My 12 week old wants constantly fed, especially at night which I suspect could b a comfort thing rather than hunger. She refuses to take a bottle. But I am considering starting to give her a few spoons of baby rice before bed in the next few weeks. I am exhausted so need her to sleep for a few hours at least.
Has anyone else weaned early ? The guidelines are 6 months a few years ago it was 4 months and about 10 years ago it was 3 months. So if it didn’t do he babies any harm back then, I’m sure it’s fine to do it now.
I wouldn’t do rice cereal- it has no nutritional value and can cause constipation. Have you discussed this with your paed? Have you spoken to a lactation consultant to see why she’s feeding so often? Is it your supply or is she simply not feeding long enough each time hence the frequency?
As for weaning, I don’t think they recommend babies have anything but breast milk the first 6 months. Starting solids too soon has it’s own set of issues and concerns.
She might be cluster feeding. Which means it’s a natural thing and it will pass in a few days/week. Basically the baby is feeding so much because she now needs more milk from you ( because she is getting bigger) and her constant feeding is going to increase your milk supply.
Look up cluster feeding online and see if it matches what it is going on.
I wouldn’t recommend starting cereal so early, unless your ped has specifically told you to do it.
because in 10 years they have learned that baby’s stomach can only digest milk better in first six months than anything else at 3 or 4 months.
Like others, I wont suggest starting cereal or any puree for that matter so early.. you can check with your pediatrician too.
Some babies just nurse more frequently than others, very nomal.. if you feel like your baby is sucking for comfort only and not because she is hungry then introduce the pacifier to her… that may give you some rest but honestly first few months are hard with newborns.. good luck.
She is probably going through a growth spurt. They feed often then. If you feel you can’t breast feed then start formula once daily or pump. The baby is building your supply by feeding often
How much does she weigh? You can cut out the night feed once she has reached 15 or 16 pounds but I would not recommend you stop breastfeeding altogether. Maybe just try to wean her off the night feed but continue to nurse her during the day.
She weighs about 12lb. She will not take formula at all, she pushes bottle out with her tongue and pushes away with hands n screams till she’s blue in the face.
So go see a lactation consultant immediately. She obviously wants to nurse and I’m sure there is something they can do to help you figure this out without resorting to cereal.
She’s probably going through a growth spurt. Has she been doing that ever since she was born or only recently? Honestly some babies nurse a lot during the first 4 months. It’s only after that they settle down a bit and some settle down after 6 months when you introduce solids. Just hang in there. You’re doing a great job and I know it must be super exhausting but I believe it’s just a phase that will pass before you know it.
Also you could try some methods to increase your supply if you suspect she’s hungry. Oatmeal is a really convenient way to boost your supply as well as mothers milk tea.