It can be confusing when you're told different things. Are you breastfeeding exclusively? The easiest way to tell if you're going ok is to watch your baby. Do you know the signs to look for to know whether she's getting enough?

The average number of feeds is 8-12, and it's fairly unusual for babies this age to have fewer than 8 in a day. The other reason mothers are encouraged to feed more frequently is because every time you feed, you're laying down prolactin receptors in your breast. These receptors act on prolactin, a hormone that controls milk production. The more receptors you have, the higher your potential maximum supply is. So, generally, the more the better! This doesn't mean some babies can't get by on fewer than 8 feeds, but most mothers & babies will need 8+ to ensure baby gets enough and mum establishes a good supply.

Most of the time you can trust that your baby will ask for feeds when they need it, but there are occasions when very young babies may need to be woken to feed. The easiest way to know is to watch those signs of adequate intake.