Sharon, thanks for positng the AAP recomendations, it is interesting to see
what they say.  I reproduce the extract below:

RECOMMENDED BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES

From point 3
Newborns should be nursed approximately 8 to 12 times every 24 hours until
satiety, usually 10 to 15 minutes on each breast.87,88 In the early weeks
after birth, nondemanding babies should be aroused to feed if 4 hours have
elapsed since the last nursing.89,90

87. De Carvalho M, Klaus MH, Merkatz RB. Frequency of breast-feeding and
serum bilirubin concentration. Am J Dis Child. 1982;136:737-738
88. De Carvalho M, Robertson S, Friedman A, et al. Effect of frequent
breast-feeding on early milk production and infant weight gain. Pediatrics.
1983;72:307-311
89. Klaus MH. The frequency of suckling-neglected but essential ingredient
of breast-feeding. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 1987;14:623-633
90. Mohrbacher N, Stock J. The Breastfeeding Answer Book. Schaumburg, IL: La
Leche League International; 1997:60

I note the use of 'approximately' and the age of the references 87 and 88.
I would also highlight that NONDEMANDING babies are to be woken every four
(not 5) hours.  This clearly suggests that this is not to be applied to all
babies.  Of course, this begs the question of what a nondemanding baby
is....how many one would expect to see in a typical population and what
aetiology would increase the likelihood of a baby becoming nondemanding.

I understand that this might be something you need to refer to in US
practice, but I don't feel it justifies the assumption that babies should
feed every five hours.

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK

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