before today, i would feed him all in one shot (he would basically nurse only on one side for about 15 min, then fall asleep right away).
I was actually coming back to post again so it's funny you've already been here. I was thinking about this comment you made. You should still feed him 'in one shot'. Even if it means he's sleepy at the end (and as you've seen that's really normal with your high levels of the sleepy hormone oxytocin so soon after birth). You want him to try and feed for as long as possible so your breasts and his tummy get used to the idea of a full feed. You don't want to keep stopping and starting if you can avoid it. The effects of oxytocin are less severe after a couple of weeks and you'll find he's gradually more 'awake'.
Do I feed the baby if he is hungry an hour after I breastfeed? I assume that if he hasn't eaten for 3 hours I should try and feed him?
The first couple of weeks is one big growth spurt. He is getting your milk supply built up. If you think he might be hungry - pause, look at his body language, think about what he is telling you. On a growth spurt it's
possible he might be hungry again before 3 hours, in which case feed him. But just take a moment and consider could he be tired or overstimulated or something else first.
And I also wanted to mention swaddling. It's great way for a young baby to feel secure and help them fall asleep without boob.
When it comes to reading specific timings of routines on the site or in the books remember they are just examples of what works for one baby. Unlike some other 'baby philosophies' Tracy doesn't say it's 10.35 so X
must be happening for all babies of this age. Routines are there so you can see what has worked for other people and play around with your own routine but it's not set in stone. BW emphasises the fact all babies are individuals and respecting them as individuals and learning their 'communication' is the key. Trust your mummy instincts and enjoy!
P.S Do get the books if you haven't already. The 'solves all your problems' is very practical the 'secrets of a BW' gives you a real feel for the philosophy of listening to your LO.
It sounds like it is saying that I will basically need to let the baby determine it's own schedule for now?
Basically yes. Your first EASY routine should come out of his natural patterns. If you are breastfeeding encourage him to take full feeds and work on that gap between feeding and sleep as much as hormones will allow.
One more thing,
try to avoid him sleeping big blocks in the day. I would consider waking him if he looks like he's going 3.5 hours between feeds. You want to make sure those longer intervals happen at night. As the PP says it's not always easy so look for his natural stirring as he moves into a lighter part of the sleep cycle.