I agree that small, frequents feeds are normal in the early days and that too many people try to schedule breastfeeding down to as few nursings as possible. Sometimes moms get into trouble by not nursing often enough or eliminating the night feeds too soon. We probably all get lots of questions from moms whose babies aren't gaining weight, and it turns out they are only nursing 4-5 times a day. 

So, in theory if baby is nursed 'often enough', things should be ok. 

My example of the five month old who only took in 24-30 ml at each nursing session, and nursed about 12 times a day (whenever he wanted, never scheduled, no bottles, nursed at night, etc.), is how small, frequent feedings could be a problem. He seemed to be nursing often enough, was popping on and off the breast, but the intake was so low he was not gaining weight, and in fact had lost some. 

Nature's way is also for babies to gain weight.  If popping on and off the breast many times a day is working well, that is great -- as my dad used to say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC

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