Waking baby to feed

[Sw33tTooth]

Little one is 2 Weeks old today, weighing in at 10lbs 7 (he is a big lad!) Feeds very frequently throughout the day but night time we wake him the majority of the time for feeds every 4 hours (he rarely wakes us for them) which is what we were told to do from the midwives.

Health visitor came today and said we don’t need to wake him at night and to let him wake us.

I’m not sure about this, everyone else in the profession has always told us to wake him so she was the first person to tell us otherwise. We’ve been told if babies don’t feed for more than 4 hours their blood sugar levels drop quickly.

Just wondered what everyone else does with regards to waking their little ones up for feeds overnight? Thanks

If he's over birth weight and feeding well, I would leave. The main danger is in the early weeks and when feeding is getting established. That said, if I ever found him hard to rouse and disinterested in feeding after a long sleep I would go back to waking.

Provided he’s healthy (no jaundice etc) and has wet and dirty nappies then there shouldn’t be any need to wake him for feeds. I agree with your Hv

Ok thanks, looks like I’m in for a good night sleep then!

My situation was slightly different as ds lost 300g at birth. We waited until he was over birth weight and gaining (so 5 weeks). He now sleeps through anthem from 8/11pm till 5/8 am wooooo! X

*anywhen doh!

I was told that prolactin hormone levels are higher at night, so feeding at night helps to maintain your milk supply. If you don't feed at night it could reduce or stop your milk supply. Plus night milk is an important part of a baby's calorie intake and cutting it out could result in reduced weight gain.

I was told that once birth weight regained and provided nappies were good then no need to wake to feed. Enjoy your sleep and I hope it lasts for you (but please be careful what you say round others.....still up 4times a night with 16 mo here and I might get violent if I bump into you irl talking about a sleeping baby ).