How often should my 3-month-old be nursing?

[lady5280]

He seems all over the place, but can usually make it 2.5 hours before fussing, sometimes up to 3 hours (usually only if he is asleep). Also, what is "normal" for # of NW? He has increased from 2-3 lately, but I think it's just that he got into the habit after a major GS 2 weeks ago.

I know BF babes are very different from formula-fed, and I have realistic expectations, but was just curious.

[lady5280]

Also, is it normal for him to nurse 4-6 minutes on each side at this age? He's gaining weight fine, but just pops off and looks at Mommy over and over once he reaches about 4 minutes. At night and when he's upset he will nurse longer, but only soothing himself I suspect. Maybe he's just super-efficient?

[teilvnav]

Anna nurses every 2-3 hrs during the day, and is up 2-3 times per night. That's better than DS was at this age at night, so I am ok with it. Most of the time. She takes about 10 min on one side and then about 5 min on the other most of the time during the day. I figure as long as she has enough wet diapers (apparently about 5 per day), is gaining weight, and seems satisfied, we are good. Her dr said last week at her check up that she was so well hydrated that she 'practically glistened'.

[Erin M]

You sound just fine in terms of number of nursings.  It's hard to keep to a 3 hour schedule when the sleeping doesn't play along (mine never did).  Hoping your nights stretch out soon - we were stuck at 3 night feeds for quite awhile (counting the dream feed). 
And yes, the 4-6 minutes is fine - it seems like he's satisfied with that.  Some babies are very efficient feeders, mine always did super short feedings from fairly early on. 

[lady5280]

Thanks! Yeah, short napping doesn't make for a pretty EASY. It's good to know that even the moderators in these threads didn't have perfect schedules, but you got through it.

[Erin M]

It's good to know that even the moderators in these threads didn't have perfect schedules, but you got through it.

Yes we did (and our schedule is SO far from perfect most days)!  My first was my best EASY, but she was pretty textbook and easy going.  I love the structure behind BW and the idea of a flexible routine.  Take the things in the book as suggestions and/or things to work towards, remember to listen to your baby, and you'll be great!