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Expert Q&A

	By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn.

I was told that I should wake my baby every three hours at night to feed. She is 5 weeks old now and will sleep longer if I let her. Is it OK to let my baby sleep at night until she wakes me to feed?

The answer to your question is: It depends. If your baby is gaining weight and nursing well during the day, and wetting plenty of diapers and stooling regularly (whatever pattern she's gotten into by this time), then there probably is no reason to wake your baby at a particular time at night.

Most babies at this age will continue to need to nurse during the night, but not necessarily every three hours. You might find that you can nurse more frequently during the day, perhaps looking to increase the amount of the fattier hind milk that comes from allowing baby to stay on one breast until she gets through before switching breasts. By getting more calories in her during the day, you may very well stretch out the nighttime feedings. Many babies will cluster feedings during the day and then go one longer four to five hour period at night without waking to feed -- or needing to be fed.

Take clues from your baby. Realize that the first time you opt not to wake her up at three hours that your breasts may get very full! They will adjust to a new schedule, but you may need to hand express or pump just enough milk to be comfortable in the meantime. As your baby continues to grow, her need for milk and calories will change and she'll find ways to make sure she gets what she needs -- babies are smart that way! As long as she continues to grow and thrive, you can rest assured that things are going well!

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