Waking 5 week old bf baby for a night feed - yes or no?

[BCLass]

DD is 5 1/2 weeks. She slept last night from 12am - 7.30am (Not as good as it sounds - a large portion of it spent lying on my chest)

This is the first time she has gone so long without a feed and I know night feeding is important to stimulate next days supply (prolactin?).

So in the unlikely event that she sleeps this long again (!), do I wake her for a feed or leave her?

Is she gaining weight well?

If her weight is good (ie, she has not been losing) I would not wake for a feed... I always fed on demand at that age

I think it depends if she is putting on weight, having lots of wet/pooey nappies etc. If so, then I would let her sleep

But is only my experience - wait for someone more knowledgable to post!

If she is gaining weight etc then no, don't wake her, and never speak to me again......

However, if you are worried about her weight gain or your supply (at 5½ weeks it should pretty much settled) then yes, wake her.

As for her sleeping position ie, on your chest, do you feed her lying on your side or sitting up holding her in the cradle position? If you are feeding her lying on your side you might find a bedside cot good. You can feed her lying down on your bed and gradually move away from her as she sleeps, she'll still get comfort from you being close by, but won't need to be actually lying on you so you can relax and get a decent sleep too. Once she's sleeping in the cot all you have to do is shuffle to her to feed then move away when she's finished, this means she won't be disturbed by being out down the way they are when you hold them to feed!

Thanks for your replies.

She has been piling the weight on and has loads of wet & dirty nappies - so no worries on that score.

Wasn't sure if supply has settled down by this stage or if it took a bit longer.

GreenMonkies - trust me this is very unusual and I can't believe she will sleep that long again for a while!!

I have tried feeding lying down but haven't got the hang of it yet - will need to practice (this sounds a bit weird, but I think my boobs are too small to feed lying down??)

Thanks all for your advice.

It sounds like it's fine to let her sleep, then

just wanted to add that I think small boobs are great for feeding lying down! Just pull her really close to you.