How to Make Plenty of Milk

Your breasts will easily make and supply milk directly in response to your baby's needs. The more often and effectively a baby breastfeeds, the more milk will be made. Babies are trying to double their weight in a few short months, and their tummies are small, so they need many feedings to grow and to be healthy.

• You can expect at least eight to 12 feedings in a 24-hour day.
• In the first few days after birth, your baby will likely want to breastfeed about every hour or two in the daytime, and a couple of times at night during which your baby can have one longer sleep stretch.
• Babies develop their own feeding schedules. Some babies feed every hour for 2-6 hours and then sleep for a longer period, and others will breastfeed every 2-3 hours day and night. Follow your baby's cues for when he or she is ready to eat.