newborn question

Ariana2O11

Since I will be exclusively breastfeeding my newborn for at least the first 3 weeks (hopefully I can introduce the bottle after that), when do I actually sleep (more than 3 hours)??

 Until I introduce the bottle so that I dh can help with the feedings, am I only sleeping for 2-3 hours at a time for at least 3 weeks?

 

lbolin

Also, when you say bottle do you mean formula or are you pumping? If you pump you still need to pump basically every tome the baby eats to keep a supply. My DS is 3 weeks and the most sleep I have gotten is 3 1/2hours at one time. I take a loy of naps!

SnoopyLuv

Even when your DH gives a bottle you'll need to pump at the same time or near that time to keep your supply up and also because you're going to be really engorged if you go past a few hours without feeding. You're exhausted those first few months for sure, but somehow you get through it.

Ariana2O11

Thank you ladies for the great advice. Yes, I didn't mean formula feeding so I would still need to wake up and pump -you're right. Gosh, I don't know how you ladies do it. Hope it works out for me too. Thank you again.

JenGarden

Ariana2O11:

Thank you ladies for the great advice. Yes, I didn't mean formula feeding so I would still need to wake up and pump -you're right. Gosh, I don't know how you ladies do it. Hope it works out for me too. Thank you again.

You'll be fine.  It works out because it has to work out   And seriously, when they say sleep when the baby sleeps, do it as much as you can.  This phase also lasted for longer than three weeks for us (it was probably closer to six weeks that she was up every two - three hours).  She didn't really sleep for more than four or five hours at a stretch until after eight weeks.

RunningGal900

Ariana2O11:

Thank you ladies for the great advice. Yes, I didn't mean formula feeding so I would still need to wake up and pump -you're right. Gosh, I don't know how you ladies do it. Hope it works out for me too. Thank you again.

Let me tell you...it is hard. I'm not saying that to scare you, but I was sounprared for how hard it was. But around 6 weeks everything shifted and it got so,uch easier. I have been EBFing for 3.5 months and life is great. You can do it. You will be tired, but you will be fine.

soon to be Mrs. Connolly

LOL  SOrry!  Ya you don't sleep!  Even with a bottle, typically you need to feed a newborn every 3 hours.