Confident breastfeeding: What does it mean to breastfeed on demand?

Breastfeeding on demand: recognising and responding to feeding cues

Breastfeeding works on demand, but in the early days it also means being proactive. In this short video, Vicki Blackman, Registered Midwife and Breastfeeding Educator, explains what breastfeeding on demand really means and how healthcare professionals can help parents recognise when their baby is ready to feed.

What you will learn

This resource helps you guide parents on:

• How supply and demand shapes milk production
• Why feeds do not need to be evenly spaced
• Why crying is a late hunger cue
• Early feeding cues: head turning, mouth opening, body tension and smacking sounds
• The simple cheek test to check readiness to feed, even with eyes closed
• How to calm a crying baby before trying to latch again
• When to wake a sleepy baby to support milk supply and weight gain

Watch and support parents with confidence

Watch the full video to strengthen your breastfeeding guidance and help parents respond to their baby's needs with confidence. It is part of the Confident breastfeeding series on Danone Nutricia Campus. Explore the full resource for more practical insights, and discover further courses on early life nutrition.