You’ve been told that your newborn needs to be fed every 3 hours but what do you do when he has been sleeping for 5 hours straight? We totally understand your reluctance to wake someone who’s fast asleep so peacefully and also the fact that you spent 1 hour trying to put him to sleep earlier. We feel you!
But while a newborn’s feeding schedule can seem like a chore, it is especially crucial for them at this moment! Yes, even if it means to wake them up from their slumber.
Why should you wake them?
Baby’s digest milk quickly
Especially so if he is breast fed. Also, a newborn’s tummy is really small and so he will need the frequent feedings to keep him full. A formula fed baby on the other hand can last a little longer (about 4 – 5 months).
Babies can sleep through hunger
When baby is awake, he will usually show you hunger signs. He cries, try to root, suck on his fingers. However, when they’re sleeping, it is easy for them to sleep through the hunger. Especially if they have jaundice, which makes them extra sleepy.
They need to gain weight
While it is completely normal for them to lose a few grams during the first few days, they will need to put it all back on eventually to stay healthy.
It’s good for your milk supply!
Frequent nursing from the start helps to establish your milk supply. Not nursing on demand will affect the supply needed to meet baby’s needs.
How to wake baby (and keep them awake)
If baby still refuses to stay awake, leave him be! If he misses a feeding, he will likely make it up at the next one. Look out for signs that baby is feeding well:
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