QUESTION: Madison is my second child. My question is about how often to feed my daughter and my fear stems from not being successful breastfeeding my son. I began breastfeeding my son but the doctor said he wasn't gaining enough at his 2 week checkup so he had me supplement with bottles which eventually led to him rejecting the breast. Anyway, I have been waking Madison every three hours to nurse to ensure an ample milk supply. She seems to be doing real well gaining. Can I allow her to go longer than 3 hours if she doesn't wake on her own, especially in the middle of the night?
 

Dear Amy,

What a great job you are doing! Most doctors are happy when the baby is back to birth weight at 2 weeks of age. Your baby is well above, good job! I would continue to wake your baby every 3 hours during the day to nurse, but not at night. If she wants to eat more often great, but don't let her go more than 3 hours right now during the day. The baby can have one 4 to 5 hour break in a 24 hour period. If you feed your baby at 10 PM, set your alarm for 5 hours later. If she wakes before then, feed her and turn off the alarm. If she did not wake up to feed, wake and feed her. Keep up the good work!!

Denise Hewson, RN, IBCLC

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