Supply

[englbaby]

Hi--

I'm doing well in BF-ing my daughter but I have a question about a BF-ing pattern she is establishing...

My LC said to feed her every 2-3 hours night and day and to wake her if she is sleeping. The last three days I have been feeding her every 2 hours during the day, but at night she changes the pattern and I wonder if this will have any effect on establishing my supply. Her normal feeding sessions last between 25-35 minutes.

At around 8-9 PM she will vigorously suck for 40-45 minutes (usually 20 mins on one breast and 25 minutes on the other). She will then sleep 3 hours until 11-midnight, then she will feed again for 40-50 minutes. Then she will sleep for around 4-5 hours. She repeats this one more time during the night. Then the next day she goes back to every 2 hour feedings.

Will this affect the establishment of my supply?

[debbieqt]

Hi...how old is your baby? I think you are doing fine...your baby is learning that nighttime is for sleeping and that's why she feeds more frequently during the day and less at night...this is a good sign b/c it means more sleep for you! Your body will adjust into her pattern and it shouldn't effect your supply. Eventually your breasts get the hint that certain times of the day they need to produce more milk and other times they don't. Eventually you will be sleeping through the night (yes, it WILL happen LOL!) and your breasts just adjust. My daughter began sleeping through at 3 months and I've never had supply issues. I would say only if you have supply issues should you be concerned and if that's the case then get up every 3 hours and pump. Good luck!

[auzziekat]

Hi Englbaby,
Debbieqt is absolutely correct, your baby is starting to distinquish day and nigh and therfore sleep longer at night. It should not amper with your milk supply at all, although if you are having supply issues then I would suggest getting up and pumping every three-four hours.

Kathy