EBF a newborn (vs) EBF a 3-6mo baby

[helloelo]

Hello,

DS had his 3 mo growth spurt last week and his feeding pattern is now completely different. He used to have very obvious feeding clues. Now I'm not sure. My boobs used to get very engorged between feeds. Not anymore. He goes 4-5hours without a feed now (too bad it's during the day). He barely falls asleep on the boob now. I know I'm insane but I miss my newborn!

Did you notice any changes when transitioning from feeding a newborn to feeding a baby?

Yes .BF a new born is a 24/ 7 job

Bf an older baby or toddler is really easy ( unless you get mastitis or other probelms ) . I can never understand why women want to give up when their baby is 6months old ( unless of course they are going back to their full time job as captain of industry or prime minister )

You've done the hard bit, now enjoy the next two years !

My little girl fed very frequently (generally every 2 hours) in the day until 6 months, but would have lovely stretches of sleep at night. What I noticed was the loss of cluster feeding and her feeds becau extremely quick (5 mins, one side generally). She also would happily wait longer between feeds if I needed to get out (always refused a bottle).

This is interesting as my LO is 3 months old tomorrow. I haven't noticed his growth spurt (didnt really notice the 6 week one either but then he's always been a regular feeder), but this week he's hardly feeding for long at all and not falling asleep on the boob except in the night. I have been worried he hasn't been eating enough but maybe this is it now.

I know what you mean op - I miss it too!

Yes but as soon as you're used to one phase it changes. I found under 8 weeks it was every 1-2 hr. Then every 2-3 hr for a short time. Then a growth spurt with long cluster feeds. Back to "normal" only for the 4 month regression to increase night feeding hugely! Then a cold = comfort suckling. The more she can play, the less frequently she feeds too ... at play groups she isn't interested as it's fun to play, she can hang on till home. Which I find great as it's less fuss for me get home bra off lol.

Mine is now 7 months and feeds every 3 hr daytime at the moment.

It's more flexible now I can give dh milky foods, a beaker of formula/water etc if needs be. But no beaker of formula has mummy cuddles so some days I nurse more, some less.

Yes feeding cues got less obvious but have now returned as my 5 mo has just started looking at my boobs and grabbing at my top when she's hungry!