Breastfed vs Formula
So I'm a FTM, so bare with me. I plan on breastfeeding my baby and in my breastfeeding class the lactation consultant gave us some guidelines on how often and how much baby should eat. She also stressed that if baby keeps sleeping to actually wake them up for their feeding. However I have multiple friends with new babies, less than 3mths, and they're always saying how their babies sleep through the night? Their babies are formula fed. So my question is...do formula fed babies not have to eat as often as breastfed babies?
My 1st is 15 months and still breastfeeding. He slept 5 hours straight thru the night since he was born (even in hospital). He nursed every 1.5-3 hours during the day which was no big deal to me because I'm giving my baby what nature has made perfectly for him. Around 7 months when we started solids he started nursing only every 3-4 hours. I have always and still do feed him on demand. He's been sick once (ear infection) and he's growing great. I love breastfeed and recommend it to everyone
I read a great book about sleeping and sleep schedules too! It's called Babywise. It was a quick read. I won't follow it to a tee but I feel much more prepared!
Also--I saw a documentary recently that was talking about how they were seeing a connection between inner ear issues and SIDS. Not sure where I saw it, but I remember seeing it somewhere!
My baby was formula fed and sleep through the night most nights, however I didn't contribute that to the formula, I just think that was what was best for her. Also there is no data supporting the statement that formula fed babies are more likely to have SIDS. Any dr I have ever gone to has said if the baby is sleeping let the baby sleep.
There is a wonderful book that I recommend you get. You can get it on eBay for around $5 . It's called secrets of the baby whisperer. By Traci hoagg. It is a god sent miracle. I am having my 5th kid, I wish I had it for my 1st 2 but I got it on my 3rd. It explains very simply breastfeeding, and formula feeding sleeping, schedules, needs I love it! My kids slept through the night after a week with the help of this book. Good luck and congrats. Ps the book is written by a brittish nanny so it is fun reading not supper long.
Lots of moms just don't wake their babies. I did until she got back to birth weight(first week) then I let her sleep unless it was longer than 5 hrs or (when a little older) I would wake after naps in the day if it was too late because I wanted her to sleep at night. For me it was all about a routine. Not sure about formula feeding as I only breastfed.
Once baby has reached their birthweight and seem to be gaining weight fine, there's no need to wake them for feeds any more. Formula sits in the stomach longer because it's hard for a baby to digest. So the baby "feels full" longer.
Breastfed babies who wake frequently are less likely to die of SIDS so I'd rather have the frequent waking!
I breastfed but I assume formula fed baby needs to eat just as often as breastfed babies. My daughter started sleeping through the night at 3 days old. Her pedi told me she needs to eat every 2-3 hours. So the first 3 months I had to set an alarm through the night to wake her up to nurse.
My baby is 4 weeks and I was setting an alarm but he literally wake up anywhere from the 2 to third hour... On rare occasions he go longer but by then I have woke him up.. I would say wake him/her up no later then the third hour...