Waking up a sleeping baby to feed?

Question

Does anyone wake their baby to nurse? Everyone I've talked to says I shouldn't wake my 4 week old to nurse. He set his own schedule and usually nurses every 3 hours night and day, with maybe one 4 hour stretch at night if I let him sleep (I wake him after 4 hours). I'm not sure if I should continue to let him sleep and wake to eat on his own at night if he doesn't wake after 3-4 hours. If so, how long should I let him sleep? Also he is gaining weight well and weighs approximately 11lbs now! He was 8lbs 10oz at birth. He usually nurses both breasts and spends about 15-20mins on each. Thanks!

Answer

When they are newborns and haven't established that they're gaining weight yet you do wake them to feed. Now that you're LO is gaining well and also on their own feeding schedule, there is no need to wake them to feed. If you notice they aren't gaining well anymore then I would bring it up with the pediatrician but otherwise, enjoy those longer stretches between feedings!

Answer

I read that once they are 12 pounds or so they can sleep through the night without waking. Sometimes I would wake baby if I was engorged and didn't want to pump. Lol

Answer

I fed my daughter every 4-5 hours at night until about 4 weeks old. Most of the time she'd wake on her own but I had an alarm set just in case. Around 4 weeks we started experimenting with letting her sleep longer and she did a couple times. At her 1 month appointment the pediatrician said she was gaining well so we could let her sleep as long as she would. Now at 7 weeks we get 4 1/2 to 7 hour periods.

Answer

I stopped waking my daughter as soon as she regained her birth weight both the doctor and lactation consultant told me I could. My daughter is 14 weeks, weights 12.5 pounds and sleeps through the night.

Answer

I don't wake my baby. At 13 weeks he's usually still every 2-4 hours, but those times he goes 5-6 hours at night are just luxurious! He's gaining weight and making wet diapers, so we don't worry about how long he goes.

Answer

My son was born at 6.5lbs, and I never woke him to feed. He's now 7 weeks old and 10lbs. I think it's very individual and many babies don't need it unless they're having difficulty feeding and gaining adequate weight.

Waking up a sleeping baby to feed?

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