cluster feeding as jodie mentioned is an option...i know of many people that have used it long term and had it work, although i think that long term it creates more of a snacking habit than anything else kwim? but that is an option to try if you choose to. anyway, i definately think that if you were to go to a 4 hr routine that it will help lo take more calories during the day as lo will be hungrier when feeding time comes, thus taking in more milk, he will be able to last longer between feedings and hopefully it will at least limit the night feedings. it def is completely normal for a lo to be waking at night for a feeding at this age - for as many mom's that say their lo's 'sleep through the night' i can guarantee it's almost always not as great as they make it sound so def don't feel like your lo isn't 'normal' with these wakings. if you are having a hard time adjusting to a 4 hr routine b/c it sleep will fall into eating times, etc. then don't hesitate to alter your routine slightly to be aeasy or whatever you need to get it to work - the important thing here is that you have a routine so lo knows what to expect. also, as long as lo is thriving and gaining weight, i see no problem if you want to give lo some water right before a nap so that he will sleep through and not wake b/c of hunger, and when he wakes up from the nap the water is digested much quicker than milk and he will be ready for a full feeding.
as far as the df is concerned, if lo is waking at 8 or 9pm so soon after being fed, i would just take that as a habit being formed as i am pretty sure he isn't hungry that quickly. some sleep training..shh and/or pat, perhaps pu/pd..but above all i would first try and settle and help lo get back to sleep in the crib. if lo doesn't settle, be sure it is not gas/tummy troubles/etc b/c if it is then lo needs your care and comfort. for the df, if lo is waking at 11 or 12 then why don't you try a df at say 10:30? that way it may deter the wakeup if he's not hungry...the idea for the df is that lo stays asleep while feeding. it can be tricky and hard to 'train' lo to stay asleep but it can work! it may take a handful of times for lo to catch on, but just gently pick him up and feed til he stops or if the bottle is empty (if you have i pump i would express and bottle feed for this in the beginning - i found it very hard to just bf for the df and keep my lo asleep...it can work but is harder - i would spend sometimes an hr rubbing her mouth with my nipple trying not to wake her..although with time it did work the easier way to start it i think would be by bottle if possible), tracy suggests that burping isn't necessary with a df as if lo is sleeping will be relaxed enough that he will not need to burp, then lie him back down in the crib. if lo does happen to wake during the feeding, don't make eye contact, be sure the room is dark, don't talk...just show him this is feeding time and then back to bed.
so def like jodie said move to a 4 hr easy - i think that will help a lot - and if lo can't make it all the way to 4 hrs extend it by 10 or 15 min every few days til you get there. good luck and if you have anymore questions - i am here!
