Hi Tamara,
CONGRATULATIONS on your new arrival!!!! And on your fabulous success with the protocol and for establishing a wonderful breastfeeding relationship with your daughter. You have a lot to be proud of.
Since it's been over 10 days at this point, you can let your baby take over. It's important that your baby feed when ever she desires, that she be well latched, that breastfeeding is not painful and that you allow her to feed until she lets go on her own. She may or may not take both sides.
Feeding cues by a newborn is usually stirring from a sleep and putting hand to mouth. Crying is a late hunger cue. It would help if you avoid waiting until she cries but that doesn't mean hover over her all day long.
If she takes just the one breast, it is in your interest to pump the other one to protect your milk supply. But if she regularly takes them both, you can let her regulate your flow.
Be on the lookout for growth spurts. It will seem that your baby is breastfeeding non-stop and that she's not getting enough when in reality she's experiencing a growth spurt. This tends to occur at 4 days, 12 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. This is a ballpark and not the rule. She may decide to "grow" a little before or after these milestones. And the spurt can last a few days. At that time you'll need to feed on cue as usual and don't panic. Your milk supply should adjust.
You're doing GREAT!
Best, Lenore
