There is no such things as a "normal" pattern - every baby is different. The WHO has published that the average number of feeds at 9 months is 7. For that to be the average there are going to be a lot of babies having less than that, and a lot having more. Certainly your 8 - 9 is well in the normal range.
I wonder if you are struggling more with the number of feeds, or the fact that she is feeding in the night? The 9 or 10 month mark is a common time for babies to start feeding more often, especially at night. There seem to be a few reasons for this. One is that for many babies it is a time of separation anxiety. This seems to be a common age for them to become aware that mum isn't always there, and that mum might not come back. Feeding is a sure-fire way to be near mum so babies often feed more often to be close to mum. At night, if the baby stirs, crying for a feed and having mum come and feed is very reassuring. It can be very tiring for mum, but it might help to know that by doing so you are doing the very best thing to help Eva's emotional development.
Apart from the comfort, this can also be a time where the physical need for milk can increase. This is often related to the rapid brain development which is starting now to prepare Eva for walking and talking and other milestones. Solids do not provide the right balance of fats, nutrients etc for this brain growth, so it is common for babies to increase the number of breastfeeds at this time. Also, 9 month old babies are very alert and easily distracted during the day, so often their milk intake during the day is decreased, and they make up for this at night.
All of these things are very normal, and temporary. It really is a matter of your own situation as to whether or not this is a problem. Some mums are fine with it and are happy to go with the flow and ride it out. For others, the lack of sleep can be a problem, especially if she is working, studying or has older kids.This is really an individual thing. Knowing that Eva's feeding is normal, how do you feel about it now?
If you decide that it's too much and you need to reduce the feeds, there are some good tips for reducing feeds and night weaning, however many of them won't work well with a baby so young. However, let me know if you would like some ideas.
Oh Bek, firstly I could have written this post myself. DD will be 9 months in 1 week and will still feed 8-9 times a day and wake minimum of 2 but mostly 3-4 times a night. Her day sleeps are pretty much non existant. I'm not wanting to turn this into a me post but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. Just remember like adults, every baby is different. No book is written for your baby so really you are creating your own rules and things as you go. I too am often feeding just to settle/sleep because every thing else won't work.
I hope that someone else is able to pop in here and give you some other advice. I know a few have given me great strength when I posted recently about similar issues.
Bek. It sounds like you are having a rough time.
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