What is going to happen to my milk supply if I don't breastfeed at night?

Question

My baby is two weeks old. I breastfeed during the day plus I pump some extra milk so my husband can feed the baby from the bottle at night. That means about 9 hours break for me. My friend today told me, that this way my milk supply is going to decrease, so I asked another girlfriend and she said that your body will do what you get it used to. So where is the truth, is my milk supply going to decrease or no?

But then how is possible that some women can breastfeed for over a year, although I believe they don't nurse a year old baby at night...?

Answer 1

When my son was born I breast fed during the day and formula fed during the night. As long as your still breast feeding your body will still produce milk. The only downside is that in the mornings my breasts were very heavy with milk. When you completely quit it takes a couple of days for your body to catch on so your breasts will be very full and very painful before they dry up.

Answer 2

You need to nurse through out the night atleast for the next few weeks, this is the most critical time in establishing your milk supply. You breast milk is produced by supply and demand, and eventually your body will stop producing as much milk. Even though its tough, I would suggest if hubby feeds the baby at night, then wake up at least once and pump or feed.

Answer 3

Once your milk supply is well established your body will produce as much as you need for the feedings you continue. I fed my babies for over a year & towards the end it was a bedtime feeding only & there was milk for that! But whether 2 weeks is too early to cut out a full 9 hours of feeding I'm not sure. Call a local hospital or the local LaLeche League & ask to speak to a lactation consultant.

Answer 4

Your body will adjust. You'll be engorged for a few days and might need to pump, however your milk supply with stop building after a pattern is set. My daughter started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and now at 3 months sleeps for 11 hours. It was painful in the beginning, so be ready for some discomfort.

Answer 5

If you are not demanding your body to make milk it will not make milk. Actually nighttime is the best time to help build up your supply. I wouldn't suggest going 9 hours wihtout breastfeeding or pumping as you can dry up faster. Since your baby is only 2 weeks old you really should only be nursing and not offering the bottle yet as there might be problems. What you do is what is important for you. Good luck

Answer 6

Your milk supply will be damaged.

The best way to get rest at night is to sleep with your baby. It is highly recommended to improve the nursing relationship and it is, of course, the way humans evolved. It reduces the risk of SIDS as long as you don't use heavy blankets or any pillows near your precious one.

Nursing on demand is the way to get your supply optimized. In addition, your baby will communicate chemically with your milk and customize the milk to his changing needs.

Definitely nursed my post one year old at night - some of their biggest growth spurts come then, and the nursing is very frequent.

Answer 7

I believe it would only decrease at night, because milk supply goes by what the baby needs and when he feeds.

Answer 8

The truth is that some women will be able to continue, and some women will either loose their supply or fight very hard to keep it.

The first 6 weeks are key to building your supply to last the whole time your baby needs it. This is the time your breasts really develop.

Answer 9

It will definitely decrease. Breastmilk is supply and demand.

Answer 10

it's natural if u do feel concerned cunsult your doctor.