Dropping feeds

[Megan]

Up until a month ago DS was a 3 hourly feeder around the clock. We started solids (BLS) at 6 months and his breastfeeds continued on as normal until he was 8 months and he started dropping feeds. We've gone from 8-9 feeds per day to around 4 a month later.
Is it normal to happen like this so quickly? He loves his food, so I know he's getting plenty to eat but I wonder if he's having enough milk. In this hot weather we've been having he has really only wanted water during the day. I keep offering a b/f, but he see's his sippy cup and just wants a big drink from that to quench his thirst.

I was told the other day he was weaning and I wont "have to feed him for much longer!" He's never fed to sleep apart from when he was brand new, so he's not interested in it for that. A few times this week when I have tried to offer him a feed he'll have a few sucks and then come off screaming, so I'm thinking the let down is taking too long so he doesn't want it.

A few months ago I thought I would be feeding 3 hourly forever and hoping he would slow down a bit, but I didn't expect to start going nearly full days without feeding. There's been a few occasions recently where he has only fed early morning, mid afternoon, bedtime and one overnight.

I guess I'm just wanting to know if it's common for babies to reduce their number of feeds in such a short time?

[onthefly]

Yeah, when DS started dropping feeds and eating more (which was later, but anyway) it did happen quite quickly.
I wouldn't stress out. What will be, wll be. In all likelihood he'll keep feeding for a good while yet. DS started dropping feeds at 11 months. He dropped from 10-12 to 6 by 14 months, then I made him cut more but he's still going.

Oh, he might be going through a "I'm too busy for this" stage. If so, keep it relaxed and offer when he's sleepy and/or just woken up.

All the best ~~

[Jas]

Hi Megan,

I think all is fine. I'm not sure with dropping feeds how quick when etc but Spence went to 3feeds per day on 1st jan he does around 6.30am, 11 and 5.30ish, so the amout nis normal for this age.

I think at this point you have been feeding for a while so you know that your body knows what to do and Noah knows what to do so I think at this point he is probably just having bigger feeds but less of them. I would certainly wouldn't presume he is weaning at all he's probably just eating more solids and regulating his bf's to suit his appetite. If he was hungry he would take the milk being offered I am sure

[Jennifer13]

I can't remember exactly how many bfs DD was having at 9 mths, but I know by 12 mths she was down to four bfs a day (and had been for a little while) - first thing in the morning, before morning nap, before afternoon nap and before bed. She dropped the morning nap at about 15 mths and that feed went too. She went through a brief period of bfing more overnight (which I eventually put a stop too as it was exhausting on the days I was working!) but then back to her three bfs. I cut out her nap bf at about 18 mths and she was happy enough without it. I figured she'd cut back on her own.

Was I wrong! She went with those 2 bfs up until she was nearly 3 1/2 and since then has been faithfully holding to her one morning bf for about 6 mths.

Every child is different. It is important that he continues to bf at his age, but he could very likely continue for some time yet. Don't be surprised if he shows a renewed enthusiasm for it at some point too (and you'll be back to wishing for the 4 bfs per day!). If you're following his lead, he will let you know. If you are concerned he is cutting back too many bfs, try bfing him where there are no distractions, in a darkened room, or in the bath, for eg. Just keep offering and he will likely take you up sometimes.

FWIW it IS weaning, in the meaning that he's eating more 'food', but not in the meaning that he's finished with bfing.

[Megan]

FWIW it IS weaning, in the meaning that he's eating more 'food', but not in the meaning that he's finished with bfing.

I think that's what bothers me about a few comments. A lot of people assume weaning means they will be finished with breastfeeding within a few weeks and my MIL in particular who has always said I wouldn't be able to breastfeed for long (no idea why she thought this?) thinks I need to "give him a bottle because obviously he doesn't want to breastfeed anymore and your milk is drying up because he only feeds for 5 minutes".

I'll just keep plodding along as we are. He had two big feeds overnight last night and hasn't wanted one this morning, just his toast and cereal for breakfast. We're also having a shocker of a time with day sleeps (ie, he will barely sleep 30 minutes all day) AND, I also noticed his top teeth look like they're on their way. So, I guess there's a few things going on at that moment that could also be impacting his feeds.

[Jennifer13]

Feel free to tell your MIL that you have a friend who has bf her DD for over 2 years with only 2 bfs that usually last less than 10 mins! But what a great opportunity to correct a misconception about bfing - your bbs will make milk as long as he keeps feeding, and as much as he needs. He's just very good at getting it in quickly at his age.

[Jas]

Argh! MIL's can be so helpful, can't they?

You are doing beautifully Megan! xoxo

[Megan]

Thanks girls I'm kind of missing all those feeds now, as exhausting as it could be some days. Waking up in the morning leaking again like those early months is not fun though. Probably doesn't help that he sleeps next to me and as soon as he grizzles, there's a puddle!!