when should i wake baby to feed?

Question

our daughter is 8 days old and we had our appointment with our pediatrician at 4 days old. pediatrician recommended waking the baby to (breast) feed during the day every 2-3 hours and feed on demand after 12am so she learns the difference between night and day. i feel like waking her every 2-3 hours during the day is getting used to eating that often? last night she woke every hour 1/2-2 hours 😩  what do you do for your newborn feedings?

Answer

It's not getting her used to eating that often, it's her tummy being so small and can old hold so much at a time. Breastmilk digests quickly.
As for the nighttime waking... that what newborns do! Its sucks, if you lucky itll get better soon but not much you can do about it except feed on demand

Answer

Go with what your pediatrician recommends. Until she is gaining weight appropriately, you want them to eat as much as possible. The first few days are rough! Babies cannot develop bad habits when they’re newborns so you don’t have to worry about that. Once she gains appropriately your pediatrician will probably recommend not waking her to feed and just to feed on demand from that point.

Answer

The more often your baby eats during the day the less likely it is they will wake often at night to feed. 
Think of it this way. In a 24 hour period they have a set amount of calories they have to consume to gain weight and feel full. On average you as an adult are away 12-16 hours a day so you have plenty of time to consume your calories but your baby is only wake a few hours a day which limits how much they get per day. If you wake them more during the day it is more likely they will consume those calories while you as mom are awake vs at night when you guys should be sleeping. 
Also keep in mind... you have growth spurts. Right now you are hitting the one that usually occurs around a week of age. They will cluster feed day/night to gain those extra calories needed for their developmental and physical growth spurts. Just have to grin and bare it. Know this time is limited and soon they will be a 4 yr old who is back talking you... then slobbery teens 😂

when should i wake baby to feed?

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