Newborn and # of feedings

[ami_lynn]

I'm a little concerned about the number of times each day my ds feeds.  He usually is at the breast 7-8 times in a 24 hour period.  We do get lots of dirty/wet diapers (at every feed if not more)...and he feeds do last 45-60 min. (I feed on both sides and he EATS).  Do you think I just have a great little eater?     He did gain over 1 lb. in a week's time, but we were feeding more like 9 times/day that week.   I wake him every 2.5-3 hours during the day to eat...this week's night sleeps have looked like this-- 4 hrs, 5 hrs, growth spurt (ahh! every 2 hrs he ate), 7 hrs, 7 hrs...and I had to wake him from those 7 hour sleeps to feed him...I was too nervous to let him go any longer!

Wouldn't it be nice if we knew exactly how much our little bf ones were consuming?  Should I stop worrying since I have wet/dirty diapers consistently?

[einnob]

absolutely to stop worrying.  i too was like you initially but my ds lost 10% of his weight in the early days and i had BF issues, so was obsessed with number of feeds/ length of feeds/ number of poops, dirty diapers etc.  as long as he is gaining weight (at least 6-9 oz per week) and regularly wets/ dirties his diapers... trust that all's well.

[daisymelan]

I would keep up the every 3 hour feeds until your little one is 3 weeks.  This ensures your supply is well established.  It sounds like you are doing a great job and should just relax and enjoy your new little gift!  I would wake at least by the 7 hour mark (or before), just until the 3 weeks are up. 

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ami ~ 3 girls' mom]

Nice first name, BTW.