Breastfeed as often as your baby wants, and do not give formula. Many babies will nurse a number of times at one time of the day, usually in the evening. This is called cluster feeding, and it is normal.

Sometime between your baby’s first and third week, he may want to nurse more often. About this same time, your breasts will naturally soften and feel less full. This does not mean you don’t have enough milk. It means your baby is having his first growth spurt. Don’t worry — your milk supply is changing to meet your baby’s needs.

Growth spurts usually happen around these times.

• 1 to 3 weeks of age
• 6 weeks of age
• 3 months of age

Every mom has to do what’s right for her, her baby and her family, but each time you give formula, you miss a chance to empty your breasts and tell your body to make more milk. For many moms, trying to give both breastmilk and formula causes their milk supply to run low, so that soon they are giving more and more formula.

What about Pacifiers?

Pacifiers and artificial nipples or bottles might seem helpful, but they can hide baby’s early feeding cues. Waiting to feed baby can make it harder to get a good latch. All of baby’s suckling should be at the breast in the first few weeks in order to establish a good milk supply.