do I need to wake my 3-week-old to feed?

[Maenad]

First of all, please don't hate me or think I'm gloating.... this is a genuine question! After DD1 who was a non-sleeper and constant feeder, I'm a bit bemused to find DD2 going for quite long periods between feeds at night time. Last night she went for 7 hours between feeds. Do you think this is OK for a 3-week-old? She is a big chubby baby, so my instinct is to just make the most of the sleep, but is this OK?? I thought they needed to feed every 3 or 4 hours??

Sorry if this is very stupid question!

I was told to wake both of mine every 4 hours to feed but that may have been because they had jaundice.

Dd never got into a real pattern of feeding or sleeping until she was somewhat older, ds was more 'regular' by about 6 weeks.

only if she has jaundice or is not gaining weight. if he's gaining well/lots of wet nappies etc then there's no problem.

As I understand it, if you are breastfeeding in the early days it is best to aim to feed every 3 hours or so.. 7 hours between feeds will not help your milk supply get well established. Although I can well imaging how tempting it is to leave her to sleep as 7 hours sounds like a dream at that age. I am sure someone more knowledgeable than me will be along soon to confirm (or deny) this. If you are FF, don't think it is so vital, as the supply issue obviously doesn't apply.

DS was the very same, HV said as he was feeding so much during the day, let him sleep. I tried to wake to feed but he didn't seem intrested. As long as they make up for it during the day, I think it's ok. Maybe wake if it gets more than 7 hours this early?

If she's a cchubber, she may be taking plenty at each feed to take her through the night. Ds1 did - HOWEVER I don't know if this applies to breastfeeding because of the issue of supply.

hm, I am breastfeeding. hadn't thought about supply.

Just found this www.breastfeeding-basics.com/html/waking_a_sleepy_baby.shtml
on Kelly Mom, which might help.

I'd wake her.

ooh, thank you onehitwonder - that's really helpful. looks as though we're okay then, as she's well over her (quite substantial!)birthweight now. hooray!

Great link