When and how to space out feeds?

Baby's milk feeds: when and how to space them out? - Elhée

ARTICLE SUMMARY :

How often should you breastfeed your baby?
Night feeds, often the first to be abandoned
What's most important? Follow your child's rhythm

You've always wanted to breastfeed your baby, and now he's here, in your arms, close to your chest, at your breast. For a few weeks now, you've been experiencing your greatest happiness, and yet things haven't always been easy. With milk coming in, night-time awakenings, staggered feedings and your baby often falling asleep at your breast, breastfeeding isn't always a smooth ride, and you wouldn't mind a word or two of advice. In fact, when the time comes, you're wondering how to space out feedings and help your baby sleep longer at night. No exact science here, but a good dose ofobservation andpatience to accompany your child's rhythm.

How often should you breastfeed your baby?

As is often the case with babies, the answer to this question is both simple and complicated. Simple, because midwives, pediatricians... recommend breastfeeding babies "on demand", i.e. when they're hungry. Complex, because this method is less suited to bottle-feeding, and requires flexibility, observation and patience on a daily basis.

On average, and depending on its appetite, a newborn can suckle 8 to 12 times per 24 hours.

Some babies are more greedy, demanding the breast more often, fussing, turning their heads, opening their mouths or crying to make themselves understood. Others, more discreet, require their parents to be more attentive to recognize and anticipate their needs. For them, a skin-to-skin cuddle after a nap can be a welcome opportunity for a feed, which they might not have asked for. This is called "awakening breastfeeding".

Night feeds, often the first to be abandoned

Let's face it: there'sno sure-fire way of timing a baby's feedings. Because the conditions for breastfeeding are specific to each mother and child, because different elements can disrupt, modify or change the rhythm and quantity of feeds (seasons, temperatures, location, state of health, level of lactation...) and also because your baby is growing fast; the time of feeds, their duration and even the volume of milk absorbed, change regularly.

Even so, the middle-of-the-night feed (or bottle) is often the first to go. As soon as baby starts to sleep for several hours without interruption, allowing you to do so too, he can naturally do without. Is this not yet the case for you? Here are a few ways to encourage him.

To space out feedings and encourage autonomous sleep

Often, breastfed babies fall asleep at the breast, satisfied and full. If they wake up at night, these same babies may find it difficult to go back to sleep without suckling, not because of hunger, but out of habit and because the breast reassures them. If this is the case with your child, you can help him/her by teaching him/her to fall asleep on his/her own like a grown-up, to space out feedings and encourage a more pleasant, restorative sleep rhythm for all.

To establish new sleep habits, start byputting your baby down in his still-awake crib after his evening feed . In this way, even if you stay by his side, he will gradually understand that he can let himself be carried away by fatigue and fall asleep peacefully without being in your arms. Once they've got into the habit, they'll no longer feel lost and helpless when they wake up at night. Of course, you can accompany the onset of sleep with cuddles, a story, a lullaby... whatever seems pleasant and soothing to your child.

To space out feeds, replace the last evening feed with a bottle?

To help your little one sleep through the night longer, and thus "skip" the 2 or 3 a.m. feed or bottle, you can also try the following method. If you're comfortable withmixed feeding,replace the last evening feed with a bottle of infant milk. This could be an opportunity to try out bibROND breastfeeding to ease the transition. Of course, it's possible that baby will refuse to drink from the bottle. So, if you're worried about breast-teat confusion, we've prepared a full article on the subject.

But why should giving a bottle of formula milk in the evening help baby not to wake up too much at night? On the one hand, breast milk is perfectly adapted to babies' metabolism and needs, and is very easy to digest. On the other hand, industrial milks, which are often thicker, often take longer to digest. This difference could have the effect of "settling" baby for longer, and limiting the number of night-time awakenings.

Few full nights before 4 to 6 months of age

Even though we all know that night feeds won't last a lifetime, they can be tiring and even trying for both mother and couple. So, if this is your case, don't hesitate to take naps as soon as possible. While baby's sleeping too, while someone else is looking after him, in the morning instead of ironing, during the day instead of tidying up... All this can wait. But what's most important? You, your baby and the health of both of you.

Also, don't worry: most babies start getting a good night's sleep (between 6 and 8 consecutive hours) around 4 to 6 months. If this is not your case, perhaps aperinatal osteopathy session or the adoption of a "gentle night" herbal teacompatible with breastfeeding could help?

What's most important? Follow your child's rhythm

A transition of any kind is never easy, especially when it involves changing a baby's habits! But, with time, patience and kindness, and by observing what works for you (and may not work for your friend's baby), you'll find the keys to spacing out your baby's feeds and, if you decide to start with the middle-of-the-night feed, extending the amount of sleep you all get.

To do this properly, respect your child's needs. If your child sleeps better next to you, try co-sleeping. You may find it easier to reassure him with a simple cuddle if he wakes up. If, on the other hand, the slightest noise is likely to wake him up, gently guide him towards independent sleep in his own bed, in his own room and without a feed.

Very often, you have all the keys within you to help your baby. All you need to do is listen to yourself and trust your judgement as a mother. And should the situation become too complicated, don't hesitate to call on your midwife or pediatrician, who will undoubtedly be able to refer you to a baby sleep specialist.

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