Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » What is the 120 breastfeeding rule?

What is the 120 breastfeeding rule?

Understanding the 120 Breastfeeding Rule
The 120 breastfeeding rule is a guideline that emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding exclusively for the first 120 days of an infant’s life. This period is crucial for the development of the baby, as it aligns with recommendations from health organizations regarding infant nutrition and maternal health.
The Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth and continue exclusively for the first six months. This means that during this initial period, infants should receive only breast milk, without any additional food or drink, not even water. The rationale behind this recommendation is that breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and energy that a newborn needs for healthy growth and development.
Nutritional Benefits
During the first 120 days, breast milk is particularly beneficial as it contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are vital for brain development and overall health. The antibodies present in breast milk help protect infants from infections and diseases, which is especially important in the early months when their immune systems are still developing.
Support for Mothers
For mothers, adhering to the 120 breastfeeding rule can also have significant health benefits. Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, improved postpartum recovery, and enhanced emotional bonding with the baby. However, it is essential for mothers to receive adequate support from healthcare providers, family, and society to successfully navigate this period. This includes access to lactation consultants, breastfeeding education, and workplace accommodations for nursing mothers.
Challenges and Considerations
While the 120 breastfeeding rule is beneficial, it is not without challenges. Some mothers may face difficulties such as low milk supply, latching issues, or personal circumstances that make exclusive breastfeeding challenging. In such cases, it is crucial for mothers to seek support and explore options like pumping or combining breastfeeding with formula feeding, if necessary.
Conclusion
The 120 breastfeeding rule serves as a vital guideline for new mothers and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first four months of an infant’s life. By understanding and supporting this practice, society can contribute to healthier outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Will my milk supply dry up if I only nurse at night?

breastfeeding at night can be important for keeping a mom’s long-term milk production steady and strong and may actually mean less pumping during the day for working moms?

What is the longest you can go without pumping?

good nursing and/or pumping sessions per 24 hours. Ten sessions per day is better, particularly if you have twins or higher order multiples. least once during the night in the first few months or anytime you notice a decrease in supply. Avoid going longer than 5-6 hours without pumping during the first few months.

What is the 444 rule for breast milk?

The 4-4-4 Rule. Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months. Different professional organizations have varying recommendations.

What is the golden rule of breastfeeding?

Maintain a minimum of 2 to 3 feeds per day
Taking into account the principle of lactation (the more the breast is solicited, the more milk the body produces), it is advisable to continue to give your baby at least 2 to 3 feedings per day.

What is the 15 day rule for postpartum?

The 5-5-5 postpartum rule prescribes 15 days of rest for moms following childbirth – five days in the bed, five days on the bed and five days around the bed. It encourages moms to take a break from housework and caring for older children, and simply spend time with the new baby.

What is the 5 5 5 rule breastfeeding?

The Centers for Disease Control recently updated their recommendations on breast milk storage. Previously, many people followed the 5-5-5 rule: storing breast milk for five hours at room temperature, five days in the refrigerator, and five months in the freezer.

What is the 240 minute rule for pumping?

What is The 240-minute Rule™? In our opinion, The 240-minute rule™ is a best practice to establishing and maintaining a supply as well as potentially creating an oversupply. This means that you should pump at least every 3 hours for 30 minutes for the first 12 weeks.

Why shouldn’t you pump longer than 30 minutes?

This time-span norm is in part due to the notion that more prolonged pumping will damage breast tissue, the fact that some pumps have built-in timers that stop the pump at 30 minutes, and because babies tend to eat for about 30 minutes between both breasts.

What is the colostrum 123 rule?

Using the 1,2,3 rule:
Use the first milk (colostrum) from the cow; Feed the calf colostrum within the first two hours of birth; Calves must be offered at least 3L of good quality colostrum.

Will my milk dry up if I only pump twice a day?

Your milk supply depends on how often you nurse or pump your breasts. The more you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body makes. So, if you seem to be producing less milk than usual, nurse your baby more often.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment