I'm breastfeeding my 3 months old.She either wakes up every hour or keeps sucking the teat and sleep (as long as she sucks).I've another kid to take care of.So I feel v. tired whole day.Will switchin to bottle feedin help?
2006-09-10 16:48:08 · 25 answers · asked by ag 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
No, don't switch to a bottle, unless you pump breastmilk and use that in the bottle. As you know from the other kid, infants don't sleep through the night until they're ready. They have to feed every couple of hours.
Sorry to sound unsympathetic, because I'm not. We have a six month old. It does get better, but that baby needs you more than you need sleep right now. Sorry.
2006-09-10 16:51:03 · answer #1 · answered by Johnny Tezca 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A three month old is not going to sleep 10 hours only waking up once or twice, no matter how you feed her. At around 6 months old, you can expect a baby to sleep for about 8 hours uninterupted, if you work with her on getting herself to sleep.
First off, talk to your pediatrician. Second, please do not take the advice on here of giving your baby cereal at three months. Babies should not get solids until 6 months, and it will probably not help you anyway. A baby that small has a tiny tummy and it isn't long until the little bit of food (breastmilk, formula, or cereal) is digested. Also, the early introduction of cereal has been linked to several disorders, including diabetes and food allergies. Babies' bodies just aren't ready.
As for switching to formula, that is totally your decision to make. I don't think it will help much except that maybe your husband or significant other could take some feedings for you.
My suggestion and what worked for me:
At bedtime, pump all your milk right before you want to feed your baby. As soon as you are done, let the baby nurse to completely empty your breasts (a pump can never, ever get as much milk as a baby. this is why pumping is NOT a good indication of your supply). Then, add 2 oz of prepared formula to the expressed breastmilk. Also, do not let baby fall asleep at the breast. Everyone wakes up in their sleep, even you. When she wakes up in her bed, she will want the breast to go back to sleep. If you put her to bed awake, she will be able to get herself back to sleep as long as she isn't too hungry. Put her to bed drowsy, try a binkie if you like, and leave the room. If she cries, go in and comfort her, but do not pick her up or talk to her. Leave again. If she cries, wait a bit longer and do the same thing. Continue, waiting slightly longer to go back in each time.
Hope that helps, and GOOD LUCK!
2006-09-11 09:16:14 · answer #2 · answered by Sheriece M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bottle won't really help if it still has breast milk. Breast milk is not as thick as formula. Have you thought of switching to formula for at least 1-2 night time feedings. I know how important breastfeeding must be to you but, it is something to consider if you want to get some sleep. Do not let her suckle if, she is only doing it to pacify; you will never get any rest if she keeps that up. She might not be very happy about it in the beginning but, she is small enough that she will forget about it quickly & easily. Good luck!
2006-09-11 00:32:24 · answer #3 · answered by larechiga26 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we actually had doctor's orders to thicken my daughter's formula with some baby cereal. She got to the point where she was eating every 45 minutes- and waking up in the night every 1/2 hour. It worked for us- You could try that, as well as a pacifier. It sounds like she has comfort in sucking on something. My daughter is 1 year old, and she has a pacifier, and still gets up once in the night for a bottle.
2006-09-11 00:17:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cereal! Its like a miracle. If you are willing to pump, you could pump bottles and add rice baby cereal to the bottle (make the nipple hole bigger) and mix it up. I love that stuff. I don't know how much your baby is drinking at a time, but I would say about an oz of cereal (gotta be rice to start with) to maybe 6 oz milk.
Whatever you don't use, throw away though.
Breast milk is very thin. Cereal thickens it up and fills the tummy, which (at least for me) makes them sleep better.
Or a short answer- try a pacifier. But when she falls asleep it will fall out.
2006-09-10 23:54:57 · answer #5 · answered by snshnbtrflis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is waking for a feed every hour then yes a bottle would be the way to go.
If she is waking for comfort then I would try a pacifier.
At 3 months you can start to slowly introduce solids, so maybe you could try that.
But I can remember when mine were babies, they didnt really settle into a good sleeping routine until they were around 5 or 6 months.
2006-09-11 05:25:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 months is pretty young to expect them to sleep through the night. I think this usually is a few more months away (about 6 months or so is when the experts say). Definitely try pacifier and try sleeping with her right next to you, so that you do not have to get out of your own bed so much. I know how tired you must be, and this is temporary - it will get easier once she is sleeping for longer and you can get some decent sleep. I'll pray for you!
2006-09-11 00:37:40 · answer #7 · answered by lalo m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter slept with us so she hardly woke up all the way when she nursed. If that makes you nervous you can use a sidecar, a crib that attaches to the side of your bed, instead of having her in the bed next to you all night. If she doesn't get a good cry going she may just drift right on off when she's finished.
I never used a bottle but it seems like more hassle = less sleep for you, not more.
2006-09-10 23:58:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it will. I also have a 3month old. I wasw only breastfeeding him. While breast milk is more nutritious for him, Formula will fill hinm up quicker. Breast milk is thin. It cannot be fortified like formula. The only vitamins that can be added is the vitamins and minerals from your diet, and lets face it, we don't always eat what is best.I breastfeed and bottle feed. My baby sleeps alot longer and eat alot less because he is satisfied. You can actually keep up with how much your baby eats and if he/she getting enough with a bottle also. Introduce your baby to formula and he will thank you!
2006-09-10 23:55:06 · answer #9 · answered by Ms.shauncy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a pacifier. I have a 3 month old also. He loves his pacifier also he gets a little cereal. we feed him from a baby spoon. He sleeps atleast 6 hours at a time and more if I am lucky. Good Luck
2006-09-11 00:09:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋