5 mo old - weaning snacks

[zportiss]

My 5 mo old is currently doing a 4 hr EASY, and until about 3 weeks ago was snacking every 2-2.5 hrs.  To adapt to the 4 hr feed, I have been reducing her top off, (which is about 40 minutes before her second nap) a little each day.

Is this a good idea to wean the snack?  She is pretty tiny, petite and thin, (doc isn't concerned).  Her night feedings overall have decreased down to one the last week, except last night we had two but I think it may have been a comfort issue the way she settled after I changed her diaper.  She's 24 weeks today, and we start solids in two weeks.

Another question, since she's not emptying the breast when she snacks (down to 4 minutes), should I stay on the same side for her next feeding? It's my understanding that an empty breast keeps supply up.  Here's what it looks like:

1st feed: R (emptied), eat a bit on left, but not emptied
Snack: if I feed on left, since I'm weaning the snack, it's still not emptied, if I feed on right, then it's not emptied, and then should I stay with R at next feed emptying, otherwise i start w left .... ugh... I'm so confused...lol

[zportiss]

One more question!

Today she is cutting her naps a little shorter, waking up cranky, & mouth smacking, then when I nurse her, she is very sleepy, basically getting some more sleep while she's nursing.  I'm wondering if her hunger is disturbing her sleep.

Should I be giving her more of a snack instead of weaning her from the snack? Or slow down weaning?

Thanks!

[*Ali*]

If the top ups were working then I would just stick with them. Many BF LOs don't make it to 4hr feeds until after they are established on solids and sleeping the last 1.5-2hrs of the 4hrs.

What about moving the top up earlier? Or what about when you start solids just offer the breast after the solid food? That way hopefully she will take less at those top ups as she starts taking more solid food?

[zportiss]

Yes I think that's a good plan! 

Thanks for your help!