How do I drop a night feed or two??

[mbear]

My DD#3 is nearly 9 months old and i still wake up once during the night to feed her. Never did this happen with my other two. Infact i was working when my DD#2 was this age - something i could never imagine with DD#3. Somedays i too question 'why, what am i doing wrong'? and like Willow, wear the 'bad mother' badge.
I hate that i do this to myself, i really do. DH reasurres me it wont be forever, and i am only up for 15mins max at any one time, but still, its broken sleep isnt it?

I agree with Barb, 10pm - 6am is a champion stretch of sleep.....yes Willow, Barb is FANTASTIC !!!

[Willow]

Never did this happen with my other two. Infact i was working when my DD#2 was this age - something i could never imagine with DD#3. Somedays i too question 'why, what am i doing wrong'? ...I hate that i do this to myself, i really do.

We're like two peas in a pod! I feel exactly the same way, and think exactly the same thing.

Unfortunately, I am heading back to work soon and this is also playing on my mind.

[jackrose]

I would like to add a big meee tooo to this thread!!!

My girl is the same age 6 months and recently has begun waking either at best every 3 hours to at worst every 1/2 hour for feeds during the night. (after being a pretty good night sleeper up to this point)

I am just rolling with it as she appears in every way to be happy and healthy.

I am grateful for your question though, and all of the responses in support as it does help to strengthen my resolve to keep on rolling.... and tonight when she wakes throughout I will think of you all and know I am not alone!!

[Kmn]

I'm not sure if this is any use. My 3 month old has just started sleeping through. For a few weeks before this he changed how he fed to every 1-2 hours during the afternoon and evening. Maybe adding/offering frequent afternoon/evening feeds would increase the time between night feeds - it's what he did for himself though, rather than anything I imposed on him - and I have no idea how long it will last (only a week or so so far).

[KatieRabbit]

Kmn- I have tried increasing feeds in the evening but it has no effect! I really don't think it is hunger that DD is waking from- more out of habit and perhaps comfort. I just don't want to let her cry at night so I feed her. I would love a 10pm to 6am sleep but that is so very rare! And we are just not co-sleepers (the three of us) even though we have tried. DH is uncomfy, I am uncomfy and DD thinks it is all a big playtime!

[MrsFabuloso]

Hun, sorry to say, but in my house, my DD is still waking at 14mths. She wakes once or twice for a bottle, then sometimes a few other times, just for some snuggles. I have never tried to stop feeding her though, I just think that's why I'm at home- to focus on her and her needs. I'm pretty sure it's just comfort and habbit that she's waking from, but both are pretty good reasons for a little one. I am hoping she starts to sleep better before no 2 comes along, though I'm not so sure that's going to happen anymore, LOL...I only have 9 or so wks to go!! We have had several nights that she sleeps through, but not anything regular. I do live in hope though!

[MamaPan]

my DS is the same - he needs feeding in the night (and i am back at work 3 days a week!!).
At the moment he is going thru a 'good' patch and wakes at about 11 and 4
normal for him is about 10.30, 2 and 5 - i just go with what he wants and needs - i dont have the energy to 'make' him drop a feed and i figure i dont know any adults who wake up and eat all night so he will eventually drop them himself and grow out of it. it doesnt feel like it now, but they are so young in the scheme of things so dotn feel pressured to train her to do something different if you can cope with how it is. if you do need to stop getting up so much maybe your DP could do one feed with an expressed bottle? i have heard the water thing may work if they are just doing it for comfort as they soon realise it isnt worth it - but i have not tried it myself. good luck!
ps i also feel like a falure when i hear of all the bubs sleeping through so i just dont engage in those convos anymore if i can helpo it - i figure i woudl rather expend my energy with DS nurturing him than worrying about how we compare to others and feeling bad about it.
pps also meant to add my DS is 9 months!