Today, the feeding programme should be organised according to the infant’s needs, and not according to one of the programmes which was used previously. For the first few weeks of his/her life, the newborn should have milk as often as he/she needs to be satisfied and full up. Infants who drink their fill need a little help to regulate their own diet. Mothers should discuss this with their pediatrician. They should talk to the pediatrician about their child’s behaviour when eating, and about any questions they may have about their child’s diet.
At some point, infants who get all the food they need start sleeping more at night and take their feeds between the early morning and the evening. For instance, between 6 am and 10 pm. This usually happens during the second month. From then on, it is easier for mothers to set up a daily schedule of five feeds.
As you decrease the number of feeds, the amount of milk you give at each feed should increase.