Dear Hetal
My baby was born premature at 32 weeks. She is now 40 weeks (fullterm) gestational age. She has reached normal weight of 3kgs. Doc is happy with her progress.
She is now on breastmilk 70 and formula (pre-lactogen) 30.
My query is: How can I increase the intervals between her feeds now that she is technically full term n normal?

At night 12 am, I give her total fill of breastmilk (as much as she wants) then I give her 60 ml (2 oz) of lactogen formula. She sleeps for 3 hrs till 3:00 am. Rest of the night she sleeps only for 1.5 hours of 2 hrs. Even during the day she does not maintain a longer time gap than this.

In the present scenario my baby is supplemented with 30 ml formula thrice and 60 ml formula once in a 24 hour cycle. This is because I have to dilute/mix concentrated medicines in her formula and feed her. Also I take a short break and rest during these supplementary feeds.

I have heard that full term normal babies have a 3 hr to 4 hr gap in between feeds. How can I achieve this?
Thanks in advance
chetana replied. Although your query is directed to Hetal, i wuld like to share my experience.

My son was born on full term and for about 15-20 days he was practically on my breast all the time. He never had a gap of 4 hours between his feeds. On an average he went upto one and a half hour or max 2 hours without a feed. His naps were also similar. No long naps. Its only now after 3 months that he has stared taking a longer nap in afternoons and nights(abut 3-4 hrs)

i think you are better off without trying to increase the feeding time gap. At this young age, kids need all the nutrition you can provide.

i know its tough on you but soon this time wuld also pass and you would be able to relax and sleep properly.

take care and best of luck
chetana