What is a ‘nurse-in’ period?

A ‘nurse-in’ period refers to an extended session where the baby feeds more frequently, often to boost milk supply. This approach is particularly beneficial for mothers experiencing low milk production or those who want to increase their milk supply. During a nurse-in, the baby is encouraged to breastfeed as often and for as long as they want, which can help stimulate the breasts to produce more milk due to increased demand.

Increasing the frequency of breastfeeding can signal the body to produce more milk, as breast milk production operates on a supply-and-demand basis. When the baby feeds frequently, the increased stimulation can lead to higher levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. This practice is widely supported because it aligns with the biological principles of lactation and can also reinforce the breastfeeding relationship between mother and baby.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose or function of a nurse-in period; for example, while a session where mothers learn to breastfeed is important for education, it does not involve the increased feeding pattern characteristic of a nurse-in. Similarly, a break for mothers during breastfeeding and a time for pumping milk are unrelated to the concept of encouraging more frequent feeding sessions to boost supply.