on demand vs schedule

flcl · April 2014

My LO is 4 weeks and I've been EBS. I feed him on demand and it seems to be working pretty well. However, this means that there are times where I'm feeding him every 2-3 hours and times where I'm feeding him every hour. I had messaged his pediatrician about my LO not napping during the day (he sleeps for 20-40 mins, an hour at most. he also only sleeps on me). She stated that cat naps are normal but to try to put him down in his bassinet or crib.

She also sent me some information regarding newborns at 1 month.... the info mentioned that I should wait at least 2 hours between each feeding and that I should try other soothing strategies before offering a breast. This is exactly the opposite of what I've been doing and the opposite of what the LCs were telling me.

So, should I listen to the LCs or the Drs on this issue? What have you ladies done???

dannie2011 · April 2014

I've been doing like you and your LC have told you. It works for us. The only thing I do if he wants to eat before 2 hours go by is let him nurse on the same side he was last so he doesn't get too much fore milk.

Lena122 · April 2014

It's perfectly normal for LO's feedings to be close together as a newborn. DD is 13 weeks and will still eat every hour in the evenings. I do try to give her the paci or rock/shush her if I think she might just need comfort but if those things don't work I'll nurse her, even if it's only been an hour.

CLLDLL · April 2014

Please please please follow your baby/ the LC on this. Trying to force a schedule this early could endanger your BF'ing relationship. It could also cause supply issues later if your baby has a growth spurt but you don't feed on demand and therefore your body misses the message that it needs to make more milk .

Think about it this way, BF babies eat when and how much they need. They might eat every hour all evening to stock up so they can sleep a 5-6 hour stretch at night. If you deny food baby might wake up more often at night. Schedules would screw up that beautiful routine baby was trying to set up!!

Valancyy · April 2014

I agree about continuing to feed on demand.

My son also was a bad napper at first. I let him sleep on me all the time during the day. He'd nurse himself to sleep, and I'd let him sleep with me on the boppy. He'd sleep for a couple hours that way, but of course I got nothing done (except a lot of reading!)

You could really try to get him to sleep in his crib/bassinet. Maybe carefully try to transfer him when he's asleep? (Of course, that's when they wake up). Maybe if you can catch him in a really deep sleep.

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

I agree with what everyone else has said about feeding on demand. My daughter didn't sleep longer stretches until she was older, and I think that's very normal (if infuriating sometimes)

Laurakat81 · April 2014

I'm all about on demand feeding, especially at 4 weeks! I remember my little girl cluster fed every single evening for about 4 hours for the first couple months. I'm talking feed for an hour straight, sleep for 5 minutes and repeat that pattern for the next few hours!!It was a little overwhelming, being tied down to my chair and unable to do much else but she outgrew the need. I think the only time you should worry about a schedule would be if what you're doing isn't working for you and not because someone else says you should do it different, doctor included!

Seriously, do what works for you and your baby. Don't worry yourself with how anyone else is doing it! If it's working stick with it and save yourself a battle!

As far as naps go...my LO us a terrible napper unless I'm holding her too. I've tried and tried and have only just recently (in the last week) been successful at getting her down (as in, not in my arms) for a nap. I stressed over it for a while and tried all sorts of "tricks" and read lots of advice but nothing got her down for more than 5 minutes. Finally, I just quit worrying about it and let myself enjoy the sweet, quiet snuggles! I think you'll face a ridiculous and unnecessary battle if you try and force scheduled meals and naps all alone on a baby that young. They'll let you know when they can handle it!

atcwag · April 2014

We feed on demand. I cannot fathom doing anything else. I'm a strong believer that BF babies will not overeat. My 6 month old still eats every 2-3 hours during the day and sometimes every hour from 9-11 or 12. He does STTN though - usually a 5-6 hour stretch (although sometimes longer) followed by another 5-6 hour stretch. We don't have a set nap schedule either. Sometimes he naps for 15-20 min and sometimes an hour or 2. The only thing I would do is try to encourage napping somewhere other than on you. My LO definitely sleeps better/longer when held, but that's a nasty habit.

TheBorg7of9 · April 2014

I agree with feeding on demand, but what's wrong with trying something else first. Especially if the baby just ate? Babies cry for reasons other than hunger, don't they. Mine cries when he is bored, lonely, tired, wants to suck, etc.

flcl · April 2014

Thanks Everyone, for your time and tips

It makes me feel better knowing that listening to my baby is the best way to go. I'll continue to feed on demand when he's hungry as well as trying other techniques to soothe him when hunger isn't the issue.

casey78, I think you're right with my LO being more alert now. He used to just fall asleep for naps throughout the day, long or short, but now I have to help him take those naps.

Thanks again!

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