You do not need a feeding schedule. Health professionals recommend “responsive” or “on demand” feeding – this means following your baby’s cues and feeding them when they are hungry.

Although most babies gradually settle into a feeding routine, they vary in how often they want to feed. Feed your baby when they show signs that they are hungry.

Responsive breastfeeding means feeding is not timed and is not just for nutrition, but also for love, comfort and reassurance between both baby and mother. If you need to, feed your baby for whatever reason; for example, if you would like to reconnect with your baby or them with you, if your breasts are full or you need to pop out and you would not be able to feed whilst you are out.

Watch this useful video demonstrating responsive bottle feeding or find out more from Start for Life here.

For information or support please contact us – 

• Infant Feeding phone: 07500 952216
• Social media, just search NHS Infant Feeding Torbay
• Infant Feeding clinic – every Wednesdays at the Beehive, Paignton and Thursday at St. Edmunds, Torquay
• Baby Feeding Group – Monday’s and Wednesday’s check out the what’s on page for dates and times
• To see our lactation consultant Health Visitors, contact the advice line to make an appointment. Tel: 0300 333 5352 (Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm) or Email: publichealthnursing.torbay@nhs.net
• National Breastfeeding helpline – Breastfeeding information and support available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call 0300 100 0212 or chat via their website