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Newton-Wellesley Hospital

2014 Washington Street

Newton, MA 02462

617-243-6000

Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
 

Get Directions | View Hours

Ambulatory Care Center - Natick

307 W Central St

Natick, MA 01760

617-243-5345

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Ambulatory Care Center - Newton

159 Wells Ave

Newton Centre, MA 02459

617-243-5777

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Ambulatory Care Center - Walpole

111 Norfolk Street

Walpole, MA 02081maps

617-243-5345

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Ambulatory Care Center – Wellesley

978 Worcester Road (rte 9)

Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482

781-235-5200

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Maxwell Blum Emergency Pavilion

2014 Washington Street

Newton, MA 02462

617-243-6000

Open 24 hours

Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary

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Outpatient Surgery Center - Wellesley

25 Washington Street

Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481

617-219-1520

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Waltham Walk-In

9 Hope Ave

Waltham, MA 02453

617-243-5590

Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary

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Our Locations

  • Newton-Wellesley Hospital
  • Ambulatory Care Center - Natick
  • Ambulatory Care Center - Newton
  • Ambulatory Care Center - Walpole
  • Ambulatory Care Center – Wellesley
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  • Outpatient Surgery Center - Wellesley
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Breastfeeding Feeding Frequency
617-243-6314

Section Menu

  • Maternity Services
  • Update on our 5th Floor Evaluation
  • Breastfeeding Support
  • Childbirth Education
    • Breastfeeding Basics
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    • Mind, Body, Birth: Comfort Measures Workshop
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Feeding Frequency

In the first few days after birth, your newborn may not seem to want to vigorously breastfeed. During this time, it is important to encourage at least 10 feedings in 24 hours. This allows for some feedings to go more smoothly than others, while still allowing your baby enough opportunities to learn and enough signals for your breasts to produce more milk.

Watch for cues that your baby is hungry, and gently wake your infant to nurse her/him after any three to four hour period of sleep. Avoid using pacifiers in the first weeks so that your baby will use all of his or her sucking energy for feeding.

Frequent feedings during the first few days encourage milk production and help minimize breast engorgement. Your newborn’s stomach is very small. Consequently, he or she can only eat a small amount at a time and will need to feed frequently.

You’ll know your baby is sucking well when:

  • The feedings are not painful for you.
  • The baby has at least one bowel movement in a 24-hour period.
  • The baby seems satisfied after feeding.
  • You can hear your baby swallowing (after your transitional milk has come in).
  • The baby has six to eight wet diapers in a 24-hour period (after your transitional milk has come in).

During the first few weeks at home, the baby will usually feed 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Your infant may "cluster feed," which means wanting several feedings within a short period of time followed by a longer sleep period. Feedings will average one every two to three hours. Cluster feeding is fine for your baby. It is important to breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry. Your baby will nurse less often as he or she gets older. Take advantage of these early days. Put your feet up, get plenty to eat and drink, and rest while your baby nurses.

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Newton-Wellesley Hospital

2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
Get Directions
617-243-6000

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