night feeding - how often do you do it?

8 replies

argh · 22/08/2006 20:54

right, I'm just off the phone with my mum and feel I have to get some opinions....I get on really well with her and she does give me good support BUT she keeps going on about night feeding

My DS is only 14weeks old. He loves his food. He is demand fed and currently feeds every 3hrs (approx) during the day. During the night, he is getting up every 2-3hrs. It's tiring but I would rather just feed him than let him scream during the night. I know that he will grow out of it as he is still young. My mum however feels that he is getting up far too often and when/if (not decided yet) I go back to work in 6weeks, I won't be able to cope with it so I should start to sort it out now.

Am I mad for just letting him get up that often and feed? I've tried telling my mum that's it's normal and every baby is different, he will sleep through when he is ready but she doesn't seem to accept this.

I don't want to be rude to her but is there anything I can say to reassure her? Or is she really telling me the truth and I'm deluding myself thinking that he'll just grow out of it?

Opinions either way, please.

TIA

OP posts:

purplemonkeydishwasher · 22/08/2006 20:59

Your DS is absolutely 100% NORMAL.

Some babies so sleep through from a really young age. MOST don't. You are doing an awesome job! It IS tiring, but you are doing what's best for your baby (and your sanity no doubt as well!)

14 weeks is really young. If he's waking up for feeds he obviously still needs them at night so don't worry about it.

(Was your mom a bottle feeder BTW?)

BrookeandTaylorsmummy · 22/08/2006 20:59

My ds is 6.5 months and wakes once or twice a night, that has only happened the last month or so, before then he was feeding every 3-4 hours through the night. my dd was different and went through the night from 8 weeks (she was my first I was so lucky!!). Not sure if this helps but just wanted to give you an example. Your not mad though, do what you feel is best for you and your baby.

hotmama · 22/08/2006 21:02

Argh - what you are doing sounds fine to me.

IMO it is normal for lo's to feed for varying times during the night - depends on growth spurts, how much they have fed during the day or just want a cuddle etc!

My dd2 (is now 28 weeks) has slept through but has also woken 3 times a night to feed. Has in the last week stopped the night feeds - some want/need to feed for ages.

I find bf lying down makes it a lot easier during the night.

I'd be inclined to lie to your Mum and say that your ds doesn't want feeding 'so often' if this gets her off your back - or just tell her to mind her own business - it's your ds and sleep!

Original poster

argh · 22/08/2006 21:09

Thank you for your replies... I feel much better knowing that it's not just me. I knew DS was normal really but needed a bit of reassurance after listening to my mum. She breastfed 3 kids, purplemonkeydishwasher! She maybe just doesn't remember the nightfeeds.

I think I might take your advice hotmama and just lie to her. Maybe that's easier!

OP posts:

Tatties · 22/08/2006 21:26

Argh, you are right, you are doing the right thing and your ds is normal

sniff · 22/08/2006 21:30

my dd does this sometimes she is 12 weeks i dont leave her to cry either and i bf lieing down in the night to as she drops of to sleep much quicker

PeppermintHippo · 22/08/2006 21:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

laundrylover · 22/08/2006 22:55

Hi argh,
Just to say that my mum bf all four of us and swears that we NEVER fed at night!!! However recently she admitted to waking up with my bruv in the bed and also to thinking that I had fallen on the floor so am beginning to doubt her rosy memories!
FWIW DD1 fed like your LO but DD2 is a dream and has been known to go 12 hours on two occasions and she is only 5 months!

Flip