breastfeeding questions

[LACh1]

Hi ladies, well Harry is now 1 week old and is a feeding, pooing and sleeping machine - I know it is far to early to be thinking about routines and that my breast milk supply is still sorting itself out but I have a few questions about feeding that i would appreciate some advice on.
1. Is it ok if he only feeds for 5 - 10 min and then falls asleep - i try to wake him with a nappy change, wet washer etc but he ust doesn't want any more.
2. Sometimes he will sleep for 3 - 4 hours and other times he only goes 1 hour or less between feeds - can he get into a habit this early of snacking and is therefore not sleeping long and not getting the rich creamy milk which keeps him satisfied for longer.  I can here him gulping it down for the first 5 min or so and he is doing plenty of poos and wees so i think he is getting enough but what do you think?
3. Should i not worry about routines yet and just go with the flow for the first 6 - 8 weeks and muddle through however i can?
Thanks ladies - I hope everyone is well.

[babydreams9]

Sounds just fine! Do not expect a routine right now, and don't go by the clock. Go by the baby, and feed on demand. That is the beauty of breastfeeding - you will always have the right amount, and he can eat as much or as little as he needs whenever he needs it. There will be days when he doesn't eat a whole lot, and then there will be days when you will literally feel chained to the couch because he wants to eat every hour. Did you know that babies feed much more frequently when they are getting sick so that they get the antibodies in your milk to help fight the virus? They also feed a lot during growth spurts, many times for comfort because their muscles hurt from the rapid growth taking place.
Many times babies want to nurse for comfort, not for food - this is normal and builds a strong bond and security for the baby. My son is 9 weeks now and just finally getting into somewhat of a routine w/feeding; I can anticipate when he's going to be hungry, and decode his hunger cry from other cries. Enjoy the bonding, you're doing great mama! :)

[Super_sally888]

Feed on demand.  As  he get's older the schedule will sort itself out.  Sounds like you and baby boy are doing great! Congratulations!

[LACh1]

thanks, it's nice to here this is normal and that things are fine.

[neasyc]

as long as he pees and poos i would not worry he will sort himself out as he grows and his stomagh gets bigger he will drink more and sleep longer dont worry about the lenght of feeds every one is different some baby only drink for a few minutes and get just as much milk as a baby drinking for twice as long as long as he is gaining weight he if fine
good luck