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Breastfeed on demand, both day and night

Updated Generic C-IYCF Counselling Package, 2024 (UNICEF | 2024)
Breastfeed on demand, both day and night

Key Messages

  • Breastfeed your baby on demand, both day and night, 8-to-12 times each day, to establish and keep up your breastmilk supply.
  • More suckling (with good attachment) helps you make more breastmilk.
  • Crying is a late sign of hunger. Early signs that your baby wants to breastfeed include:
  • Restlessness
  • Opening mouth and turning the head from side-to-side
  • Moving the tongue in and out
  • Suckling on fingers and fists
  • Let your baby come off one breast before offering the other. This will help satisfy your baby’s hunger and thirst.
  • If your baby is ill or very sleepy during the day, you may need to encourage your baby to feed by offering the breast often.
  • Do NOT use bottles, teats or spouted cups. They are difficult to clean and can cause your baby to become sick.
  • If you are concerned about not having enough breastmilk, check with your community health worker or other health care provider to see if you are correctly attaching and positioning your baby to the breast.
  • Your baby is getting enough milk when he or she:
    • Passes light-coloured urine six times a day or more while being exclusively breastfed
    • Is not visibly thin
    • Is visibly putting on weight, if he or she was thin earlier
    • Is appropriately responsive and active for his or her age
    • Is gaining weight according to the baby’s health card (or growth velocity table, if available).
  • If you are not sure if your baby’s weight gain is adequate, go to the nearest health facility to have your baby weighed. Regular growth monitoring is important.
  • Look into your baby's eyes as you breastfeed. Smile at your baby. When your baby is at your breast, it is just the right distance to be able to focus on your face and eyes.
  • When you are breastfeeding, your baby can feel you, hear your voice and smell your presence. Breastfeeding provides a sense of calm and security.

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