Hi --

First, DO wake your baby during the day, since that's when you want her
to get most of her feeding in. Check with her dr. about how long you
can let her sleep at night. You may need to wake her every 4 hours, or
you may be able to let her go 6 at a stretch, or even longer.

THe rule of thumb is 6-8 soaking wet or poopy diaper/24 hours. The
poops should be very wet themselves at this stage, and yellow-ish.

If your baby is sometimes refusing to nurse, consider using some of the
EBM to trickle down the outside of your breast, or even rig up an SNS
(supplemental nursing system), in preference to using a bottle. For the
time being, your goal should be to NOT use bottles at all. Your baby
will get used to nursing, and the SNS will help ensure that she doesn't
get dehydrated.

In general, it sounds as though your baby is having normal newborn
issues, which is terrific!

Now, just because your baby is sleeping longer at night doesn't mean
that YOU need to be uncomfortable! If you've got too much milk, express
some and save it in the freezer. You can use it in the SNS, or later
on you can use it if you want her to get used to a bottle again so you
can go to work, leave her with a sitter, or whatever. But if you extend
the time between night feeds gradually, you probably won't have this
problem.

In the first 6-8-ish weeks of life, you and your baby are working out
your nursing partnership. This means that sometimes your baby will
nurse without cease, and other times you'll be engorged while your
recently-fed baby sleeps soundly. But over time you and your baby will
establish a routine of sorts, and your milk supply will regulate itself
accordingly. There may be times when you get stuck with nursing
"marathons" again, but that just mean that your baby's appetite is
increasing (it's called a "growth spurt") and she's nursing a lot to
help you increase her supply. Once your supply readjusts, she'll nurse
with her normal frequency again. (THat's why moms who need to go back
to work often pump even in the early days. You not only take advantage
of your extra supply but you also trick your body into providing one
extra feeding per day, to go directly into the bottle.)

I hope this makes sense.

COngratulations on your baby's arrival!
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.