How often should I be breastfeeding? Is it possible to breastfeed too much?
Facebook 
Get Our Newsletter! 
Print
Watch the baby, not the clock. In the early days, babies typically need to nurse 8-12 times per 24 hour period.
Watch your baby for signs of hunger. Crying is one of the last things a baby will do to indicate he/she is hungry. Hungry babies will start to root their head around, searching for a nearby breast. They may smack their lips. An older baby might suck on a fist or finger. They may start making little grunting noises, the ones you’ll remember later when your baby is all grown up! When you see these signs of hunger, feed your baby.
Some babies do what’s called “cluster feeding” where they nurse frequently for a period of time. Many moms find this time tends to coincide with the dinner hour. It’s OK to stop what you’re doing and put your feet up for a little while to nurse your baby. While the days may seem to pass slowly, the years are quick.
What a great gift idea for a mom-to-be. Pregnancy Countdown Hand Painted Magnetic Chalkboard $28.00 
Comment by tamika on Nov 07 2009 07:18:46:
you cannot nurse too much-feed the baby when they want to be fed.
Comment by Crystal Janell Wallace on Aug 31 2010 05:33:52:
It is true, you can not nurse too much. I have nursed both of my boys untill they were 14 months old. I found to my frustration and fatigue that especially when they are growing and need more nutrition they will nurse more to help your milk come in more. When that happens it can feel like you dont even have a chance to go to the restroom or eat… just nurse. Even though it may not seem like it at the time it does not last for ever. I find a 6 wk maternity leave to be a joke. I know most americans dont nurse on up to 14 mos up to 2 years but even if you goal is only 3 to 6 months just nursing alone is enough to practically keep you so busy that you are all but home bound. The recovery time for having a baby has less to do with when you can lift things of 25 lbs or walk with out medication but more to do with how long it will really take you to get back on your feet after bringing home a new baby. Im talking more like 2 years to get back into stride, and then how many of us have another baby on the way, at least, by the time that happens. Any way, I have deviated. Dont give up weary soldier. Your efforts are well worth the trouble.!
Have a beautiful day