Dropping dream feed

[mimicj]

Hi, I was wondering at what age I can stop the dream feed. My DD is five months and she has five breastfeeds each day, sleeps through from 7pm until 6am, and she has solids at the 10am feed. I have a very big weekend comming up in about 2 weeks time and it would be a lot easier for me and my babysitters if I didn't need to feed her at 9pm for her dream feed. Also I've had a history with mastitis and recurring blocked ducts, so I'm scared to give her a bottle, as I feel like if she doesn't feed from me, I may get all blocked up again, or get mastitis again. Also, I have tried a bottle before and she wouldn't take it. I thought maybe to give her some solids and even a formula top up after her dinner time feed and see if she sleeps through still. I just don't know if she's too young to drop this feed or should I just keep on with the feed and work around it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!:confused:

[bubhub]

(posted on behalf of Pinky)

Hi mimicj,

The best way to stop a dream feed - as with any other 'weaning' is
gradually, with love - you can try moving the dream feed earlier by about 30
minutes every 3 nights so that this becomes the last feed at night. If your
baby starts changing her sleep patterns you can then 'pull up' and continue
the dream feed as it suits . This way you dont risk a totally messed up
sleep pattern or engorgement/ blocked ducts/ mastitis.

Solids arent recommended before 6 months so it would be better if your baby
sitter gave your bub expressed breast milk in a bottle (she may take one
from another person who doesnt have milky boobs) or from a cup (altho a cup
would mean waking bub so could create problems as she realises you arent
there -this is a prime age for separation anxiety to start).

Is it really worth risking allergies to either formula or extra solids for a
night out? You say your baby wont drink from a bottle - so how would you get
formula into her?

The best alternative for baby and you (to prevent blocked ducts etc) would
be to take baby with you or have her babysat nearby so you could pop out and
give her the dream feed - so you are both comfortable and dont risk either
your own or your babys health.

Best of luck,
Pinky