“Newborns have very small stomachs and are unable to hold a large volume of milk at one time. Therefore, feeding based on the baby’s hunger cues, rather than strictly following the clock, is generally recommended,” Chen explained.
Another behaviour that often worries new parents is cluster feeding, when babies feed more frequently over a short period. It is common in the early weeks, often in the late afternoon or evening, she added.
“This pattern is thought to be partly related to natural hormonal fluctuations in milk production, as levels of prolactin (the hormone responsible for milk production) tend to be lower later in the day. Cluster feeding helps stimulate the breasts and signal the body to increase milk production,” Chen said.
