2 month old- How often feeding?

[Lilahh]

Hi ladies

My 2-month old has suddenly gone from 11 BF per 24 hours to 6. This is because he is suddenly sleeping 5-6 hours, twice a night. (So only getting one feed in a 12 hour period). Of course, I have an oversupply of milk now because he is feeding less often. Is 6 feeds per 24 hours enough? He is weeing and pooing the same, but it has only been for 36 hours now, not sure if I should see a change in his nappies yet. Im worried my milk supply will get too low for him. Should I be waking him to feed him if he wants to go for 6+ hour sleeps at night?

Also, sometimes he takes both breasts and sometimes only one. There is no pattern, and after a 6 hour stretch he might only take one side, and then wake in the morning and take both sides for three feeds in a row. Is this kind of drinking more/drinking less during a 24 hour period normal?

TIA!!

[Sheer Bliss]

I am now a big believer of everything is normal!!

DS2 feeds 9-12time in a 24hr period, DD2 6-8times (she is a great sleeper) and both are doing beautifully. They both only take one boob per feed (they get the same one for each feed) no choice there - lol. I wouldn't worry - if wees are all good and bubs is happy/alert - its all good. Enjoy your sleep!

[Opinionated]

That sounds fine.

Your supply should remain fine too, as long as you don't supplement and just follow your babies lead.

Your baby has probably just become a more efficient feeder. They are better coordinated, getting more and have "hit their stride". This has led to them being able to sleep more.

Don't stress, in another few weeks, they will be looking to up your supply as they grow and to do this they feed more often again for a while. Around 14 weeks, mine went back to 2 hourly feeding for a couple of days.

Trust your baby and yourself. Babies really do know what they are doing.

Sounds like you are doing a great job.

[bridee]

My DD who is also 2mths has only ever been on 6 feeds a day and now is also borderline 5 feeds a day. MCHN has said that is ok, she is putting on very good weight so she is getting enough. All babies are individual and generally do whatever they need at the time.

[Lilahh]

Thanks ladies. So if he only feeds on one side, does that still count as a feed?

[Jaspat24]

Thanks ladies. So if he only feeds on one side, does that still count as a feed?

i would say it does count.
My DS is 4 months and i'm feeding him about 10-11 times in 24hours; some feeds are big, some are small and sometimes overnight it's a big long boobie graze.

[codswallop]

it sounds all good to me
my little fellow (now almost a big fellow) has always had one side... two sides
depends on how hungry he is i guess
but id say the reason his cutting down on feeds is that your hitting your stride in the suply demand, and that as a older bub he is drawing more hind milk (the good creamy fat milk) and less watery(but thirst quenching) foremilk
you may also find that if he has been a little gassy, or coilicy that will settle down too

[jjules13]

your milk will adjust based on is demand feeding. at times of growth spurts he will be back into it again in earnest trying to get your supply back up! i think thats like 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 mos 9 mos...etc. its always a shock to the engorged boobies when bub takes a break from frantic nursing.