Miss Heather - I have often heard about MCHN's putting time frames on when babies stop needing a feed in the night and I don't believe that they are correct. You just can't put an age limit on it that fits all babies. Certainly at 3 months nearly all babies would be needing at least one feed in the night, and most likely more than 1. The exact age at which babies stop needing the feed nutritionally is going to vary a lot from baby to baby, depending on tummy size, metabolism, the amount of milk and solids consumed during the day, genetics etc. Both my boys were very different in this respect - DS1 stopped needing the nutrition very early on, but did start needing the comfort once he reached that very alert and mobile stage at 7 months. DS2, who is small for his age but has always been a frequent eater, needed a feed in the night for nutrition until a week past his 1st birthday.

Shanti, I think you are finding a similar thing with your DD that I did with my DS1. Babies that have been self-settling well do find it more difficult once they hit that rapid development phase. When all they can do is lie down, it is much easier to self-settle than when their bodies are telling them to practise sitting, crawling, standing etc, and when they are far more aware of their surroundings and being stimulated by the things around them. Until they have mastered their mobility skills, and have learnt to block out stimulation in order to rest, they need help to settle. The comfort of a bf with it's release of "sleepy" hormones to help them relax is an ideal way to do this, while also helping them to feel safe and secure. It is a very tiring time for mums but on the plus side you are helping your DD to become an independent settler by providing her with what she needs.