This may result in the baby not getting enough milk and so failing to gain weight. Or it may result in the baby not being satisfied and crying often, though he gets enough milk because he suckles often or for a long time at each feed. Either way, it becomes a problem for his mother, who is likely to think that her baby needs complementary feeds. He should be allowed to finish one breast first and than be offered the other breast which he may or may not want. A baby who is well attached and suckling effectively, takes a good quantity of milk when he feeds, so that he is satisfied and does not demand to suckle all the time.
Effective suckling stimulates the production of breastmilk, so more suckling makes more milk.
Early complementary foods even drinks of water satisfy a baby s hunger and thirst, so he suckles less. Bottles and pacifiers also reduce a child s desire to suckle. They easily believe that it is they who are at fault if their babies are not satisfied. Mothers who are young, who lack support from family or friends, or who have a bad experience breastfeeding a previous baby are particularly likely to lack confidence. Promotion of infant formula and giving free samples also makes mothers doubt the adequacy of their milk supply.