Snacking

[Brissie_Mum2b]

Hi there. I wonder if anyone can throw some light on this matter or give me some advice, please.

My daughter is 3.5 months old and I have been lucky enough not to have any problems breastfeeding, until now.

Just recently Hannah has been "snacking" all day - she only feeds for about 5-10 minutes on one breast then she either falls asleep or just rejects me. I know babies can get pretty quick at feeding as they get older and she seems to be getting enough - plenty of wet nappies etc.

However because she is only snacking she is wanting to be fed every 2 hours or so and it's becoming quite frustrating. Her bedtime feed is usually longer - about 20 mins and she is in bed and fast asleep by 8pm. She wakes around 3am for a feed and then again at 5.30. This seems to be her routine at the moment and I don't know how to get her out of it, especially the snacking. She was pretty good up until a couple of weeks ago.

How can I get her to have one good feed every 3-4 hours? Has anyone else experienced this?

Your help and advice is appreciated.

Cheers,

Liz

[Nickster]

I don't know if this is any help to you, but my DD fed pretty well every 2 - 2 1/2 hours (sometimes she'd even stretch out to 3 hours LOL) for about the first 6 months of her life. She was a quick feeder too, and it was very unusual for her to spend more than 10 minutes on one breast - she'd spend only about 5 minutes usually - just a very efficient feeder.

It sounds like your little girl is possibly going through a growth spurt. I know it's hard, but just relax and give her what she wants at the moment - in a few months, I'm sure she'll drop back a little all by herself.

[Tam-I-Am]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing - growth spurt.

I would advise to feed her as often as possible, to build up your supply. It should pass in 2-3 days.

:hugs: sweetie, you're doing great - just hang in there!

[Tamz]

Please remember that breastmilk digests quicker than formula. it takes 90minutes for BM to digest.

Bubbies, like us, sometimes get thirsty during the day and need a little quick drink inbetween their meals.

Breast feeding is all about demand feeding (well most people do it). if you bub is a bit thirsty, give her a drink. one day she may be more hungry - give her a feed. You would hate it if you were thristy and hungry and someone refused to give you something to eat/drink. ;)

Also another reason she might be feeding 2hrly during the day is becuase she has a 7hr long sleep at night. i wish my 9.5month old would sleep 7hrs! he feeds 3hrly during the night....think yourself lucky hehehe :D

Your doing great job :)

This time will soon pass

Good luck

Tamz

[Notchalk]

I agree - this 'new' feeding routine sounds normal to me! hehe I know it is probably frustrating, but you need to trust that your baby knows what she needs. She demands, you supply, that's how it works. Your job is to give her access to the breast when she needs it (wants/needs, it's all the same) and you will supply what she needs to grow. At least the feeds are nice and short!

Hang in there :)

Jo

[Brissie_Mum2b]

Hi ladies

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to reply to my message - I feel a lot better now and am very grateful for your valuable advice and encouragement. I will just go with the flow and see how she goes.

Funnily enough I've just been to my mother and baby group this morning and two of the girls there are having exactly the same "problem" and they also put it down to growth spurt ......... course, it meant we all breastfed our bubs twice in as many hours but never mind, the tea and cake got me through!!!!

Thanks again,

Liz

[joe]

I was going to post about the very same thing....glad to know I am not alone!