Breastfed 7 week old sleeping 8 hours at night

[MoonUnitAlpha]

My 7 week old ds has started sleeping through from 9pm-5am the last couple of nights, so after feeding between 8-9pm isn't waking to feed again til 5am. Is it really ok to go this long between feeds already? He feeds loads during the day, normally every 1-2 hours, sometimes going 3 hours if he's having a long nap - I'm just a bit concerned that my milk supply might suffer because of it.

I already have my period back which I think must be because he was going for 5-6 hours at night from quite early on.

[TheCrackFox]

So long as your baby is thriving then it shouldn't be a problem.

My DS2 (BF) started sleeping though very early which was great but the only downside was my periods returned quite early. Can't have everything.

[narmada]

Is he weeing and pooing plenty, and putting on weight?? I would have thought if the answer is yes to both of these you should sit back and feel really, really pleased. I would have chewed off my own arm for that kind of sleep when DD was little......

[MoonUnitAlpha]

I'm sure I've read that night feeds are very important for milk supply because of higher hormone levels?

[MoonUnitAlpha]

Yes, pooing after almost every feed in the day (we go through so many nappies...) and on the 50th centile for weight.

[crikeybadger]

You're right about that MoonUNitAplha- just depends if you want to wake your LO to feed him.

[jemjabella]

Enjoy it while it lasts.

If you weren't producing enough for physiological reasons or had a v. difficult start to breastfeeding then you'd maybe need to get night time feeds in to take advantage of the higher hormone levels, but sounds like he's doing fine. :)

[FeelLikeTweedleDee]

You could always express a little at night.

[horseymum]

enjoy it while it lasts, if baby is happy and well then keep going. my dd3 goes from 10.30 to 7 am at 8 weeks which is 8.5 hours and it is fantastic. it has not affected my supply at all but hope the downside won't be periods coming back sooner - o had 9 months off with the previous two! i am quite happy to feed slightly more often in the day to get this at night.

[sazlocks]

My DS2 did this as well until he got to 4 months ! enjoy it while it lasts

[shelscrape]

My DS started sleeping about 7 hours at night when he was 5 weeks old. I breast fed him too, but he used tofeed every three hours during the day which was a pain. Each baby does their own thing, just be glad of the sleep you are getting!

[MoonUnitAlpha]

Thanks for the reassurance, I'll make the most of it while it lasts!

[Mull]

Hi, sorry for the hijack but why do your periods return if a very young baby starts to sleep for longer? My BF 6mo DS sleeps through now but didn't early on so should I be getting my periods back soon or has that 'window' passed.

I've never heard of this so really interested to know.

[jemjabella]

It very much depends on the woman but it's to do with the raised hormone levels / night feeds thing rather than a window of opportunity. (The hormones that make milk, which also suppress ovulation, are highest between 1 am and 6 am IIRC.)

My periods came back this month (DD is 10mo) when in actual fact, she's fed more at night the past 6-7 weeks than any previous time.

Some women find the amount of breastfeeds make no difference, some find that night feeds are the key, and some find they have no periods for 2+ years while they continue breastfeeding even down to 1 feed a day (lucky buggers)!

It's important to note that a) breastfeeding women with no periods may still be fertile and b) breastfeeding women with periods may not be fertile, they may be anovulatory periods (I hope I spelled that right)

[Mull]

Wow Jemjabella thanks for the info. I had no idea! I've been BF my DS for 6 months and no sign of a period yet but I'm certainly in no hurry for them to return!

[SickOnMyShoulder]

my DD did this at 6 weeks, and every now and again since then (now 3.5 months). First couple of times I got blocked ducts, not fun at all! Since then my body has adjusted to 5-7 hours off, and I'm enjoying the unexpected sleep whilst it lasts!

[shelscrape]

OP, I didn't ahve any periods until about 3 months after ending bf'ing. Everyone is different, like their babies.