Sleeping Through the Night - Macclenny,FL

My daughter did the same thing she slept without waking for a feeding for a while, then all of a sudden she wanted to eat in the middle of the night. Like you I tried to not feed her thinking she was just in a habit but if I fed her she would go right back to sleep and sleep the rest of the night. If I didn't feed her we were up every two hours. She eventually worked it out and now she dosen't wake up for food anymore. Her pedi said she was probably going through a growth spurt and to feed her when she's hungry. She did tell me that I could try giving her formula for her nighttime feeding that the formula was thicker and might stay with her longer. I didn't want to start formula at that piont but it may work for you. GOod luck!!

Hi A.,
Your daughter could be going through a growth spurt where she just needs more food. My 10 month old is going throught he same thing and the pedi. said it was a phase she was going through and not to worry about it too much. Just don't encourage her to stay awake and don't turn night time into play time. Just nurse her and put her back into bed. Your daughter might also be going through seperation anxiety as well at this age. Good luck.

I just wanted to say that you are doing a great job A.! Breastmilk is the perfect food for your child for her first year of life, and breastfeeding into the second year is great too.

Babies grow, and change, and they need their moms. She is only little once, and it is our job to provide the most loving nurting environment for our little ones. Keep doing what you are doing. Waking up is very normal for babies. She will eventually sleep through the night again, even if it's not for a while. But hang in there, the most important thing is that you are still providing her with wonderful nutrition through breastmilk. Nighttime is a long time, maybe she just needs to know you are still there for her. She is becoming more aware of her surroundings all of the time!

Good luck! L.

I would assume that she is just maybe growing more right now and needs a little more. They do what thier bodies tell them. You are lucky! My daughter who will be 10 months on the 28th, whom I breastfeed as well, has only slept through the night for 7 days!! On the day she turned 8 months and for 7 days after she slept all night and that was it. Then back to 1 am and anywhere between 4 and 6 am! Your milk is fine, dont think it's not. Just keep giving her that great stuff whenever she wants it for now! Good luck :-)

S.

I would take a nap away from her during the day and feed her right before bed to help with the hunger. My son breastfed until 15 months and he slept through the night at one month old. There was a time where he was waking up all the time as well. I introduced mashed potatoes to him. He loved them. Still does. He was just not full. Maybe it was agrowth spurt. At that age he would have 2 naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon no later than 3:00. If not he wouldnt sleep at night. Maybe she is having to many naps..... that would be your call. I think the reason she is not sleeping through the night is cause she still is hungry. Give her something hearty.

I agree with Shannon you are lucky. My 8 mnth old has only slept through the night 3 times and they were all seperate occasions. She still gets up one to two times a night (breastfed as well). I would think she is just growing. I know mine has recently started eating more food than she has in the past. I did read recently on some website that you can try giving your baby water at night. It may give them some satisfaction, but it won't have the good taste of breast milk. After a few nights they may not feel that it's worth getting up for. Of course if they are just plain out hungry I doubt that therory will work :). GOOD LUCK!!

Hi A.,

I agree with the ladies who've said it's probably a growth spurt (she needs more food for all that energy she expends), and so the best thing is to provide all the breastmilk her tummy's asking for.

Also, I agree that it's GREAT that she only wakes up once a night!! My 7 month old wakes 3 times a night on a *good* night... and I usually hear the growling at least twice a night. :)

Does your baby have teeth? Sometimes teething causes this. My older daughter did the same thing. Eventually she stopped, but it was tiresome none the less. I know you are breastfeeding, but if she will take a bottle at all, give her some water. She may tire and decide if that's all she gets for waking at night, it's not worth it.