Feed v. Sleep?

kykassie

Mr. O will be six weeks on Sunday so this may be part of a growth spurt, but here's my question:

For his first month, I made sure he was eating at least every three hours, even if it meant waking him up. At his one-month appointment, he was gaining weight, so the pedi said we could let him sleep at night.

During the day (7a-7p), I've continued to wake him up to feed him, but this is starting to feel a little crazy. He doesn't take many long naps (his first two are only 30 mins. max) so when he finally goes down in the late afternoon, I think he may need the sleep. However, he sleeps so well between 11p and 9a - only waking up to eat then going right back to sleep - that I'm afraid to mess with his daily "routine."

I've had to wake him up twice today - which is odd - but I'm interested in opinions for going forward, especially when setting expectations for my sitters.

Thanks! 

Moesten

If the pedi has cleared you to allow him to sleep and set his own schedule then that I was I would advise you to do. If he is gaining well, sleeping well, and is not cranky or irritable, I say let him tell you what he wants when he wants it.

We feed on demand here. Some days it's every 4 hours, some days it's every 2. Some days he sleeps all day long (or so it seems), some days he is up for 2 hours at a stretch a few times a day. As long as he's happy and gaining, we follow his cues. 

doodlebug914

We nursed on demand and followed cues as well... he eventually formed more of a "schedule" but I believe at that point, he would sleep similar to Kristen said, sometimes 2 hours, sometimes longer.  If he's growing  consistently and your pedi says okay, I would let him sleep and feed when he awakens.

Mrs.Cooley2bee

We BFed on demand and I never woke her, so I say follow the pedi's suggestion. GL!

kykassie

We're definitely feeding on demand, but I added the time element to ensure he was getting enough. It doesn't sound like waking him up is benefiting him or I so it makes sense to stop. Thank you again, ladies.

sistrkate

I agree with everyone else's advice.  As long as he's over his birth weight and the pedi is pleased with his weight gain/progress, stop waking him up altogether.  Babies that are that young will definitely let you know when they are hungry.