| Just another viewpoint
I should first say that I'm a mum - not a b/f consultant or any type of expert ! This is my personal viewpoint as a result of my experience with my daughter and every baby is different.
My daughter (breastfed) was ready to cut out night feeds at about 6.5 months. At this time she was having 2/3 small meals of solids a day (just fruit, veges & rice cereal). My MHCN nurse (Australian) told me most babies were ready by about 6 months, with breastfed babies a little longer and I took this as a guide.
Our routine was slightly different to yours. We had solids at about 6pm, followed by bath, last b/f and bed at 7pm. I also gave a dream feed (ie where I just picked her up and fed her without her barely waking) at 10pm. I found she would generally have a good feed then, as she was half asleep and not distracted. Then, no feeding until 5am. If she woke before 5am, it was for something else (teeth, comfort, bad dream, etc), not food.
I believe my instincts were correct, because within 2 weeks she was sleeping through very consistently past 5am. During those 2 weeks she would just wake every couple of nights and I would offer whatever comfort she needed to go back to sleep, just not a b/f. At 9/10months I dropped the dream feed, no problems. Now at 18 months I boast that she is an excellent sleeper. Even when teething, she rarely wakes at night and sleeps 7pm-6/7am every night.
You have received some good advice, above. Personally I think that both the formula rep and the Kellymom/Dr Sears/etc advice are selling you their own ideology, not what is good for you and your baby. YOU know your baby best. I think I previously read that both you and your wife are working. You both need your sleep - happy parents, happy bub. I think your bub is giving you signs he is ready, so you are very lucky.
Good luck  |