Why the '5 feeds a day' belief is incorrect and how early, frequent breastfeeding supports newborn growth

Breastfeeding questions often pop up in doula training and in the real world, where new parents are juggling emotion, sleep deprivation, and a whole lot of new information. Here’s a scenario you might encounter: four statements about breastfeeding, and you’re asked which one isn’t quite right. It’s a handy way to test your understanding of how feeding works in the early days of life. Let’s walk through it together, so you can feel confident supporting families with clear, compassionate guidance.

Which statement is incorrect?

A. The risk of infection for a baby is higher in the nursery.

B. The best time to begin breastfeeding is within 30 to 60 minutes after birth.

C. Babies should feed at least 5 times during a 24-hour period.

D. The blood in the umbilical cord contains special cells called stem cells.

The incorrect one is C: babies don’t need to feed only five times a day. Newborns typically feed much more often—often around 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Why does this happen? Newborns have tiny stomachs. In the first day or two, a baby’s stomach holds only a few milliliters of milk at a time. As days go by, their capacity grows, but the pattern remains frequent feeding. This frequent demand helps establish a robust milk supply and ensures the baby gets enough nutrition to grow steadily.

Let me explain how this translates into real-life care. Picture a newborn’s day as a series of short, hungry episodes rather than long, scheduled meals. A baby might wake every 1.5 to 3 hours for a feeding, sometimes showing signs of hunger or rooting, sometimes feeding more efficiently for shorter bursts. It’s not a rigid schedule; it’s responsive feeding, guided by the baby’s cues. And this is where your role as a doula (or a supporter) becomes so important: helping families recognize those cues, feel confident about feeding on demand, and stay relaxed even when the clock says something different from what’s “supposed to happen.”

Now, why are the other three statements solid?

B. Early initiation of breastfeeding—within 30 to 60 minutes after birth—is a common recommendation. It isn’t a magic deadline, but it’s a sweet spot. The initial latch supports the first milk, called colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and antibodies. Early contact, especially with skin-to-skin, also foster bonding and temperature regulation. And yes, it can help start the milk-making process sooner. You’ll often hear midwives and nurses emphasizing “feed soon, latch soon”—not because a few minutes make or break everything, but because the timing matters for setting up a smoother breastfeeding course.

A. The risk of infection for a baby is higher in the nursery. This one reflects a reality many families encounter. When babies are separated from their birth parent or spent in a setting away from the caregiver, there’s a higher potential for exposure to unfamiliar microbes and a delay in initiating breastfeeding. Rooming-in and keeping the baby with the parent whenever possible has been associated with lower infection rates and easier access to on-demand feeding. As a doula, you can help families weigh the benefits of rooming-in and skin-to-skin care in practical terms—like feeding on cue, staying close to mom, and reading feeding cues early so the baby stays comfortable and fed.

D. The blood in the umbilical cord contains stem cells. Yes, this is accurate in its own right. Cord blood is a source of stem cells that have applications in certain medical therapies. For the purpose of routine newborn feeding education, this fact sits in a separate category from the day-to-day realities of feeding patterns. It’s useful to know as part of a broader understanding of neonatal biology, but it doesn’t dictate how often a baby should feed or how feeding should be managed in the early days.

What this small quiz can teach us about doula support

• The importance of feeding cues and responsiveness. A lot of the “how often” question comes down to listening to the baby. A baby who signals hunger frequently may be nursing for comfort, for hydration, or for calories—often all three. Your job is to empower parents to respond calmly and flexibly, not to force a rigid timetable on a sleepy newborn.

• The value of skin-to-skin for early milk production. Early skin-to-skin contact can help calm both baby and parent, stabilizing heart rate and temperature while nudging the milk flow. It’s a simple, powerful practice that you’ll likely recommend again and again.

• Understanding the environment’s role in infection risk. If a family is weighing hospital routines vs. home-like care, you can illuminate the trade-offs. The key isn’t fear—it’s informed choice: minimizing unnecessary separation, encouraging on-demand feeding, and supporting effective hand hygiene and comfort for both parents and baby.

• Cord blood knowledge as a broader context. You don’t need to be a cord-blood expert, but a basic acknowledgment that cord blood contains cells with medical potential helps you speak confidently about physiology without getting lost in a tangential rabbit hole. It also signals to families that their baby’s birth biology is a tapestry of interconnected details.

Practical tips you can share with families (without turning it into a lecture)

• Encourage early latch and skin-to-skin. If you’re present during birth or a cesarean recovery, advocate for mom-in-the-room time with the baby as soon as feasible. A few minutes of skin-to-skin can set a positive tone for the hours ahead.

• Normalize frequent feeds. Explain that a newborn’s stomach is small and energy needs are high in the first days. A baby may cluster-feed or want to feed more often at certain times, and that’s normal.

• Watch for signs of sufficient intake. In the early days, you’ll hear about wet diapers and weight gain. A practical rule of thumb: six or more wet diapers a day by about day five and steady weight gain after the first week are good indicators. Encourage parents to ask for help if they’re unsure.

• Support the rhythm, not the schedule. Help families see feeding as something they respond to, rather than something they push to a fixed timetable. It’s okay to have a rough routine based on the baby’s cues, but flexibility is key.

• Minimize unnecessary interruptions. In hospital settings, if possible, keep the baby with the parent when safe. Explain to families that frequent rooming-in and minimizing early interruptions can support more successful breastfeeding.

• Provide calm, clear language. Use simple terms and avoid medical jargon when possible. Phrases like “baby signals hunger,” “start with skin-to-skin,” and “feed when the baby is hungry” are often more reassuring than medicalizing the moment.

A few quick myths to keep in mind (and how to address them)

• Myth: If the baby sleeps through a feed, it means they’re full. Reality: sleep is common early on. If the baby’s weight is stable and there are adequate wet diapers, occasional longer sleep spells aren’t a red flag—though you should check with a clinician if there are concerns.

• Myth: You must give a baby a fixed number of feeds per day. Reality: “On-demand” feeding can be more natural and effective, especially in the first weeks, as it supports milk supply and baby satisfaction.

• Myth: Breastfeeding is all about technique. Reality: Technique matters, yes, but so do mood, support, rest, hydration, and the mom’s emotional well-being. Your role is to help all of those pieces fit together.

A note about the broader context

Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey, and not every family’s path looks the same. Some families will breastfeed exclusively; others will combine breast milk with formula. Your job isn’t to judge a choice but to provide evidence-based information, practical help, and unwavering encouragement. You’re a guide who helps parents navigate challenges, celebrate wins, and know when to seek additional support from lactation consultants or pediatricians.

If you’re curious about how all these topics fit into your broader training, consider these reliable resources for further reading and grounding:

• World Health Organization and UNICEF guidelines on breastfeeding and infant feeding

• American Academy of Pediatrics on breastfeeding recommendations and infant nutrition

• La Leche League International for practical, peer-supported breastfeeding advice

• Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative materials for understanding the value of rooming-in and early skin-to-skin

A gentle close

That little quiz you ran through isn’t just about remembering a fact; it’s about understanding the rhythm of early life. Newborn feeding is a living, breathing thing—literally. It’s about the bond you help nurture, the cues you learn to recognize, and the confidence you bring to families at a time when confidence can feel thin.

If you’re guiding families as they begin this journey, you’re doing more than teaching a skill. You’re helping set up a pattern—one of nourishment, trust, and resilience. And that’s worth more than a single correct answer on a quiz; it’s a foundation that can shape a family’s experience for years to come.

In case you’re curious about how this shows up in real life, a quick recap:

• Don’t expect newborns to feed only five times a day; they’re often feeding eight to twelve times in 24 hours.

• Early feeding, skin-to-skin, and minimizing unnecessary separation can support milk supply and health.

• Cord blood is a separate, broader topic—worth knowing, but not a driver of daily feeding schedules.

If you want more bite-sized explanations like this, keep exploring the core topics that connect physiology, baby care, and the supportive role you’ll play for families. The more you connect the dots, the more natural your guidance will feel when it matters most.