My baby is seven weeks old and has started sleeping six hours at night. I know in the beginning you should get at least 8 feedings in a day but how do you do that as they get older and start sleeping longer? Will my supply drop if she is not nursing 8 times a day? Thanks for your advice.
If your baby is sleeping 6 hours at a stretch, God bless her. Enjoy the rest! She will make up for it by eating more at each feeding. Just continue to feed on demand.
As they get older, their tummies get bigger and they get more efficient at nursing. So even if you aren't feeding them as often, they are getting more milk when they do nurse and since their tummies can hold more they go longer between feedings. 6 hours at 7 weeks is fantastic! How I wish my son would have done that!!!
As long as he is having appropriate number of wet diapers and is thriving, I would not worry.
My son started sleeping about six hours a night since 8 weeks.. I did not have supply issues to start with and was worried about that also but no worries.. other than a few sore nights (at the begining til my body adjusted to the "all nights") I have not had any issues and my son is gaining wieght like no other .. born at 8lbs and is now 14lbs! If you start to have problems with supply let me know.good luck
S.:
As long as your child is gaining and growing you can follow his lead/ there are no "magic" number of feeds that he needs.
P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Lactation and Parenting Solutions
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
S.,
Your supply will match your daughter's demand. I nursed my 2 1/2 y/o for a year and now his brother is 7 mos. old and still nursing. My baby just started sleeping 11 hours at night at a stretch. I pump for a few minutes in the morning after his first feeding and it helps me feel less engorged and I know there's plenty in the house if I go out. Also, worst case, if I feel like he's still hungry, I can always give him some breast milk in a bottle. If you feel like in the morning you have extra milk and you're concerned about telling your body you don't need it, pump after that first morning feeding. If your baby is sleeping, it means she's comfortable and wants to sleep more than she wants to eat. It's a beautiful thing! She's becoming a seasoned nurser and is probably getting more in the day at each feeding to accommodate her sleep at night. Keep up the great work and enjoy! Best of luck to you!
K.
Hi S.,
My baby is 9 weeks old and is sleeping 7 1/2 hours at night. He is currently at 6-7 feedings a day. If your baby is sleeping that long that means they are not hungry, they will tell you when they are hungry. I asked the ped this and this is the answer I received. As long as your baby is having wet and dirty diapers it is fine. Regarding your supply, I pump during the night to ensure the supply continues. Enjoy the rest. Hope this helps.
