2007-02-09 12:24:08 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Hi there honey. You know the best way I can answer your question is to tell you that it depends on whether or not you are breastfeeding your baby! I really hope that you are as it is such a wonderful, important thing for you to do for your baby. Even the colostrum that you make before your milk comes in is so full of antibodies that it protects your baby from staphylococcus infections, polio virus, coxsakie virus, infant diarrhea and Escherichia coli infections...the very things to which newborns are most susceptible. Did you know that something as simple as your colostrum could do all that? Pretty amazing isn't it? Not only that but if you continue to nurse him for at least 6 months you will give him the immunities that you have developed over your lifetime and prevent him from getting most common childhood illnesses.
But, back to your question....at only 4 days old he is still so new that he is learning everything! Even what to do when he is hungry and what it feels like to be hungry...really basic things like that. So, it is normal for him to be a bit confused or "off" of the schedule that "we" have decided he should be on. If you are nursing him you do not want to let him ever go 5 hours without nursing unless it is for one stretch in the middle of the night. It is fine to encourage one longer sleep time. But, in order for your milk supply to become well established you want to nurse him as often as you can in these very important first few weeks. Even if he is not crying I would offer to nurse him at the very least every three hours. If he is cuddled down next to you at night I know you probably won't wake up enough to worry about how long it has been since he has eaten if he does not wake you up! Just do your best to make those feedings as often as you can. Remember that the more he nurses the more milk you will have. Once your milk supply is well established you can let him go 4 hours between feedings but not right now.
BTW, if you are breastfeeding there is no reason that you even have to wake up at night to feed him. Just remember to change sides once in awhile and the two of you can sleep thru the night from day one. I did it with all four of my babies and nursed them until they were at least one year old.
If you are not breastfeeding none of what I said applies. As one lady pointed out it will take him longer to digest formula. It is hard on their immature digestive system and it just takes longer to digest.
Good luck and if you are nursing you can get lots of wonderful support and information at www.lalecheleague.org The La Leche League is the worlds formost authority on breastfeeding and they probably have a local chapter near you. In fact even if you are not breastfeeding him now it is never too late to change! Next to life itself it is the greatest gift a mother can ever give to her child!
Love and Blessings
Lady Trinity~
2007-02-10 15:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Trinity 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to that question is really - is she thriving? Is the baby gaining weight? At four days - your pediatrician will be having the baby in every two weeks at first, and the baby should be gaining weight at each visit (my baby gained a pound in one week at first! - normal, but seemed shocking at the time). Offer the baby food at 2 - 2 1/2 hours, if she doesn't eat, try again at three hours, then at three and a half, and so on. Just make sure that she's not waiting too long between feedings - because sometimes they go too long, then they won't eat - it's like they get beyond hungry.
The experts really only give guidelines - babies rarely follow those guidelines to a T, they make their own adjustments. It's a little scary - but really, you'll know if there is a problem! And if you're are really concerned - call the doctor, don't make yourself crazy wondering and worrying. Being a new mom (parent) is hard enough!
2007-02-09 12:42:23 · answer #2 · answered by teambarbie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes every child isnt going to eat the same way. Many children do eat between 3-4 hrs , so dont worry. As long as the baby has a healthy appetite everything is ok
2007-02-09 12:29:36 · answer #3 · answered by Amazing_clarity 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep.. you got a good one! My son slept all night from the time I brought him home from the hospital.. but he is HUNGRY at 6 in the morning.. ha ha.. He's a month old now.
My doc said there's nothing wrong with it as long as he does get hungry..
2007-02-09 12:36:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are just getting used "asking" for food. Eventually baby will figure it out and you'll be off and running.Nothing to worry about but if you are talk to your pediatrician.Good Luck!
2007-02-09 12:28:47 · answer #5 · answered by bellaofjersey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes. Mine did sometimes. You must make good milk. Count your blessings and get some sleep ! Congrats !
2007-02-09 12:44:06 · answer #6 · answered by Clover 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every baby is different so it may be alright,if the baby is on formula it take longer for their body to digest it.
2007-02-09 12:39:14 · answer #7 · answered by danishlady2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesnt hurt them but you should try to limit them to at least two feedings between two hours. that way they are well spread apart. like you know how people eat once at breakfast, once at lunch, and once at dinner? try that. but make it one more feeding at lunch.
2007-02-09 12:31:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the baby is eating with gusto, she/he is a-okay. As long as they keep eating, of course
2007-02-09 12:27:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure.. Consider yourself lucky and keep it up!! Good luck to you
2007-02-09 12:29:02 · answer #10 · answered by Kat0312 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋