Source
r/breastfeeding•
Susie_M

Eight-week-old dropping feedings?

Hi, everyone! My baby is coming up on 9 weeks old and has started dropping one or two feeds (i.e., if left to his own devices, he would only eat about every 3-4 hours - even longer at night - which comes out to about 6-7 times a day). I am confused, because I keep hearing that he should be eating 8-12 times daily, but then, I also hear that I should follow his cues instead of the clock. Will it damage my supply and make him lose weight if I just follow his lead? In case it is relevant, he still has plenty of wet and dirty diapers, I have had an oversupply since the beginning, and he really only ever eats from one side per feeding. TIA! =)

Posted Dec 15, 2014, 2:40 AM UTC

24
lampbowlspoon•

I don't know the answer but my baby is 9 weeks old today and has been doing the same for a week or so. Eating every 3 hours during the day and sleeping a good 6-7 hours straight at night. I think he's still gaining weight and he still has a lot of wet and dirty diapers. I assume it's pretty normal.

2
Susie_MOP•

Thank you for sharing that! Knowing you are seeing something similar at this age makes me feel better. =)

2
WarningGipsyDanger•

I've got a 14 pounder who eats 6/7 times a day and has been on a 3-4 hour schedule since about 7 or 8 weeks. I worried about the same thing affecting my supply but so far so good.

1
Susie_MOP•

Oh, it's so reassuring to hear that it's possible to have a healthy, well-developed little one who also just happens to be a less frequent eater (and for your supply to stay intact). Hopefully, that applies to me and my little guy too. Thanks for sharing your experience!

1