Early morning constant feeder

[Ponyboy]

I co-sleep with my 8mth old daughter and have done since the first week of having her home. For the last few months she will wake for a feed around 1am and will feed on and off continually until we get out of bed around 6/7am. Is this because she sleeps with me, or should I assume that she actually needs it and is hungry?

[Pinky McKay]

hi Sharon,

Your baby may or may not be hungry - babies who cosleep often tend to become 'all night suckers'. There are several reasons besides hunger - comfort, security and the higher levels of prolactin at night time that mean babies get the 'best milk' at night. There are a lot of benefits to cosleeping but feeding patterns can be gently changed as you cosleep, if it bothers you.

At this age your bub is probably so busy exploring during the day that she will stoke up on feeds during the early hours- you could try to see she eats/ feeds well during the day and offer daytime breastfeeds in a quiet space so she can concentrate without distractions.

One tip with all night suckers is to turn your baby's back to you and snuggle her so she is cuddled but doesnt have a boob in her face, encouraging her to nurse.

For gentle tips on gradual night weaning or a more in depth look at how cosleeping may affect feeding and some practical coping strategies, I would advise reading my book 'Sleeping Like a Baby'.

Pinky