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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Has my demand feeding become a routine?

4 replies

JudysDreamHorse · 08/01/2011 11:57

My DS is 14 weeks and is currently feeding fairly routinely every 2 hours. I've been trying to demand feed since the beginning but he initially seemed hungry every 3 hours then went through a growth spurt where he fed more frequently which has never dropped off. I don't really mind feeding him every 2 hours but I'm finding it harder and harder to read the signals of when he's hungry so am worried I'm just feeding him because I think he should. He never feeds as enthusiastically during the day as he does at night - he never seems as satisfied but won't go back on once he finishes.

I'm worried this is having a knock on effect on his daytime naps as he currently only sleeps for a maximum of an hour at a time (with several resettles and it's a real struggle to get him to even do that) before he wakes for another feed. He's not great at settling at the evening (as in it's terrible) but only wakes up twice in night with one 4hours + stretch which I think is ok. Any opinions as to whether I should try stretching his daytime feeds out? He's gaining weight well and seems happy and healthy (though am going to gp to investigate possible mild reflux next week). Thanks!

OP posts:
xMrsSx · 08/01/2011 12:27

OMG I could have written your post. So no help I'm afraid but watching thread for useful advice from others.

I know exactly what you mean about not knowing if you are enforcing the routine or if it is his and it is a real nightmare trying to get my DS to nap too expecially when you have your eye on the clock with the next feed looming so to speak. My DS NEVER falls asleep while feeding and so I can't use that as a method to get him off either :(

DS only 10 weeks, so you may have 4 weeks more tip for me???? Grin

MoonUnitAlpha · 08/01/2011 12:49

You could try makiing sure he has a really good feed first thing in the morning - encourage him to take both sides - and see if he goes a bit longer til the next feed?

My ds was similar to yours at that age though, feeding every 2-2.5 hours and taking three 45 minutes naps a day. From 4 months he started going slightly longer, 2.5-3 hours, with two naps a day. I still have to resettle him a couple of times during the longer afternoon nap though.

JudysDreamHorse · 08/01/2011 14:03

Thanks for the replies. xMrsSx - I spend most of my time lurking on here or the sleep thread so most of my advice I've probably gleaned from there. Think I am feeding him too often so will try and get him to take both sides for his first feed and see how we go from there.

OP posts:
Dozeyland · 08/01/2011 19:46

This is my thought too: (just posted on here about growth spurt?)

DD has started feeding more frequently in the day (since 3 days ago) and her naps are alot shorter. before this, she would feed evry 3-4hours

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