Extending intervals between feeds - 12 weeks, ebf

[allbottledup]

DD is 12 weeks and ebf. Big baby, 9lb at birth, approx 13lb now and 91st centile for weight.

I am feeding on demand but she is only going a maximum of 2hrs between daytime feeds. Overnight she can generally manage one stretch of 4-5 hours, and on a couple of magical occasions she's managed 6. Friends from antenatal group have babies who are a similar age, although quite a bit smaller, who are happily going 3-4 hours between daytime feeds. I thought that big babies, with bigger tummies, should be able to go longer?

How can I encourage her to go longer between feeds? Her poos are healthily yellow so I'm confident that she is getting enough hind milk. She's been feeding even more frequently in the last day or two so I think we have hit the 12-week growth spurt and I would like to try and gently extend the interval between feeds once we're through that.

Any advice gratefully received.

This is normal, allbottledup and a baby of 12 weeks going 4-6 hours without a feed during the night is showing clear signs of being able to manage her intake and her needs just fine.

Many adults have something to eat or drink every 2 hours or so in the day/evening, and as babies get a lot of comfort, closeness and connection during feeding, it's even more likely that this pattern is developmentally appropariate.

Whatever you do, your baby will become able to go longer without feeding as she grows. Is there a reason why you want to hurry this along....your friends have different babies, that's all :)

You really sound like you are doing a great job and have a lovely, thriving baby. Try not to compare to others, that path leads to nowhere good.

Feeding on demand means you have let your baby learn to manage her own food intake beautifully so you can trust her to let you know when she is ready to go a bit longer.

Thank you both - I really appreciate your reassurance.