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Responsive Breastfeeding: Evidence-Based Way to Feed Your Baby

By Penny Henderson – experienced Health Professional, Breastfeeding Coach & McTimoney Chiropractor, Jersey

In today’s world, new mothers are often pulled between old advice and modern knowledge. One outdated idea still circulating is the notion that babies should feed every 3–4 hours or that you should let them “cry it out.” Thankfully, neuroscience and lived experience have shifted this thinking.

As a breastfeeding coach and chiropractor in Jersey with over 26 years’ experience, I support new mums in understanding the true needs of their babies and themselves, starting with responsive breastfeeding.

What is responsive breastfeeding?

Responsive (or baby-led) breastfeeding means feeding your baby based on their cues, not a schedule. You offer the breast when your baby shows signs of hunger, comfort-seeking, or connection, not just when a timer says it’s time.

The neuroscience behind responsive feeding

Babies are born with immature nervous systems. When they cry or signal hunger, they’re not just asking for food—they're asking for co-regulation.

Responsive feeding helps:

• Regulate their heart rate, temperature, and stress levels
• Build secure attachment through oxytocin release in both baby and mum
• Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), which protects healthy brain development
• Lay the foundation for emotional resilience later in life

When we respond quickly and lovingly to a baby’s needs, their brain builds pathways that say: “The world is safe. I am heard.

My needs matter.” These early messages shape who they become.

Why feeding every 3–4 hours often doesn’t work

Newborns have tiny stomachs and fast metabolisms. Waiting long stretches between feeds may:

• Lower your milk supply
• Cause distress and poor weight gain
• Disrupt breastfeeding success
• Increase the risk of engorgement or mastitis

Cluster feeding (frequent feeding in short bursts) is normal, especially in the evenings or during growth spurts.

How to spot your baby’s feeding cues

Look for:

• Sucking on hands or fingers
• Turning head or rooting
• Smacking lips or becoming restless
• Light fussing or fidgeting

Crying is a late hunger cue, feeding earlier helps everyone stay calm.

When to seek extra support

If your baby feeds constantly but seems unsettled, struggles to latch, or prefers one breast, it may signal underlying issues. Babies born with tight fascia, unresolved birth tension, or tongue tie can find feeding harder.

As a McTimoney Chiropractor and breastfeeding coach in Jersey, I offer gentle treatment for babies as part of your feeding support session—helping release tension that may be making things harder than they need to be.

Book a supportive visit today

Whether you’re still pregnant or in the early weeks of newborn life, I offer:

• Newborn Breastfeeding Support (with gentle baby treatment if needed)
• Power Hour Prep Sessions for expectant mums wanting to feel confident and informed