I don't like the term 'demand feeding' either and prefer to use 'feed
according to need'. The 'need' applies to both mother and baby. It 'allows'
mothers to wake their baby for a feed and may avoid mothers telling me on
day 2, when a lot of babies are very sleepy, that "the baby has been so
good, he fed only once today". I wonder how much better they like their baby
to be! It also allows mothers to wake their baby for a feed when she is very
full.
With babies who are very placid and where the mother may not know the hunger
cues, she may feed infrequently because the baby doesn't cry and therefore
does not 'demand' a feed. Mothers need to be taught that a minimum number of
feeds is required, particularly in the first weeks.
Years ago there was a rigid feeding schedule which is now frowned upon but
now there is a tendency to go over the top with demand feeding and mothers
are afraid to wake their baby at all. A bit of common sense would be good.

Lucy Simnett, RN, midwife, IBLCE candidate 2001.
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