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Daytime sleep/feed patterns for 18 week old dd

4 replies

WhoahThere · 31/05/2011 08:31

Morning all,

DD still only lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours through the day before needing a nap (naps are usually about 45 mins). This is fine, but means I'm trying to feed her approx every 2.5 hours or less to fit in with her napping cycle and I think she often isn't hungry. She's not that bothered about milk at the best of times and will absolutely refuse the bottle if she decides she doesn't want it, so I do find I'm battling to get milk into her a lot of the day and sometimes she'll only take an oz or 2 at a feed.

She will drink when she's hungry, so is it ok just to wait until she's showing definite signs of hunger - even if that means she wakes, plays and goes back to sleep without a feed on some occasions?

Desperate for some advice/experience on this as having read the Baby Whisperer, I can't get the EASY thing out of my mind and it's stressing me out massively!

Thanks

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Tee2072 · 31/05/2011 08:50

First of all, throw away all books. Your baby hasn't read them.

Yes, it is fine to take 100% take your cues from her. That's what Feed On Demand means. Wait for her to want it and she'll feed longer and, perhaps, stay awake longer. Don't feed her just because some book told you 'it's time'.

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RitaMorgan · 31/05/2011 08:52

Sounds like your life would be much easier if you just feed her when she's hungry and let her sleep when she's tired!

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CharlotteBronteSaurus · 31/05/2011 09:01

E.A.S.Y. is S.H.I.T.

FWIW at 4.5mo, when we started formula, dd2 was going around 3 hours between feeds, which I think is about average. if you feed less often she'll most likely start taking more at each feed.

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WhoahThere · 31/05/2011 09:27

Thanks - I know it's ridiculous to get hung up on books, and I've seen a thread on here which is particularly scathing about the BW!

We had a bit of a tricky start with a v sleepy baby/no weight gain, having to wake for feeds etc, so I tend to get myself a bit tied up in knots trying to make sure she's getting enough milk. Stupid now as she is clearly thriving and happy - except when I try and shove a bottle in her gob when she's not hungry!

Will bin the book forthwith.