Breastfeeding on Demand vs. Scheduled Feeding: Pros and Cons

When it comes to feeding newborns parents often find themselves grappling with the decision of whether to breastfeed based on their baby's cues or stick to a feeding schedule. Both approaches have their supporters and critics leaving parents about the best choice, for their little one. In this post we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding on demand versus following a feeding schedule to assist parents in making a choice.

Breastfeeding on Demand

Breastfeeding on demand entails feeding the baby whenever they display signs of hunger such as rooting, sucking motions or crying. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of this method;

Advantages:

1. Promotes Milk Production -  Feeding on demand triggers milk production based on the baby’s requirements ensuring a milk supply.
2. Addresses Baby's Hunger Babies have appetites and growth spurts and breastfeeding on demand enables parents to promptly address their baby's hunger signals.
3. Strengthens Bonding -  Regular breastfeeding sessions create opportunities for skin to skin contact and bonding, between the parent and baby.
4. Prevents Engorgement -  Feeding on demand helps prevent breast engorgement and discomfort by emptying the breasts.

Disadvantages:

1.Disrupted Sleep -  Parents might find themselves waking up during the night to attend to their baby’s feeding needs.

2. Potential Overfeeding - Babies sometimes nurse for comfort than hunger which could lead to potential concerns regarding weight gain.
3. Limited Independence -  Always being available for breastfeeding on demand may restrict a parents ability to participate in activities or have someone else care for the baby.

Scheduled Feeding

Scheduled feeding involves feeding the baby at intervals every two to three hours regardless of hunger cues. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this method:

Advantages:

1. Predictability -  Scheduled feeding establishes a routine that both parents and babies can rely on making it simpler to plan tasks.
2. Parental Rest -  Following a feeding schedule allows parents to anticipate when their baby will need food potentially giving them the chance for sleep.
3. Controlled Feeding -  Scheduled feedings help prevent overfeeding by setting times and durations, for each feeding session.
4. Parents might find comfort in sticking to a feeding routine, for their baby, which can help them track feeding patterns and intake effectively.

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However there are some drawbacks to consider:

1. Risk of Not Enough Feeding -  Babies may not get nutrients if they are not fed promptly when hungry which could lead to weight loss or inadequate growth.
2. Decreased Milk Production -  Following a schedule might reduce milk supply if the breasts are not emptied enough potentially causing issues like low milk production.

3.  Lack of Flexibility - A fixed feeding schedule may make parents feel restricted especially when the baby's needs change unexpectedly or when they cannot feed at the planned time.

Ultimately deciding between demand based breastfeeding and a set feeding routine depends on what works for both the parent and the baby. It's essential to strike a balance between these approaches and be open to adjusting the feeding plan as needed to meet the evolving needs of the baby.

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