What is a recommended practice for new mothers regarding feeding their babies?

Allowing the baby to feed on demand is a recommended practice because it aligns with the natural feeding cues of infants. Babies are born with the ability to signal when they are hungry, and responding to these cues promotes healthy growth and development. Feeding on demand helps establish a strong breastfeeding relationship, facilitates better milk supply, and ensures that the baby's nutritional needs are met at the right times. It also fosters a nurturing and responsive caregiving approach, allowing the mother to tune into her baby's needs and build a strong bond.

Other options do not support infant-led feeding, which can lead to issues such as inadequate nutrition, frustration for both mother and baby, and potential feeding difficulties. Feeding only when the baby cries can result in missed cues for earlier feeding, while adjusting a feeding schedule to the mother’s needs rather than the baby’s can neglect the baby’s biological rhythms. Limiting feeding to only night hours would starve the baby during the day, which is not in line with healthy feeding practices.