In a message dated 5/13/2001 7:11:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> "Allow 20 minutes on first side, then as long
> as he needs on the second."  I teach that baby knows when he's had enough
> and
> encourage moms to look at the baby and how he's nursing rather than the
> length of time he's spent.  I am wondering what others teach regarding how
>

I tell patients that since breastfeeding has been around since before
watches, timing of feeds is up to the baby who knows when s/he is done - and
they can't tell time yet either.  I also add that we don't attempt to
regulate output i.e.: You just peed - you can't need to pee again! This
usually gets a smile and some glimpse of understanding that babies know what
they need.  Another one I try to share is: Babies are very good at raising
their parents, if we just watch and listen to them, they will teach us what
we need to know.  That seems helpful for new as well more experienced parents
with a baby wired differently from the previous one(s).

Gretchen Andrews, BA, IBCLC
[log in to unmask]
So Calif, USA

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