My babys 5 days old and im breastfeeding should i wake her to nurse?

Antonella - posted on 09/29/2012

Have a similar question ( don't know how to post things yet) my son was born 10lbs 13oz and seems to want to feed every 5 hours at night, should I wake him at the 4 hour mark or should I leave him? He's 9 days old

Alyssa - posted on 11/18/2009

When my baby was first born he would sleep alot. I never woke him, I just had him let me know when he was ready to eat unless it was at the point that he was sleeping to much than i would wake him up. He pretty much put himself on a set schedule that way; so I wouldnt wake her unless she sleeps for a long period of time without waking to eat.

Sarah - posted on 11/16/2009

Yes, I woke up every 3 hrs. for 3 wks w/ my son when he was first born, this helps build up your milk supply and helps them gain some weight.

Renee - posted on 11/16/2009

i think you should wake every 3hours for up to about 3 or 4weeks,
i did when i has our little girl,some people told me she will wake when she hungry..but they are so little and they dont know proply,i stayed in hospial after i had bubs just to learn abit more about wot to do and they did wake me every 3hours

Amanda - posted on 11/16/2009

If she is gaining weight then NO!!! Let the baby sleep! I had three children fixing to start weaning my last and I NEVER woke any of them up to eat. But I did not have a baby that small.

Lisa - posted on 11/16/2009

I have a 2 week old baby and our pediatrician and lactation consultant said not to let our baby go more than 3 hours without trying to get her to eat. Now that she's gaining weight she will go about 4 hours sometimes, but I don't let her go longer than that.

Aliesha - posted on 11/15/2009

keep an eye on how many wet and pooey naps she is having. if you are worried wake her every 3hours during the day but not at night.

A - posted on 11/15/2009

Actually, about the post concerning jaundice, breastfeeding more with a jaundiced baby can actually increase the bilirubin level. Thats why they sleep so much. This is even referenced in the what to expect book.

A - posted on 11/15/2009

Not unless its been over 6 hours at this age. babies will wake up when they are hungry. it may be harder for her to sleep through the night later if you always wake her. just let her nurse as long as she wants when she does want to.

Sarah - posted on 11/15/2009

she'll let you know when she's hungry. just like everything else for babies(pooping and such) they don't have a set schedule. if she stops gaining weight then you might want to wake her to eat but otherwise only she really knows just how much she wants to eat and when

Christy - posted on 11/15/2009

I completely agree w/Alison Wolfe. My guy nursed ALOT during the day but made it through the night (7 hrs.) He would nurse @ 8:pm before he went to bed but I would nurse him again @ 10:30ish before I went to bed w/o waking him to "top him off" & that got him through the night. When you doubt how much the baby is getting weigh the wet diapers. If the diaper "gaines" 4oz. the baby ate more than 4oz. Because the baby is GROWing the output will not always equal the input. good luck!

Amy - posted on 11/15/2009

I woke my 1st child every couple of hrs. to nurse. When I had my 2nd child, I would wait up to 4 hrs before waking her. I was able to get more rest with my 2nd child and it didn't affect her weight gain at all. In fact my 2nd child gained more weight than my 1st.

Dusty - posted on 11/14/2009

Everything that I have read says to wake them when they are that young. They need to nurse every 1.5 to 3 hours. I stopped waking mine up when she reached 2.5 to 3 months. It's exhausting, but it will get better and they really depend on you. Sounds like you are doing a great job!

Tarah - posted on 11/14/2009

My baby does the same thing he is only 5 days too my midwife told me not to let him go for more then 5 hours during the day without a feed with a minimum of 6 feeds a day.And my lactation consultant said about 10 mins on each side is normal but dont worry about it because its not the ammount of time that counts as long as the baby is satisfied when they come off.

Michelle - posted on 11/14/2009

Yes, you should wake her to feed her:) Newborns sleep a lot for the first couple of months, but it is important to keep them on a good feeding schedual.

Billie - posted on 11/14/2009

Quoting Donna:

First off, take a breath. You are doing the right thing by feeding her as much as possible. Since she is only 5 days old, your milk supply is still trying to establish itself and she is still getting the hang of breastfeeding.

What I was told from my lactation consultant was to try to get baby to feed for at least 10-15 minutes. My firstborn was a sleepy one too and would fall asleep after a couple minutes sometimes. What I used to do while he was feeding was tickle hit feet, move his legs or do the "chicken wing" (it's my name for moving his arm up and down at the elbow... because it reminded me of a little chicken wing). The LC also recommended not letting him go more than 4 hours between feeds, but sometimes I'd just let him sleep. What I did with my second son was to let him sleep and didn't bother waking him. He would wake up and eat when he was hungry.

If you let her sleep, you may find that she wants to eat every 4-5 hours instead of 3. My ped said it was fine to let them sleep because they'll wake up when they are hungry, and the longer they sleep the more hungry they'll be. Not to mention they tend to sleep lots at that age.

It usually takes about 6 weeks to really get the hang of breastfeeding, and it's common to wonder if baby is getting enough. If she's got enough wet nappies a day and is happy and content, she's getting enough.

Just hang in there and try to go with the flow, you're doing just fine.

Rebecca - posted on 11/14/2009

thats how much my first baby weighed and i fed her whenever she wanted during the day at night i waited for her to wake and tell me when she was hungry during the night. she is 4 now and she is still a light weight weighing only 30 pounds but thats just her.

Carlene - posted on 11/14/2009

Hi! No reply is really wrong. Everyone's story will be different. Always remember that! My Ronin was born c- section and never fed for the first 36 hours, all he did was sleep. Even with the doctor's prompting to wake him every 2 hours. It was frustating, so when I left the hospital I went to a breastfeeding clinic. They helped me "figure" him out and come up with our own solution for him. I ended upd waking him every two hours for the first couple of days, maybe even a week. Keep him only in his diapers and had to tickle him to keep him awake and sucking! After a while he got the hang of it and won't get off my breast now! When all else fails feed him, he'll stop drinking when he wants no more! Hang on in there, it trully gets better and you'll be more confident as you continue to bond and time goes on!!!!! Good luck!

Valena - posted on 11/14/2009

You should wake her up to feed her or she will get lots of wind which will be painful. I have a two month old, i did not wake her up often enough as I was glad for the time to get things done and now she cries after nursing for about two minutes because of the wind that took over.

Kim - posted on 11/13/2009

it really depends on how much weight she's gaining. Normally, your baby should regain her birth weight within 2 weeks. Until she does, you should wake her up maximum every 3 hours. Once you see she's gaining weight regularly, you can start letting her sleep. Good luck!

Clair - posted on 11/13/2009

I would wake her to feed her ,you don't want to go past 3hrs between feedings . The more you feed the more milk you produce. Not only that but you also want to make sure that your baby is getting enough fluids, baby should have at least 5 really wet diapers per day at 5 days old. Baby will sleep through the night in good time.

Ashley - posted on 11/13/2009

I wouldnt wake her up, it teaches them bad habits about sleeping thru the night, and when shes hungry she will let you know. if she is gaining weight she is healthy. DOn't worry! get some sleep while you can. youre doing great, moma! Good luck!

Valerie - posted on 11/13/2009

Wake up at two and a half hours, not to exceed three hours. Make sure she is latching right. try changing her diaper before feedings to wake her up more and rub her feet to keep her awake for feedings. It isn't a good idea to let her sleep because she needs to eat often for about ten minutes a feeding to assure she thrives. congratulations for making the commitment to be a nursing mom

Nichola - posted on 11/13/2009

Such and young baby and such a low weight you really must wake her. Small babies run out of energy quickly - I used the Gina Ford book 'The contented little baby'. If you wake her then you can get her into a routine and will be able to know when you can sleep etc. My baby was just 6 12 when he was born, I was in hospital for 5 days. I waited for him to cry at first (hadn't read Gina Ford at that point) and, as he was too tired (from lack of food) he rarely woke and ended up with blood sugar issues. It all got quite frightening. So I woke him every 2-3 hrs and he soon recovered.

The term 'never wake a sleeping baby' is outdated and silly - it applies to much older babies, if at all.

Good luck xx

Lady - posted on 11/13/2009

I would reccomend u wake her every 2-3 hrs to eat and NEVER exceed 3 hrs. When she feed for 5 mintues burp, change diaper, then offer breast again. I f she refuse perhaps she's gotten enough. U know her stomach is not as big as ours and it doesn't take much to feel her desire. GL & hope this help:)

Heather - posted on 11/13/2009

You should definately wake her up. However, if you have concerns consult your pediatrician. They will always be able to give you the best advice. If she's that small, they may have you monitor her weight and if there's a decrease they may suggest supplementing for a while. This means breastfeeding and then giving her an once of formula to make sure she's getting completely full. I would consult your pediatrician for any concerns.

Vanessa - posted on 11/12/2009

Until your pediatrician gives you the green light to let her sleep you need to feed her ever 2-3 hours. This is to feed the baby and to establish milk supply. Infants have tiny stomachs and need to feed frequently. After her weight gain is adequate your predicatirician will probably have you feed her every 2 hours during the day and then to let her sleep at night. Feeding frequently during the day at that point will also help you to get more rest at night.

Angela - posted on 11/12/2009

YES! I breasfed my eldest 2 daughters pretty much on demand for the first few months, it's important to wake and feed your baby at least every 2-3 hours, she needs the nutrition and get into a sleeping/nursing routine. If she's only feeding for 5 minutes at a time, try to wake her up more...have you tried making her less comfy and cozy...if you have to remove some clothes that seemed to work with my girls. It will make it more easier for you to too not become painfully engorged if she does eat and you encourage her to eat more frequently especially seeing that she is a small baby.

Sarah - posted on 11/12/2009

no. a healthy baby will eat when she/he is hungry. there are some babies for whom this isn't true but you would know if yours was one of them. i would say that as long as your baby eats well when she/he is awake you have no reason to be concerned about waking them up. the best advice i can give any new mom is to follow your instincts. if something seems right it probably is if it doesn't it's probably not.

Francesca - posted on 11/12/2009

I had a horrible time with this too. At first the nurses said I best wake her but once she established weight gain the doctor said it was alright to let her wake up on her own terms. (which was a great relief because it was near impossible to keep her awake if she didn't want to be).



So by about 10 days old she was already starting to gain weight and I let her sleep when she needed too. And back then she was already sleeping for 6 hour stretches at night. But she tended to cluster feed for hours leading up to it.

Laura - posted on 11/12/2009

hey christal! dont worrie when ur baby sleeps alot be happy then u did everything right so far!:) a babys sleep is holy!:)at night let her sleep as long as she wants to even tho if she sleeps thru! not every mother has the luck having a babay that sleep thru the night so early! so enjo it! it wont starve while sleeping soon as she hungry she will wake up herself! thru the daytime i can wake her up when she is sleeping too long for ur opinion and if u want her to sleep longer at night whatever u feel comfortable with....but dont worry soon as ur baby is hungry she will be up and letting u know!:)

Nicole - posted on 11/12/2009

My personal opinion is yes, I would wake her up after maybe 4 hours tops. The worst that can happen is she gets a little cranky from being woken up. Also, my daughter was feeding (or so I thought) for long periods of time too (45 mins to an hour) when I first had her, actually what they do is "comfort sucking", they're not actually feeding, you can tell if she's doing this by watching to see if she's swallowing or gulping, if she's not doing this then take her off because believe me, your nipples will get very sore. My daughter would fall asleep a lot too, it's hard work doing all that sucking lol, I would just tickle her feet or cheeks and sometimes got a damp cloth and wiped her face. Again don't worry about waking her up, it's not going to kill her :) GOOD LUCK!

Donna - posted on 11/12/2009

Yes the saying goes "Don't wake a sleeping baby" but I would if you want your milk supply to be good. Breastfeeding is supply on demand. The first few months are critical for you to enhance it and if you don't, you won't be able to make it until their 1st birthday if you plan on breastfeeding that long. And a newborns initial is to sleep alot when they are born. Yes, enjoying the quiet is all well and good, and by that time, the days will pass and you won't get to enjoy them while they are small. My son was 5lbs 15ozs and is healthy today. Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 11/12/2009

My daughter was a preemie and only weighed 5 lb 9 oz. She was breast feed and only ate on demand ( when she wanted it) she may have missed a "feeding" but always made it up. Now she is a healthy girl that eats only as much as she needs too and when she needs to. Never would I feed my child when they are too tired or not hungry enough to eat. She never did loose any weight and always was in the 90th % on the charts after her first 3 weeks.

Suset - posted on 11/12/2009

It doesn't matter the size of the newborn, you should wake them to eat at least every three hours. Newborns can easily sleep through meals, making them at risk for malnutrition. Also make sure to keep her awake for a full meal. I know it can be hard. I had the same problem with my daughter, who was born at 6 lbs, and was always very sleepy, but a lactation consultant taught me how to wake her and keep her awake for feedings by rocking her gently back and forth. It may seem, also that you're feeding her nonstop 24/7, that is also normal, especially if she is breastfed. Good luck!

Kristen - posted on 11/12/2009

yes you should wake her she should sleep more than 5 hours without food but because she is so small i would wake her every 3 to 4 hours...when she ets to be 8 lbs you should be safe to let her sleep longer

Kacey - posted on 11/12/2009

i'd say no just give it on demand u'll know she's haveing enough from where she is weighed i done that and my daughter is fine and a prefect w8 x

Becca - posted on 11/12/2009

I strongly suggest waking her up to nurse. I have had two little babies, both smaller than yours, and both times my Dr.s have told me to wake them up. She needs to eat. How else is she going to grow? My sister-in-law also had a little baby and she didn't wake hers up to eat. She'd let him sleep for 8 hours at time! He ended up getting jaundice and having to go back into the hospital because of it.

Barb - posted on 11/12/2009

No don't wake her. Feed her on demand, when she wants to be fed. A baby should't be woken when they are asleep. Babies need their sleep. She will wake up when her little belly is empty and she needs feeding. if she falls asleep while you are feeding her, just gently rub her jaw and it will make her continue feeding.

All the best of luck with your little one :-)

Olivia - posted on 11/11/2009

dont wake her she needs her sleep to grow she will be fine, there is no need to, and when shes awake if she starts to smack her lips or sucks her fingers thats an indication of hunger crying is always the last sign and the most common i use to wait till my daughter would wake up it could be every hour or sometimes she would sleep like 4-6 hrs, relax when she is sleeping or if she is sleeping and its been 3 hrs pump its always nice to have the extra milk just in case

Lexie - posted on 11/11/2009

Yes, I woke Elie up all during the day and night for a long time. After a few weeks I would only wake her during the day and she began to sleep longer at night.

Cari - posted on 11/11/2009

during the day definitely! every 3 hours (or whatever your Dr said) feed her as soon as she wakes up!!!! (if she is well rested then she is less likely to fall asleep during nursing) then play with her for about 30 -45 minutes. if it takes her approximately 40-45 minutes to eat then then her total awake time will have been about an hour and a half (close enough anyway) then you can put her down for another nap. as soon as she wakes up ( should nap for about 1 1/2 hours) then feed her again and start the cycle over. (it should be 3 hours from the time you start feeding her the first time to the time you start feeding her the second time.) At night though I always let my baby sleep as long as she wanted to and she would normally go a little longer. My baby is 4 1/2 months now and has been sleeping through the night since she was 7 weeks old because of the nice naps that she got during the day and the amount of nursing she was getting. Hope this is helpful! I GOT THIS SCHEDULE FROM THE BOOK "ON BECOMING BABYWISE" IT'S AMAZING AND HAS LOTS OF OTHER HELPFUL HINTS/TIPS!!! :)

Shereese - posted on 11/11/2009

I did. There is a trick if she is going a sleep at the breast rub your finger across her check, take your finger go across the bottom of here feet or take two fingers put under your breast and gently shake it. It will remind her that she is eating. I had to do this with my daughter.

Christina - posted on 11/11/2009

my daughter was only 5 lbs .08 oz. and both the docter and the lactation consaultant told me to wake her every 2-3 hrs for the first few weeks and then every 5 hrs at aout 6 weeks after that let her wake you up.

Amy - posted on 11/11/2009

Wake the baby every 3 to 4 hours to nurse until they are 6 weeks old. After that if they are gaining weight OK they will wake up and let you know when they are hungry

Melissa - posted on 11/11/2009

According to a breastfeeding class I attended you don't want to let the baby sleep to long without feeding because they can become dehydrated. They said not to let them sleep for more than 4 hours for this reason. Of course they may be cranky when you wake them but once they latch on, they will forget all about it.

Sammy - posted on 11/11/2009

My daughter was 6.5pound, so on the smaller side, i was advised to wake her every 4hrs during the day and at night to not let her sleep any longer than 6 hrs...because she is still very small, if she sleeps any longer than this her blood sugar will drop and this is not a good thing...so yes i would wake her =D

Fallon - posted on 11/11/2009

I would wake her up..just 'til she gets a bit bigger. Smaller babies can be extra sleepy..I had that problem with my 4 lb daughter..it doesn't hurt to nurse extra often..and if she's sleepy she will go back to sleep.

Lisa - posted on 11/11/2009

feed on demand i had 4 premies smallest being 3lb 8oz and only ever feed on demand they know what they need if u wake her it might unsettle her and that might be a bit unfair on her

Jessica - posted on 11/11/2009

yes if she doesnt wake on her own after three hours you need to wake her. the time period can go a little longer at night but not more than four hours. you only have to do this the first couple of weeks then you can just feed on demand. As long as your baby is gaining at least a couple ounces a week, your doing great and keep it up.