My son has never been a great sleeper but his sleep has got worse recently, wanting breast feeds each time he wakes. He has a good bedtime routine and naps for 2 one hour periods a day, going to sleep in his cot on his own each time. Lots of people have told me he doesn't need night feeds now. How can I help him go back to sleep on his own during the night without feeding him every time?

A Night feeds are always difficult because you are so tired. Your son is obviously very hungry and needing to feed more at the moment. He could be having a growth spurt or he could be in the habit of waking.

You could try to pacify him at night by not taking him out of the cot or feeding him, your partner may have to attend to him so he does not smell your milk and see if he goes back to sleep. If this does not work then he is genuinely hungry and you will need to feed him.

You could then try to cluster feed in the evening to see if that helps.

Make sure you are eating plenty during the day to keep your quality of milk good

Weaning onto solid foods is recommended at 6 months/24 weeks and you might find he is well and truly ready for solids.

health visitor

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