Breastfeeding on demand

[Bel1991]

Hi everyone

My 6.5 week old baby is exclusively breastfed on demand. He's a big boy weighing just over 6kg
Recently he's started doing longer stretches at night, almost 6 hours before waking again for a feed
I'm wondering if I should wake him for a feed every 4 hrs as doctors usually recommend for young babies or continue to let him decide. I've never had to wake for feeds before, and he's always woken himself before the 4hr mark.
At what point does the feeding every 3/4 hours become less important?
Thanks!

I would say that as long as he is gaining weight, producing plenty of wet nappies (5 in 24 hours, from memory), doesn't have a sunken fontanelle and seems well and happy, leave him to sleep (and enjoy your sleep as well!)

You don't need to wake him up. That's only for the first couple of days.

Don't wake him.
Bigger babies are often stronger and more effective at sucking so it's quite common for them to feed less often.As always, look at your child , if they are feeding, having wet and dirty nappies and happy/settled awake times they are fine. There isn't a perfect schedule despite what some 'experts' on the subject suggest as every baby is an individual.

Nooo don’t wake! Mine was 10lbs when he was born and I’ve never woken him for a feed even when he lost a pound of his birth weight. He’s 8 weeks now and nearly a stone!

I've ebf all 3 of mine and always been told once they re-gain birth weight you can leave them 6 hours overnight. Barring any other medical advice of course. Enjoy the sleep!

Amazing! That is everyone. That's what my instincts were telling me but just wanted to throw it out there.
Yay to more sleep!