Feeding Q&A with Caitlin Hainley
There can be a lot of confusion about best practice for nursing newborn babies. At Des Moines Midwife Collective, we recommend waking baby every three hours to feed until they are back to their birth weight. Here is a quick Q&A from Des Moines Midwife Collective Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Caitlin Hainley.
Why is feeding baby every three hours so important in the first few weeks of life?
There are a few reasons waking baby every three hours to feed is so important in this crucial stage of newborn and lactation development. The first is simply that, in the early days and weeks of life, babies are so tired they can sleep right through their body’s hunger cues. Waking them can be a gentle reminder that, “why, yes, I am hungry.” The second reason is that babies need to regain their birth weight. It can be normal for babies to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days of life and they need frequent feedings to help get back to birth weight and continue to grow. Frequent feeding also helps prevent infant jaundice and low blood sugar. The third reason it is important to feed baby every three hours is to help build a robust milk supply. Frequent and consistent nursing triggers hormones, like prolactin, that help build and maintain a strong milk supply. Studies show that building a strong supply in the first few weeks of lactation correlates to having a strong milk supply months or even years into the future. Frequent feedings also help parents avoid encouragement by consistently removing milk.
What should I do to help my baby wake up and encourage them to feed?
One of the best ways to get baby interested in nursing is by putting baby skin-to-skin. Then, gently express some breast milk and rub the nipple against baby’s mouth to elicit the rooting reflex. If this does not help, consider changing baby’s diaper, burping baby, or lifting baby’s arm at the elbow to help rouse baby.
What if I can’t get my baby to wake up?
Our rule is that as long as baby is not having any weight gain issues, we offer but don’t force. If at the three hour mark your baby is very sleepy and is not responding to any of the above tips, lie baby back down and wait for baby to wake up on their own or try again in 1-2 hours. Your time will be better spent getting some rest yourself rather than trying to wake a baby that won’t be roused!
What if I really can’t wake my baby and we are already having supply or weight gain issues?
In this case, you are likely already working with a lactation consultant who may help guide you in hand expression or pumping and doing a dream feed by syringe or bottle feeding.
When can I stop waking my baby every three hours and move to a more “feed on demand” schedule?
We recommend moving to this schedule when baby regains their birth weight, which is usually sometime around the two week mark. After this, we encourage parents to nurse their baby on demand, 8 times in 24 hours, allowing baby to nurse on each side until they unlatch in a contented state.
What should I do if I have questions or need more guidance?
Our DMC lactation consultants are here to help! We offer visits in-home or in-clinic and are in-network with most insurance carriers. We will do a full intake, review health and birth history of both mother and baby, observe feedings, perform weighted feedings, and work with you to come up with a plan to help you reach your goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out today!