RE: When do feeding patterns develop?
Forrest is 6.5 months old, and he is fairly predictable. He goes every 3-4 hours during the day, and truly, I just feed him every 3.5 hours or so out of habit. He's always willing to eat, so I figure its working ok. I feed him more often if he's fussy or seems out of sorts, he's always been a funny baby, difficult to read any real feeding cues. At night, though, I offer the breast no more frequently than every 3 hours. Unofrtunately, he wakes up more often than that. If offered the breast every time, though, he will wake all the way up, angry, if he's not hungry, I guess? I think he could probably go all night without eating, but I work full time out of the home, and I think those night sessions really help keep my supply strong. We haven't had to supplement with any formula, as of yet. Another thing to think of with night-weaning decisions. So, basically, I have little advice for you, but I know what you're going through! ITA on nursing in odd places, this weekend F and I flew across the country for a family thing and we nursed: airport, airplane, car pulled over, front yard, restaurant (x2), crying room at church.
Tarah
Mama to the Forrest Creature 3/04 and Baby Ber 4/07
"All true wealth is biological" Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan