D.K.
Hi W.,
I have 2 sons (2 1/2 and 1) and I recommend to all my friends and family with newborns to get the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. It has been my SALVATION with getting both my boys to sleep well, through the night and figuring out how much sleep they need at each stage. It's great because you can flip directly to the chapter that is age appropriate for your baby and find out the answers to all your questions about sleep. It's a life saver!
I am a nurse (labor and delivery) and a mom, so I think I have a little bit of experience with this topic, and it sounds like your baby is doing exactly what he should be doing with sleep patterns. Usually between 6 - 12 weeks newborns start to get into their sleep patterns by consolidating night sleep into 1- 4 hour and 1- 5 hour sleep span. They also begin to develop a morning nap, lasting about 45 - 90 min, then an afternoon nap, lasting about 1 - 3 hours, then an early evening nap, lasting about 30 - 60 min. As the mommy, you'll need to help him "schedule" these naps and fall into his sleep / wake patterns. It takes some time and energy, but the benefit is astounding! When he first wakes up from the night or a nap, get him into the bright sun or open the shades and let him see the light. Play with him and stimulate him. Then as he gets closer to drowsy, start to quiet things down, darken the room you are in and create a soothe to sleep routine that will help him realize it's time for bed.
Regarding the feedings, try to keep him on a schedule of 3 hours between feedings (from the start of one feeding to the start of the next) with the 1-4 hour and 1- 5 hour stretch at night. Once a baby is over 10 lbs, they don't need to eat every 2 hours anymore and should be able to sleep through the night, or only wake up for 1 feeding. He has enough body fat to sustain him for a slightly longer period.
Most importantly, watch his cues for hunger and need for sleep . . . aim to help him find his schedule, but don't get too caught up in timing / scheduling right now. Between now and 3-4 months old is the stage where he is just starting to develop his schedule. Help him mould it because at 3-4 months both of you will be so happy to have a scheduled day in which you can know what to expect at any given time. Then you'll know when you can get a shower in without the worry of the baby waking up, bawling!!!
Good luck and enjoy this sweet time with you newborn!
Best wishes,
D.