As my baby grows, should I be breastfeeding less often?

Question

My baby is almost 3 months old and he is a fantastic eater and sleeper. (I think.) He eats every 3 hours during the day and then goes 8-9 hours at night! I'm wondering if this will be his pattern for as long as he continues to breastfeed- or if the 3 hour increments will eventually spread out.

Answer 1

It depends a great deal on your baby and his growth patterns. If he's going 3 hours between feedings during the day and 8-9 hours at night, it sounds like he is right on track! Most babies will begin spacing their feedings out on their own as they get older, but it sounds like he already has a very long stint at night where he doesn't eat, so don't expect him to go 4 or 5 hours during the day right now. Continue feeding him on demand as you are now, and appreciate your good night's sleep. You're doing a great job!

Answer 2

Three hours is an incredibly long time for a breastfed baby. Breastmilk digests in 90 minutes or less. And 8 or 9 hours at night?

I wouldn't expect that to space out anymore anytime soon. In fact around 4-5 months you will more than likely find nightwaking increases.

As long as you feed on demand your baby should get what they need.

My 14 month old nurses WAY more than that, always has.

Answer 3

That sounds like a great feeding schedule! My guy has always liked to nurse more at night (we co-sleep), but the feeings do definitely become wider spaced. Mine is 9 months now and eats between 4 and 7 times per 24 hr period. He has just begun to increase the number of feedings again so I'm thinking he's going through another growth spurt. As a previous person said, just feed him when he's hungry or when he wants comfort and you will have a happy baby!

Answer 4

You are lucky that he does three hours and sleeps through the night!!!!!! Yes, eventually he will eat less often, but he will then probably eat more in quantity. When you start solids you will see a difference also. I saw a difference in my baby every month. she is now just turning 6 months and I am seeing a difference again. She eats two solid food meals a day and so she is breastfeeding only about 4 times during the day (including her bedtime feeding).

Answer 5

Three mos is still very young. It's totally normal for him to still need to eat that often. If he is going that long at night at such an early age, that's amazing!

Some babies will space out feedings as they get older. Others will need to nurse every 2 hours forever. No way to tell you which kind of nurser your child will be. Just follow his lead and you'll be sure to meet his needs!

Answer 6

Assuming your infant is growing and gaining at a good rate, I would recommend you continue to follow your instincts. You obviously have enough milk to satisfy him. Frequency of nursing varies tremendously, there is no one correct pattern.

Both the quality and quantity of breast milk changes over the months. Infant growth rates vary, too, probably influenced by nutrition as well as genetics. Congratulations on your committment.

Answer 7

hiya.

When i breastfed the pattern changed at every growth spurt so your baby should be due the next growth spurt at 12wks.

He will wanting feeding more often at first then i will again get into a pattern. With my daughter she gained a extra 30mins between feeds after every growth spurt.

so yes they spread out going longer between feeds

Answer 8

I would just suggest to feed your baby when he is hungry! It will most likely spread out, especially after you begin to introduce solid foods. But for now, like I said, just feed him when he's hungry! You are so lucky to have a little boy who sleeps so well, by the way! : )

Answer 9

he will slow down some soon if it is becoming a problem to you or just need a break i would try pumping or even try to give him some juice or something but good luck!