to the mother receives extremely positive sensations, experts recommend putting the baby to the breast as often as possible.

During the first month of a child's life, the number of daily feedings can exceed 25! V three months old children develop their own daily routine, when the crumbs usually eat after or before falling asleep. Older babies begin to breastfeed when they are upset or dissatisfied with something.

How long does the feeding take?

The duration of suckling depends on the underlying need. If the baby wants to drink, he sucks the mammary glands for several minutes to get enough of the front milk. If he is hungry, then mommy will “free up” only after 45 minutes.

Usually, the application duration is increased in the following situations:

• after morning awakening;
• in the so-called stages of "growth spurts", when the baby grows most rapidly;
• during an indisposition of the baby (teeth are cut, the stomach hurts, other disorders), since the milk reduces pain.

For natural breastfeeding, it is typical to allow the baby to be applied to the breast for the time required by him. It is believed that the little one will release his mother himself when he falls asleep or is full.

When to end lactation?

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding babies up to two years of age. If up to 12 months of life it is necessary to provide irreplaceable components, then closer to 2 years the product becomes a source of more successful development intelligence and immune system.

The moment of stopping feeding is a decision made individually by each mother and depends on many nuances. There is no set time frame, which is why the “right” way to behave is to look at your child.

So, many modern specialists in breastfeeding oppose the attachment of babies in time. There is a point of view that only feeding on a “cry” can provide children with the optimal volume of milk and maternal warmth.

However, it is up to nursing mothers to decide what is needed for babies - to feed by the hour or on demand. It is quite possible to take the advice of Dr. Komarovsky and combine these two approaches for the maximum convenience of all participants in the process.

Hello, I'm Nadezhda Plotnikova. Having successfully studied at SUSU as a special psychologist, she devoted several years to working with children with developmental problems and advising parents on the upbringing of children. I apply the experience gained, among other things, in the creation of psychological articles. Of course, by no means do I pretend to be the ultimate truth, but I hope that my articles will help dear readers deal with any difficulties.

Feeding a baby on a schedule or by the hour is the feeding recommended by many. Russian pediatricians who adhere to traditional Soviet norms. The same norms were promoted earlier and abroad. The same Dr. Spock, for example. About feeding by the hour "for" and "against" we'll talk.

So, traditionally pediatricians say that healthy child at enough milk from the mother should suckle the breast 1 time in 3 hours. At the same time, it is assumed night sleep for at least six hours.

But the reality is often different. Women complain that they are forced to feed their children very often, we can say that the whole day with short breaks the baby hangs on her chest.

Doctors answer this by saying that feeding every hour is a sign of a child's hunger. Mom has little milk, the baby does not eat up, and here is the result ... It is advised to introduce supplementary feeding in the form artificial mixture. That is, first give one and the other breast. And then top up with the mixture. The amount of formula for supplementary feeding is determined empirically. It is believed that the child will not suck too much. Indeed, this practice often helps to normalize feeding after 3 hours, because the mixture is digested longer. Babies on mixed and artificial feeding usually and sleep more deeply and for a long time. But the problem is that supplementary feeding provokes a decrease in breast milk production. And the use of a bottle can lead to the refusal of the child to suck at the breast.

The practice of transition to mixed, and then artificial nutrition was very frequent years 20-30 years ago, before there were any lactation consultants. And in general, very little attention was paid to the issue of GW. Children were not even given mixtures, but more often whole cow's milk. What led to strong allergic reactions and intestinal disorders.

And yet, is it possible to switch to a breastfeeding regime by the hour and at the same time remain completely breastfed? It's possible. But you need to take into account the fact that the first 2-3 months the child has a very strong sucking reflex and will have to give him a dummy instead of the breast. Yes, and putting the baby to sleep will be problematic. If breastfeeding on demand is enough for the baby to fall asleep, to give him a breast, then those who follow the feeding schedule will have to rock him, take him out, etc. Not many children calmly fall asleep on their own in their crib.

But if you have already decided for yourself whether to feed newborns on demand or by the hour, which is better for you and have chosen the second option, then start by understanding whether the baby has enough food. To do this, you need to look at the dynamics of the growth of his weight and the number of urination. If everything is in order, then switch to feeding the baby after 2 hours, and then after 3. At the same time, if it is hot, it is advisable to give water in between feedings if the breast is on schedule. Well, and without a pacifier, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do. It will be possible to switch to the time between feedings of 4 hours with the introduction of repeated complementary foods (cereals, vegetables and fruit purees, cottage cheese). Closer to the year of breastfeeding, only night and morning can remain.

What are the disadvantages of a strict feeding regimen? They are before the introduction of complementary foods. As we already wrote, the production of breast milk is reduced, the child is restless and with a dummy in his mouth. And yet, such children usually gain less weight. If