Feeding patterns of exclusively breast-fed infants during the first four months of life.

Milk intake and feeding patterns of 45 exclusively breast-fed infants were documented longitudinally over the first four months of life. Two prevailing feeding patterns were identified: one in which feedings were distributed throughout the 24-h day and one in which feedings were excluded from the early 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. period. No significant differences in total milk intake (g/24 h) were detected the day irrespective of feeding pattern. Feeding frequency and duration declined in successive months of lactation. Total milk intake was not significantly correlated to feeding frequency or duration.