My 18mo feeds a lot, and I'm worried it's not normal

[BunnyFastard]

DS feeds several times throughout the night (he goes down in his own room then we co-sleep from whenever he wakes up, generally 2-4 hours after he goes down). He then asks for milk frequently (every hour or so) during the day, even when we are out at a playgroup setting or something. He doesn't tend to reach for his cup when he is thirsty, it seems he just goes straight for the breast.

Honestly, is this unusual, and is it a problem? I posted a while ago that I was concerned it was affecting his food intake, I have relaxed about this a bit but I can't help think he is feeding too much for a child of his age.

Hiya

My DS was exactly the same, I was getting worried as well to be honest as everyone else's babies toddlers were drinking from cups and he just came straight for the 'Boo boo' as he calls it. Not eating as much as others. We also sleep in the same bed and he was waking every couple of hours nursing. Very tiring.

Fast forward to him 22 months.......he feeds in the morning and the evening before bed, maybe hops on once during the day....but TOTAL change, not driven by me, just naturally happened. He also likes his sippy cup now, got him one with trucks and buses on, also when he saw an episode of George getting hiccups in Peppa Pig (who drinks juice) he just thought it was brilliant and wants juice (water and juice) all the time.

Soooooo........my opinion, I don't think its unusual as I was in the same position. I also think, at that age he was teething big time and the nursing in the night was very much connected to that, needing the comfort.

There is light at the end of this tunnel honestly, its such hard work being woken all the time, but it will stop and you are doing a brilliant job being there for him. Many one here will call it a 'bad habit', but I think it was just a natural phase that mine grew out of.....he actually sleeps through the night now, from 7/8pm to 7am.....no wake up, no nursings and eats like an absolute horse...I'm making food and snacks all the time, whole new things. A few months ago I wouldn't have believed it....but its happened and I believe it will happen for you too very soon.

hang in there :)

Thanks for replying catfart - your username made me laugh!

It's reassuring that your DS gradually fed less. I don't think my DS is teething right now, he had some coming through a few weeks ago (and oh my, he feed CONSTANTLY, my poor nipples) but it's all a slow process isn't it so may be that? He has always fed a lot, I used to think I was doing the best by him but now I'm worried I've hindered his development. None of his peers are like this. I think if he is still like this when he reaches 2 I will have to wean, I must be honest, I'm finding it a bit tiresome.

My DS has only had milk twice a day since 8 months. It seems like your DS is having an awful lot! Health Visitor said to me that at 8 months you start offering snacks instead.

I wouldn't worry too much but I know if DS isn't well and feeds during the day he'll go off his food. What are his portions like compared to other babies? It#s important they get enough nutrients from food rather than milk.

Nightime, we only solved that one by daddy settling him! He would demmand boob all night if I did it!

I think it varies and there isn't anything to worry about, but bfing a toddler is a two way system. it's also about what is comfortable for you. If you think it's too much, maybe try encouraging water/juice through a sippy cup. Does he drink water at all? Is he actually feeding, or is he just sucking a bit for comfort? My 11 month old feeds 5 times a day still and quite a lot at night if she is in our bed. She only naps with my nipple in mouth!
It is not 'normal' among my fiends, but it's normal for us.

Sorry, hit enter too early The point I was trying to make, is don't worry that you have hindered his development, he WILL grow out of it and drink less. But I would try and encourage sippy from time to time, hourly feeds would be too tiring for me at this stage. If I was to listen to my HV, my DD would be on formula now, sleep trained by crying to sleep and forced fed purees! Go with your instinct!

boomy- your HV is wrong, a baby under 12 months should still be getting the majority of their calories from breastmilk.

OP- is this a problem for you? Are you offering your DS a varied diet?

This might seem unusual behaviour to you but how many 18mo are still BF and are still with their mother during the day and night? It's hard to compare that situation to someone that has weaned their baby and/or has had to go back to work. From what I've seen from mothers in your situation (and from my own experience) this is well within the realms of normal.

If you want to read more about BF toddlers and food then this is a really good book. If you have an LLL group nearby then they should have a copy you can borrow.

Boomy your hv is definitely wrong. Breast milk is the most nutritious food possible for a baby and it doesn't just stop being nutritious and balanced and immune enhancing when they get to 1 either. I don't think they can have too much!