To dreamfeed or not to dreamfeed...?

Lana

For the past week or so I've been wondering whether or not my baby even NEEDS a dream feed at night. To let you understand my situation...

My daughter is now almost 5months. Up until about 4weeks ago she has been exclusively breastfed (only maybe 2bottles of breastmilk cause I gave up pumping early on due to it being far too much hassle for little gain) I decided I wanted to introduce combination feeding (some breast and some formula) as a way to gradually wean her off the breast altogether, as I only ever planned to breastfeed for the first 6months. (I don't need/want anyone telling me how "breast is best" and how its reccommended for longer blah blah. I've made my decision and I'm sticking to it, so don't try to change my mind - your comments will not be welcomed)

So for the past couple if weeks I've been giving her formula feeds in between (started with a bottle at teatime for two weeks, then teatime and lunchtime for two weeks, this week i'll be giving her three daytime bottles - at 12, 3, 6pm) But she will still be getting a breastfeed in the morning (around 9am) and I've also been giving her a "dreamfeed" before I got to bed(usually 9.30/10pm).

Its been going pretty well (for the most part) and she seems to be happy. She's always been a good sleeper and usually goes down at around 7.30pm and is up between 7am and 8.30. I feel the last feed gets her through the night and also helps that I'm not waking up leaking. The last week maybe shes been waking at about 3.30am and can be difficult to settle again. I don't feed her, just rock her basket and sometimes a quick cuddle then back down sometimes with a dummy and She's fine. (all naps during the day she self settles fine within minutes and same when she initially goes down at night.)

I'm just wondering of she still really needs the last feed or if I'm actually creating more problems for myself?? If anyone has had similar experience I'd really appreciate some help! (Sorry for the big long story)