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What is the 6 6 6 rule for breastfeeding?

Understanding the 6 6 6 Rule for Breastfeeding
The 6 6 6 rule for breastfeeding is a guideline that emphasizes the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the early months of an infant’s life. This rule is structured around three key milestones: six months of exclusive breastfeeding, followed by six months of introducing complementary foods, and then continuing breastfeeding for at least six months to a year.
Exclusive Breastfeeding for Six Months
The first component of the 6 6 6 rule highlights that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. During this period, breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, hydration, and antibodies that a baby needs for healthy growth and development. Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), strongly advocate for this practice, stating that no additional food or drink, not even water, is required during this time. This exclusive breastfeeding phase is crucial as it helps establish a strong foundation for the baby’s immune system and overall health.
Introducing Complementary Foods at Six Months
After the initial six months, the second part of the rule encourages parents to start introducing complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed. This transition typically begins around the six-month mark, as babies start to require additional nutrients that breast milk alone may not provide. The introduction of solid foods should be gradual and tailored to the baby’s readiness and developmental stage. This phase is essential for diversifying the baby’s diet and ensuring they receive a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals.
Continuing Breastfeeding for at Least Six Months to a Year
The final aspect of the 6 6 6 rule suggests that breastfeeding should continue for at least another six months to a year after the introduction of complementary foods. This extended breastfeeding period not only supports the baby’s nutritional needs but also fosters a strong emotional bond between the mother and child. Many health experts recommend that breastfeeding can continue beyond the first year, as it continues to provide health benefits for both the mother and the child.
In summary, the 6 6 6 rule serves as a comprehensive guideline for breastfeeding, promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the introduction of complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for at least another six months to a year. This approach is designed to optimize infant health and development during the critical early stages of life.

When can I go 6 hours without pumping?

It is more important for you to get in eight or more pumps in 24 hours than for you to evenly space them every two to three hours. That said, ideally you shouldn’t go longer than five to six hours overnight without pumping until six weeks postpartum or later.

What is the 90 90 90 rule feeding?

Your child should sit with their hips, knees and ankles all bent at 90 degrees. This is also known as 90/90/90. The table should be at a comfortable height.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

What is the 555 rule for breast feeding?

“Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule,” Pawlowski says. “Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days if in the refrigerator, and five months if in the freezer.”

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 6 6 6 rule for breast milk?

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.

What are the 3 golden hours of breastfeeding?

The 3 Golden Hours refer to the immediate hours after a mother gives birth. It’s so important that mothers are given the opportunity to be skin to skin with their babies during these 3 hours to breastfeed their baby and form that immediate bond.

Will pumping every 6 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours. Then, go back to your normal pumping routine.

What is the golden rule of breastfeeding?

1. Demand is Equal to Supply: The principle of demand and supply is fundamental to breastfeeding. The more your baby nurses, the more signals your body receives to produce milk.

What is the golden rule in nursing?

We need to remember and implement the Golden Rule-treat each patient as we would like to be treated-by taking a moment to ask, “How are you feeling?” and then listen well.

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.

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