I have a 2 week old little boy who sleeps up to 5 hours sometimes and generally only feeds around 5 - 6 times a day. i have a very good milk supply and he never wants to take the second breast when offered. We have visited the gp for his check and he is gaining weight steadily, if anything its too much than too less!! i have tried to wake him for more 'regular' 3 hourly feeds but seems content with what he is getting. considering he is gaining weight at a good rate should i be concerned with our daily regime? anyone out there have a baby who did not want to feed at regular 3 hour intervals? i have heard arguements for both sides from the hospital so would just like to hear peoples personal experiences! thanks!!!
2007-07-04 14:12:16 · 15 answers · asked by jess 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
First, good for you for nursing!!! I would talk to a lactation consultant....I did for the first 3mo or so and I'm so glad I did. I felt much more confident about what I was doing. I will tell you that I was down to 4 feedings for my 9mo old and she didn't think that was enough, but my thoughts are if they are healthy and gaining weight and content, then good for you and your baby. When in doubt always check with the baby's doctor. Better to be safe than sorry.
Personally I offered the breast every 3 hrs like clock work and if he took it great. Make sure you switch breasts each feeding. You should try to pump if he goes too long between feedings. This will keep your milk supply up and give you some milk to store/freeze in case you get sick or you want someone else to feed him. Once he is good a the breast a bottle is good to use...we regret stopping the occasional bottle, because he ended up refusing it totally.
Keep up the good work mom!
2007-07-04 14:49:00 · answer #1 · answered by Lil'Mama 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're doing a great job! New bubs can go for up to 5 hours between feeds, but only ONCE in a 24 hour period. If bub isn't wanting the other breast then he is obviously getting a good amount from just one boob. As he grows, he will become more demanding and will eventually want the other breast. Don't be concerned. It sounds like you're doing great. All those mums out there with a mediocre milk supply are all green with envy! My bubs fed 3-5 hourly. I had big babies, all around the 10lb mark and they were greedy gut bubs. I work with newborns, but because most of them are premmies, we have to feed them to a regime to ensure good weight gain etc. Good luck! You sound like a great mum!
2007-07-04 21:15:30 · answer #2 · answered by I Love My Job 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
At only two weeks old, your little guy is just still sleepy! He will wake up very soon and want to nurse much more often, possibly even every other hour. Enjoy this time while you can and stop worrying. As long as he has enough wet and poopy diapers, he's getting enough milk. Here are a couple of links to help you know what to expect.
2007-07-05 00:52:54 · answer #3 · answered by calliope_13731 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sounds very well-rounded and happy.
My son wanted to nurse once every 2 hours and it sometimes took him 40 minutes to eat. By the time we were done, he was ready to eat again.
My little girl seemed to sleep all of the time and nursed much less. She was also a much more efficient eater - maybe 15 minutes at a time. It was a much easier schedule for me. She was always hydrated enough and is a little chubbers. :)
The important thing to watch is wet diapers. Your baby needs to have at least six wet diapers a day. That way you know he is hydrated enough.
2007-07-04 21:19:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If he is fine with what he is getting, I wouldn't bother to wake him. Let him sleep. Babies don't have to feed on an exacting schedule to be healthy although if they aren't eating enough, that is reason to consider other stuff. A routine is nice and once they are past that big growth spurt at about 3 months, you should be able to settle into something nicely. Congratulations!!
2007-07-04 21:36:19 · answer #5 · answered by TotalRecipeHound 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your supply may just be awesome at 2 weeks and he's an expert "sucker."
If he's gaining well, using up enough diapers, and in a good mood - don't sweat it!!
Keep up the good work - and know that their "daily regime" can change in a heart beat, so go with the flow :)
2007-07-04 21:44:27 · answer #6 · answered by Tanya 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a baby who is gaining weight well and sleeping great for you. I see no reason to be concerned. His patterns may change and you might find yourself nursing more often, especially during a growth spurt.
Continued success to you!
2007-07-04 22:20:37 · answer #7 · answered by Kristin W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the baby. Two of mine slept 4-5 hours between feeding and my last one slept only about 1-2 hours between. Sounds like your little guy has his routine down and is doing good so let it be. He will let you know when he is hungry.
2007-07-04 21:15:41 · answer #8 · answered by uteva713 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
That is quite unusual for such a small baby to feed so not often, but if he gains weight, wets his diapers, is happy and not dehydrated whatsoever, then keep it like this.
2007-07-04 21:24:19 · answer #9 · answered by Viv 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally think that he will eat when he is hungry. I think that if you teach him to eat every three hours, then he will only be more hungry each feeding. Then his regular feedings will not hold him over then you may have to supplement. I say if he is healthy, let him eat when he is hungry. Especially because if you feed him when he isn't hungry, you might be fighting belly ache.
2007-07-04 21:18:22 · answer #10 · answered by Karen B 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋