Armenian doctor urges mothers to feed babies on demand

Breastfeeding is one of the healthiest starts a newborn can get, but it doesn’t always come easily, says Dr. Gohar Margaryan, a pediatrician at the Muratsan University Hospital Complex.

In an interview with Panorama.am on Saturday, Margaryan said new mothers should feed their babies on demand, typically every two to three hours, or 8–12 times in a 24-hour period. Each feeding should last 10 to 20 minutes per breast.

“Make sure the baby empties one breast before switching to the other,” she said. “That way, they get the fattier, more nutritious milk that comes later in the feeding.”

Margaryan emphasized hygiene and proper positioning. Mothers should wash their hands before each feeding and ensure both they and the baby are comfortable. The baby should take the entire nipple and a large part of the areola (the dark area) into their mouth to avoid pain and nipple cracks.

Common feeding positions, including the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold and the football hold, help prevent breast pain and inflammation. After feeding, babies should be held upright for about 15–20 minutes to prevent regurgitation.

For the first few weeks, newborns should be awakened every three to four hours to feed, Margaryan said. Once they gain weight steadily, they can sleep longer stretches, especially at night.

If a baby refuses to nurse, Margaryan said the cause could be as simple as an awkward position or as serious as an ear or throat infection. “Sometimes, it’s the smell of perfume or a change in taste from a new medication,” she noted. In such cases, mothers should try different feeding positions, offer the breast gently and seek help from a lactation consultant if needed.

While mild discomfort is common, persistent pain can signal problems such as infection or blocked milk ducts. Redness, swelling or fever could indicate mastitis, a breast infection that needs medical attention.

Margaryan urged mothers to follow safe sleep practices. “Babies should always sleep on their backs, not on their stomachs,” she said. Cribs should be clear of pillows, blankets and toys.

Margaryan said awareness about breastfeeding is improving in Armenia, though practical challenges, such as mothers returning to work early, still limit its duration.

She called breastfeeding “a natural, vital connection that protects babies from disease, helps mothers recover faster and strengthens the bond between them”.