Tips for When Your Baby Wants to Breastfeed Nonstop

The moment you think of putting your baby down, it starts crying and wants more milk. You’re trying everything but still can’t figure out what’s going wrong. Such situations make you doubt yourself, and you start asking yourself too many questions. Did I do something wrong? Why does my baby keep asking for milk? Is the baby in pain, or am I not making enough milk? Don’t worry! These worries are quite normal, and we all experience them. In this article, we will discuss why your toddler wants milk all the time and what you can do.

Nonstop Feeds are Very Common

The baby will nurse frequently during the first three days after your milk arrives. This allows the colostrum in your breasts to nourish the baby. Colostrum can be seen by the naked eye, but it has everything a toddler needs and is packed with proteins, antibodies, and other nutritious compounds. A healthy baby will typically nurse right away and may then sleep for a long time on the first day. In the next couple of days after birth, the baby may be fed 8 times per day or more. Also, they nurse more often and intensely during the evening hours. So, if possible, try to get enough sleep and eat and drink healthily during the day.

Recommendations

• Switch breasts while breastfeeding your baby during multiple sessions. When the infant stops nursing, falls asleep, and then wakes up, lift your nursing bra and move on to the other breast. Babies can repeatedly nurse "four breasts" at a time. For instance, you can start with one breast, then move to the other, and then take a short break. Do a quick diaper change, then nurse again from the first breast (third time), and let the baby drift off with a final feed from the second breast (fourth). Consider it a four-course meal.

• Keep your infant's airways open while holding them skin-to-skin.

• When you feed your baby, it triggers the production of milk, and the more your baby nurses, the more milk will be produced. The fewer baby nurses, the less milk will be produced. Suppose that your baby is crying for milk. If a baby urinates too much, has bowel movements, and wants to nurse all day, it is rarely a sign of stomach problems. Simply rest, drink lots of water, and nurse more. Keep an eye on the infant's behavior while being breastfed and count every feeding session.

Remember

You won’t have to nurse your baby always like this. Over time, feedings will become more spaced out. You’ll see a new pattern that suits both you and your baby. This phase of frequent feeding doesn’t last forever. It stays for just a few days or weeks at the start when your baby feeds very frequently (though every baby is different). As a matter of fact, the more often your baby nurses now, the more it signals your body to build and maintain your milk supply—your baby is placing future milk “orders.”

Breastfeeding is About More Than Milk

Your baby may also seem like they want to be close to you or your partner almost all the time, and that’s completely normal. Other than food, nursing also offers comfort and a sense of safety. Not long ago, your baby was inside you and had a constant feeling of affection and connection. After birth, they look for the same thing. You can use a baby sling or carrier early on to keep your baby near you, and also you can move more freely with it. Also, buy a couple of maternity bras.

As Baby Grows

When your baby gets a little older, and you’re still nursing a lot, take some time to observe how your baby behaves during feeds. Is your baby sucking actively? Or maybe sucking while sleeping, still latched on? It's okay. But if you notice your baby wakes up and feels hungry again right after being moved from the breast, you might have to slowly limit their sleep with the nipple in their mouth. Let the baby nurse try to do more active feeding by gently waking them when switching breasts. You can offer anywhere from one to four breasts per session, based on your baby’s needs.

Considering All This

These endless nursing sessions may feel like they’ll never end, but remember that it’s just a phase; it will not stay forever. Your baby is growing, bonding, and finding comfort with you. These long nights are really tough, but they’re also developing a strong, beautiful relationship between you and your little one. Lovemere truly understands what motherhood looks like at 3 A.M.—which is why they offer practical essentials for every stage, from pregnancy to breastfeeding.