4 hour EASY

[First Time Mom]

I read in one of Tracey's books that at 4 months, babies should be on 4 hour easy. Currently my lo is on 3 hour for the most part with a 4 hour in the morning and a 4 hour in the evening (total 6 feeds per day, includes one night wake). At the start of the 3 hour she does not cry for hunger, I just feed her on the 3 hour mark and she feeds well. Question is should I begin to adjust her times (15 minute intervals each day) to get her on 4 hour as she's going to be 4 months soon? By delaying these feeds will my supply decrease? I thought they eat more as they get bigger so at 4 hour feeds will she eat more, just less frequently? I don't pump so is there anything I need to do to increase/maintain supply?

Also, in Tracey's book it talks about 4 month olds going the night w/o waking for a feed, should I work on eliminating this or should I not worry about this? I don't mind the one night wake but wondered if this is something dd should eliminate on her own eventually or does she need help with this?

[Samuel's mum]

I don't think there's any 'shoulds' when it comes to this area. Plenty of 4 month old breastfed babies do not do 4 hour EASY and plenty still need to be fed at night and wake up at least once. You should follow your LOs lead. I feel that Tracy would emphasise the need to 'listen' to your LO more than going by the calendar, IMHO.

[daisymelan]

Marian:  Wow, sounds like you have an angel baby... and one night waking at that age is perfectly fine.  If you feel your lo is getting enough and doesn't require it, that's your choice, but I think most los still get at least one, if not two night feedings at that age.  That's waht I've noticed on this forum anyway. 

Around 4 months, my lo did adjust to about a 4 hour EASY, but it's different for everyone.

If you feel your lo is ready to start stretching her times, go for it.  But I would advise as the last poster, follow her lead.  I found my lo did the same as yours, started out in the morning doing 4 hours and by night it was back down to 3.  Eventually it all sorted out.  But I never stressed 4 hours each time.  I just went with waht my lo needed. 

Your supply will not decrease at all.  No need to pump or anything.  Your body will just adjust to the new demands.  Boy, our boobies are amazing things!  lol

HTH

[First Time Mom]

Thanks for your replies.

I'm going relax about the 4 hr and let her decide when to gradually change. She's actually spirited but BW helps the angel in her come out .

[JacobMarksMummy]

Hi, just wanted to say that most babies gradually extend their times by themselves. BF are notorious for taking longer to get to four hour easy than bottlefed ones as BM is quicker to digest. Don't compare yourself to other people, just relax and enjoy your LO as it sounds like you are doing a great job