Still nursing at night

Felicia - posted on 01/28/2010

I have a 2 year old that still wants to nurse at night! You think you need help..... :(
lol

Kristin - posted on 01/28/2010

My 11 month old is still waking to nurse...completely normal. Babies wouldn't nurse if they didn't need to, so no doctor is going to tell me to not nurse my baby through the night if she needs it! :)

April - posted on 01/28/2010

13.5 month old son nurses throughout the night, just about every 2 hours. it's normal and it's not just for comfort, he really is hungry

Hannah - posted on 01/28/2010

My 10 month old nurses about every two hours throughout the night. She eats solids 3 times a day, but not very much, most of it winds up on the floor. I think she does need most of her night feedings, We will all sleep someday! hang in there :)

Minnie - posted on 01/28/2010

What's interesting to me here is that the doctor's reasoning that babies don't need to nurse at night is because of 'extra calories they get from solids.' The truth is that ounce for ounce, breast milk has more calories than most solids!



The website below is run by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and she is also a La Leche League Leader:



http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sleep/...



This link contains a range of articles regarding infants, breastfeeding, and sleep, and several studies.



As a consolation, I am still nursing my 15 month old to sleep about four times a night. She has her 'difficult' nights and her 'easy' nights- but we make it :). Sometimes the best thing is just to trust our mothering instincts as to what is right for our little ones, rather than listening to a doctor.

Amanda - posted on 01/28/2010

Yeah, it's completely normal for them to still wake and nurse at night until they're over a year old. I think my son did this until he was 14-15 months old, but we co-slept so it wasn't an issue. He's 22 months now, and still nursing, but not at night! :) Don't worry, it'll be over before you know it, and then you'll miss all the snuggle time! Good luck to you!

Amy - posted on 01/28/2010

i was wondering about that too. my son's ten months old - still nursing four times throughout the night. i thought it was normal to wake to nurse until they're over a year old, but i could be wrong. i do wish we could both sleep longer, too! my son refuses to sleep with us in our bed because he's too hot and i'm always cold, so i have too many blankies for his comfort. i have just been nursing him when he wakes up, he falls asleep, i put him back in his bed. i can't wait for just 6 hours straight of sleep!! unlike others, i can't make up sleep during the day - i have a toddler who naps when my son is awake.

Kristi - posted on 01/28/2010

I am already cosleeping with my baby and my milk supply is in great abundance. I was told by a doctor that a baby doesn't need to feed at night after they are six months because of the extra calories they get from food. "I think that is a crock of bull." I agree with what you said and will keep nursing at night. Thank you for the book information.

Minnie - posted on 01/28/2010

It can be really tiring when our little ones don't follow the routines our own bodies are used to. Many babies need to still receive about a quarter of their nutrition during the night for at least the first 12 months. It most likely is not a habit, although nursing for comfort is a very real need, and also an excellent way to maintain your milk supply.



Have you considered bringing your baby into bed with you at night? You can latch him on and sleep while he is nursing. If you can't fall asleep while he is nursing at the very least you'll be able to roll over and go back to sleep rather than make treks to and from his own crib. If you are already cosleeping, would you be able to take a nap with your baby during the day to make up some sleep needs? This nightwaking is a common concern, but rest assured that it will not last forever- our little ones grow up so quickly.



A good book to read is The No Cry Sleep Solution, by Elizabeth Pantly. Her book provides tips based on your individual baby and your situation on how to gently wean your baby from night feedings and help him fall asleep peacefully. No crying involved.