Hi. I am currently nursing Adam one breast at each feeding. Last night, he went 9 hours from his last feeding. This was the longest he's gone. He's been averaging 5 to 7 hour stints at night. I was so engorged it was killing me, but he finally woke up and relieved me. The advance for your help.




 

Although your body can get used to having the baby nurse one breast each feeding, it seems that the long periods are erratic and so it is not a "schedule" that works for you both right now. I would recommend pumping or waking the baby up and feeding if you find your breast very uncomfortable. It is very surprising that your baby sleeps so much - has there been a period of slow weight gain now? I can see the baby has gained enough, but it usually is not a straight line, and there is a slowing down at 3 months which may be what is happening right now.

I always tell moms they have as much right to wake the baby as the baby has to wake you up! Especially if you are feeling engorged, which can cause damage to the alveolis which make milk. If you don't need to increase production, you just pump until you are comfortable or let the baby nurse as long as he wants. If you need to increase production, you pump until you no longer flow milk. I usually recommend baby instead of pump, because that can cause you to make more milk than the baby needs (your body thinks you have twins) and make you more uncomfortable in the long run.

If you were using breastfeeding as a child spacing method, be sure to use something else, as you do not have its protection with these long spaces between feeds.

Hope this is helpful.

Jeanette Panchula, BA, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA





 

Important Disclaimer

This Breastfeeding.com service is designed to help visitors obtain advice and guidance. You are solely responsible for the outcome of any services and/or advice you are given.   Breastfeeding.com is not responsible for any services and/or advice given by the consultants, and shall not be liable or responsible to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be have been caused, directly or indirectly by the information or ideas contained, suggested, or referenced. Your participation in this service is solely at your own risk