Losing my marbles

[Teachtolive]

Can anyone help me with this? My baby was a naturally good sleeper, often sleeping 4-6 hours in a go at night, waking just once for a breastfeed. She then hit the 4 month regression...several weeks in now and she's waking every hour to two hours for a feed. It's clearly just comfort feeding as she feeds for 5 mins and then it's back in the cot. Her daytime naps are frequently rubbish too. I'm a zombie and I'm at a loss as to what to do. Should I wean her early? Put her onto formula? Get her a soother? Or just ride it out? I barely have the energy to stand. My house is a tip and I've another child to take care of too. Please help!

I would attempt a soother and ride it out - those are the best options.

Ride it out. Weaning early more likely to cause more issues (food = fewer cals than milk). Not sure what’s wrong with her needing comfort. Could/do you co-sleep?

Thanks for the replies. I can't co-sleep, I'd spend the night terrified of rolling on her! God I hate sleep regression. Interesting that food has fewer calories, I never knew that! The frequency of the feeding must indicate a growth spurt but god it feels like it's been going on forever!

Odds of you rolling on her are minuscule. And she would be able to let you know at 5 months+.

Unless you take meds or drink it’s worth looking at safe cosleeping guidelines and trying it.

Frequent waking/night feeding is normal at this age and isn’t a sign you need to wean early. Any food you could give is just low cal fruit and veg that won’t give any real calories and will just take up room in the tummy leaving less for milk. Formula might also not make a difference either, so don’t stop BFing unless you’re ready to stop because it won’t necessarily mean she will sleep better. 4 month regression is a permanent change in the way they sleep and isn’t always hunger related- she might just be looking for comfort as well and BFing is her way or doing that.

I’d just ride it out, it will get better. I’d also really think about safe co sleeping If youre feeling really sleep deprived. When mine was waking so frequently I conslept for most of the night and wouldn’t wake fully when he woke- would just latch him on and nod back off. You won’t role on her, it’s like you have a sensor in you and you are very aware of baby. Easily the best way to get the most rest!