Too long between feeds?

[MummyIsMagic79]

Hello

My six day old baby just went 4.5 hours between feeds. Is that ok? Won't my milk dry up if he has gaps like that this early? I was asleep and didn't notice, or I'd have woken him. He is BF.

TIA

I think occasional gaps are fine, as long as he is feeding well the rest of the time, but it's not something to aim for on a regular basis, iyswim.

Congratulations on your new baby :)

Im no expert with a 7 wk old DS but I was given so much conflicting advice on feeding him, When I left the hospital I was told every 3 hours come what may by some and every 3 hours in the day and max 5 hour gap at night but start at 4 to make sure he didn't go over... And everything in between! It won't cause a problem every now and again, generally most babies instinctively ramp up feeding on their own to establish a milk supply that's why they cluster feed during growth spurts... I expect you REALLY needed that 4.5 hours rest, enjoy it and don't feel guilty. Unless baby's sleepy with jaundice, he'll tell you in no uncertain terms when he's hungry... I'm sure you'll be wishing desperately for a 4.5 hour break again in a week or so Relax and congratulations or your DS and breastfeeding!!

Mummyismagic - you are right to wonder about this, but very occasional long gaps like this are not unusual.....if everything else is fine, and he perks up and shows that most of the time he wants to feed often, and he is effectively transferring milk, then all is well. You could give the midwife or the postnatal ward a call to get more reassurance.