Do you plan to feed on demand or on a schedule?

Question

Hello almost new mommy's! I'm looking for some insight, opinions and/or experiences on the feeding subject.

I have read two very good books about feeding (I plan on breastfeeding, but if this doesn't work out I will switch to formula without any hesitation). The thing is that one book focuses on a strict schedule and the other book is very focused on feeding on demand. Both sounds logical to me and I'm torn about which to choose. Keep going back and forth and my SO doesn't know it either.

So, what are you planning to do and why? Or maybe you already have some experience, I would love to hear. Thank you!

Answer

I plan on feeding on demand to establish a good latch and supply then slowly working to a schedule. The important thing to remember about schedules is that one schedule does not fit all. Milk storage capacity and production are totally different for each mom and babies sometimes need to eat more when they're having a growth spurt.

Answer

On demand

Answer

On demand. It's kinda like high school, did you really like having to eat at a certain time, maybe you were hungry before then, maybe after.

Answer

I do kinda both. More on demand than scheduled but it is a schedule baby makes if that makes sense. I find that, my children at least, fall into a rhythm of eating about the same times and napping about the same times and once they kind of establish that routine we stick with it but are also flexible if sometimes they need it different or more. It helps when it comes to running errands. You can plan errands around feedings better when there is at least a loose schedule, I prefer to nurse at home simply for ease and comfort though I will whip out in public if things don't go as planned lol. Growth spurts usually blow our schedule out of the water and we readjust for a couple days until we find that rhythm again until the next growth spurt and so on. Cluster feedings tell me we are growing and it's time to rework our schedule.

The less stressful you make feeding the easier it is to breastfeed. Just do what works when baby gets here and don't worry about anything else 😉 I formula fed my first three kids because it seemed less stressful for me, once I figured out that all the pressure of breastfeeding was placed on myself by myself and the expectations I held from movies and books I'd read etc, I was able to successfully breastfeed for a year with first one kiddo then two and in June will start our breastfeeding journey with a third kiddo. And breastfeeding one kiddo is completely different than breastfeeding a second kiddo FYI if you have more kids in the future. It's like pregnancy lol totally different each time.

Answer

I have been told by multiple people that breastfeeding is a "pay now or pay later" situation. 
With feeding on demand, you pay now. Long hours, cluster feedings, lack of sleep for the first 6-8 weeks. But it also helps to up your supply since your breasts are making enough milk to supply your baby's demands. 
By feeding on a schedule, you pay later. You're getting more breaks in the beginning, but your supply won't be nearly as good (you won't produce as much per feeding). This means that later down the line you'll have to feed much more frequently to keep up with baby's needs. 
I plan on feeding on demand. Of course, I'll set alarms to allow baby to feed through the night, but during the day I plan to feed on demand. It will be tough at first but it will be worth it in the long run. 
Hope this helps!  :D

Answer

On demand is always my go to because me personally I jus can't see my lil baby hungry u start to notice after a while tho they develop a schedule any ways this my forth n my last which is 3 1/2 now I breast feed after a while if u jus bare thru n stick with it you'll love it up side your baby will nearly never be sick down side even after your done breastfeeding your kid will still love boobs 😄

Answer

On demand.
If my boobs get full then I'll pump and freeze.

Answer

On demand, whenever baby wants

Answer

On demand

Answer

Schedule. So that he doesn't suffer when he goes to child care. And just because I feel children thrive on being on a schedule

Do you plan to feed on demand or on a schedule?

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