Baby Sleeping Longer at Night = Killing Supply?

[MegBoz]

I wanted to start another thread on just this issue. I'm beginning to suspect my DD sleeping 10+ hours at night (yes, 10+) starting at 12 weeks has hurt my supply. Around 8 weeks old, she started sleeping 8 hours, gradually extending until she slept 12 hours one night at 12 weeks & I started to worry!

Up until then, her weight gain had been fine. Doc said not to worry - weight gain is good, and let her sleep, it's not a problem!

Well, from 12 weeks to 18 weeks, her weight gain dropped enough that we're concerned and I can't find ONE single other thing to point to that could be the cause of the problem.

But logically - I'm just thinking---

Given that BFing regularly is so crucial to maintaining supply, how can NOT BFing at all for 10+ hours daily NOT be detrimental to supply???

[goodygumdrops]

Well, I think you answered your own question.  Yes it can for some.  It's funny because as an LC I have to cringe a little when I hear parents say they have a "good" baby that sleeps through the night because I know that it's important to night nurse in order to build and maintain a supply.  I don't know if your home with your baby during the day but if so, I would focus on nursing every 2-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night.  I'm sure your build your supply back up in no time

[purplerose]

How do you feel about waking her up once or twice at night to feed? I am not sure I'd want to do that myself...after experiencing a baby who never slept more than two hours at a time until she was 14 months old I'd be tempted to figure out other ways to deal with this and still let everyone sleep! Does she sleep with you? If so, do you waggle your nipple around her mouth to see if she'd just take it and still sleep? What does the ped say about her weight gain slowing down? If it really is causing the slow-down it is an issue for sure, it'd be hard to disrupt her sleep patterns but I wouldn't want her to not eat enough, either! Maybe try to feed more during the day, is that possible for you? If she weren't so young I don't think it would be such a concern :( I hope you get this figured out soon!

[D_McG]

I would not wake a child at night.  Can you nurse her more during the day?  

Also isn't it normal for infants weight to plateau?  I'm sure KM has some info on that.