Okay to follow his lead?

[Now we're 3]

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this but will ask it anyway.

Yesterday Sam only wanted 5 feeds. He pushed out the time in between feeds and despite being offered breast wasn't interested. Today he woke at 7.30 and had a good feed and after play went back to sleep until 11.20 when he has fed again. I will offer every three hours (provided he is awake) but think he may only take 5 again.

Is it okay for me to follow his lead that he is taking enough when he goes on? Of late if he doesn't want to go on he just won't. Just cautious about going from 6 to 5 feeds or at 4 months can this be okay?

His two nappies so far today have been very heavy so he obviously took quite a lot this morning.

Thanks

[~me~]

You are right, you do know the answer

Follow his lead..he will certainly let you know when he wants more. My DD is 2mths old and I don't really count her feeds just give it to her when she wants or convenient for me if she will take it. That's the beauty of demand feeding or baby lead feeding.
My DD actually laughs when I try to get her to take more and push the nipple away with her tongue..cheeky little monkey!

[Jennifer13]

It's fine to follow his lead as long as you are happy with his output and his general behaviour (ie he's alert, happy, etc).

I would keep offering more often during the day though, just in case, as you're doing.

If you're concerned, call the ABA helpline on 1800 mum 2 mum. They can probably give you some advice.

[skybie]

Absolutely! so long as he's happy enough and u have heavy nappies its totally fine!
DD2 has recently dropped a few feeds during the day and is sleeping about 8 hours overnight, this is what i love about demand feeding, its entirely up to them when they want to eat

[Taurean]

You are doing a wonderful job sweet, you always have

Yup, just follow his lead and try you best not to worry too much. He'll let you know when he's hungry!

My DD dropped to 4 feeds at just 11 weeks of age! This was a bit dramatic (as she went from about 6 to 4 in a matter of days!) and her weight gain wasn't the best at her 12 week checkup so I did give her a top up after her last breastfeed for the day and attempt to squeeze in another quick feed somewhere during the day. On average she would only have 5 feeds max from about 12 weeks.

At 4 months of age, 4-5 feeds a day is perfectly normal. He will definitely let you know if he's hungry.

You are honestly doing a beautiful job hon