So your breastfeeding baby is taking "feeding on demand" a little too literally? Surely you've heard that frequent feedings are an infant's way of pumping up Mom's milk supply, ensuring that there will be plenty on tap to fuel a baby's growing needs in the months ahead.  And if your little one prefers to enjoy her meals at a leisurely pace, there's probably even less room in between nursing sessions for you to take a breather. But you may still wonder, "When will my baby stop breastfeeding so frequently — ordering up round-the-clock meals so my breasts (and I) can get a break?"

Actually, right about now, so snap that nursing bra right up and read on. While your baby's nearly nonstop nursing has been perfectly on target for a newborn in the first few weeks — when kinks in the milk supply system are still being smoothed out and the two of you are getting used to the basics of breastfeeding — now that she's reached the 6-week mark, it's about time for you to make some scheduling demands of your own.

First, check in with the doctor. If your baby's weight gain is normal and she's thriving, then it's likely that your milk supply is well established, which means you can slowly start stretching out the period of time between feedings. If your breastfeeding baby starts fishing for another feeding soon after the last one, don't rush to offer the breast. Crying doesn't always signal hunger: Babies cry when they're tired, bored or in the mood for some attention from anyone who's within earshot. (Remember that colic typically peaks at this age, tapering off by around 3 months or so.) Swoop in for a diaper change, some playtime or fresh air before resorting to the breast.

If your champion feeder wakes in the middle of the night or during naptime, try turning on a soothing musical toy, singing a soft lullaby or rubbing or patting her until she drifts off.

When you do offer the breast, encourage her to nurse thoroughly at each one (rather than letting her take just a little from each side) so you're not playing into her snack-bar approach. Within a few weeks, you should notice that there are longer stretches between feedings and that you're spending less time nursing.

Keep in mind that a 6-week-old baby still needs to nurse about every two to three hours — even during the night (though you should be able to stretch out the night feedings a little longer) — and that she isn't likely to sleep through the night without a feeding until she's at least 3-4 months old or older.

Here's to giving your breasts a break,Heidi Murkoff