Bedtimes, cluster feeding and does the dream feed really work?

[Tulip2013]

My 12 wo DD (who is v small and on 0.4th percentile due to feeding problems inc tongue tie) has generally been a cluster feeder. She'd feed constantly from sun down to 11-12 at night but then pass out exhausted and full and regularly sleep 6 hours straight. Over the holidays we continued with this but saw her generally happier to fall asleep at 10.30 ish after 2-3 long feeds since 6pm ish. We've been demand feeding due to her weight but I'm keen to get my evenings back and sit on my sofa with my husband. We started a bedtime routine this week of feed-story-bed around 7.30-8pm (attempting a Baby Whisperer type routine) and then dream feed at 10 ish. It takes ages to get her down but it's ok and last night I actually sat downstairs without a baby for 50 mins (a first). Problem is she is now waking up more in the night (2 or 3 am and then 6.30 or 7 am). Should I stick with it or go back to getting a decent sleep and sod the early bedtime?

Mine was the same and nothing worked so we went back to a later bed time. He has gradually started to go to bed earlier, about 9 now and will sleep till 6 or 7. Any earlier to bed and he wakes at 4!

Thanks Moomins. Last night was the worst yet. She woke at 2.25 and fed solid until 5am!

Could you go back to the cluster feeding?
Then getting six hours straight sounds great!
She'll cut it down pretty soon I would think.
Good luck . Better than being up from
2.30-5am!

[Sad] hes my 4th and the only one who didnt go to bed early. On a positive note he is also the best sleeper and other than teething, growth spurts he sleeps a good 9-10 hours.

Id be tempted to let her do what she wants, I know its nice having the time to yourself in the evening

Posted too soon but sometimes the sleep is more important!

I know! I think I will let her lead the way a bit more. I know I really struggle with very little sleep (not that anyone copes well I guess!)