Should I wake for feeds?

[RGxo13]

FTM and breastfeeding. Baby 4 and half weeks old. Born 6lb 14oz. Has been gaining weight, even gained for the first time he was weighed when most babies lose weight. He’s been a really good sleeper since birth, the first week we were waking him every 3 hours to feed. Not always but having to wake him a few times. He’s still good with his naps through the day, waking himself and letting me know he’s hungry. Last weigh was a week ago and he was 8lb 1oz. I feel him between 11pm and 12am and want to let him sleep as long as he wants to. Last night he woke me at 5am and fed both breasts and back to sleep. Partner disagrees and wants me to wake him in the middle of the night to feed him. Baby has PLENTY of wet and dirty nappies. Am I wrong to follow babies lead for feeding now? Should I still be timing feeds?

So long as he is having at least 8-10 feeds in 24hrs then one longer gap is absolutely fine so long as he is well, nappy output is good and gaining weight as you describe. Sounds as though you are doing an amazing job. Since he is giving you the longer gap at night then enjoy the sleep before any development related sleep regression occurs!

forgot to mention - baby feeds ALOT through the day!

@OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea thank you so much! I am enjoying our little feeding journey so far. He feeds a lot during the day so I figure to let him sleep longer during the night would be ok, he lets me know when he’s hungry during this time so I’m sure he will let me through the middle of the night too x

Don't wake him. One of mine was like this. Fed probably every 1-1.5 hours in the day, never lost weight and gained steadily. At night she went a good 5-6 hours at this age and by 7 weeks would do 11pm - 7 am which was glorious. No need to wake as long as they are growing and healthy.

Mine always gained well (even on first weigh) and had plenty of wet/dirty nappies. At 2 weeks old I asked midwife and hv this exact question, they both said to let him sleep and enjoy it while it lasts - I’m glad I did as it most definitely did not last!

At 4 weeks he’ll be fine!

No way would I be waking him! Sounds like you're both doing great, enjoy the sleep!!

Goodness no! Why would you train the baby to wake up in the middle of the night? The baby is gaining weight and thriving. Leave the baby to sleep. And you can get some much needed unbroken sleep too.

Once they've regained their birth weight you don't need to, so long as they have plenty of wet & dirty nappies and are continuing to gain weight. That advice was from my health visitor.

Enjoy the sleepy newborn times and get some rest yourself x

Thank so much everyone. All your comments are really reassuring. I was thinking along the same lines myself. Know partner is just being over cautious xx