2 weeks and drying up?

[broodymrs]

Panicking a bit. Been breastfeeding my newborn for 2 weeks now. He's my second baby and I breastfed his brother until he was 4 months so I've done this before and feel like I should know better!

Over the past 24 hours noticed baby feeding more frequently and for longer. He's been a bit unsettled between feeds, especially at night, My boobs no longer feel engorged, in fact they're completely comfortable. I know supply doesn't regulate until 6 weeks so I'm panicking that I'm drying up and that his behaviour is him not being satisfied and trying to get me to produce more milk. I typically have an over supply, did with my son too so this is new to me. My boobs have still been leaking a bit between feeds, he's still having plenty of wet and dry nappies and I can hear him swallowing when he feeds.

Opinions welcome, tia

 

[LaughOutLoud]

Panicking a bit. Been breastfeeding my newborn for 2 weeks now. He's my second baby and I breastfed his brother until he was 4 months so I've done this before and feel like I should know better!

Over the past 24 hours noticed baby feeding more frequently and for longer. He's been a bit unsettled between feeds, especially at night, My boobs no longer feel engorged, in fact they're completely comfortable. I know supply doesn't regulate until 6 weeks so I'm panicking that I'm drying up and that his behaviour is him not being satisfied and trying to get me to produce more milk. I typically have an over supply, did with my son too so this is new to me. My boobs have still been leaking a bit between feeds, he's still having plenty of wet and dry nappies and I can hear him swallowing when he feeds.

Opinions welcome, tia

As you're still leaking between feeds, may be he is trying to increase the supply? I'm not sure how you could be drying up if you're still feeding a newborn, so I don't really have an answer I'm afraid. I would suggest speaking to health visitor or even better your midwife. I wouldn't think you'd dry up so soon because really at this stage you're both still establishing breastfeeding. With my current baby, my milk supply didn't kick in until 2 weeks due to a huge blood loss from birth. I'm hoping things will settle for you soon. Hang in there, you're doing great!!

 

[Eleanor ace]

It sounds like he's hit the 2 week growth spurt and the fact he's feeding often means you're not getting a chance to get engorged and uncomfy. Wet and dirty nappies from LO plus you leaking between feeds all seem like good indications that you're producing well. The more you feed the more you'll produce, so LO will help increase your suply to meet his demands

 

[Literati_Love]

That sounds extremely normal. The engorged feeling actually only lasts a few days usually. And yeah, if he is feeding super often it is likely due to a growth spurt. I would not be concerned about your supply at all.

 

[StillPraying]

The second time around I wasn't engorged for long, so I think your body regulates quicker the 2nd time. The feeding frenzied are definitely normal, and usually indicates a growth spurt. Its hard not knowing exactly how much they are eating! But it sounds like he is thriving and you're on the right track, it doesnt sound like you are drying up If you need extra reassurance I would definitely call a local lactation consultant

 

[broodymrs]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to call the breastfeeding support worker today. Last night was awful. He literally snacked all night and didn't settle between feeds. I've had 3 hours broken sleep, and 2 of those were only due to dh taking him downstairs for a bit! I think plan of action tonight is to try co sleeping and feeding lying down. Hopefully he can then feed as much as he wants and I'll get some sleep

 

[Eleonora]

Google cluster feeding. They definitely tend to feed and grow in waves. If you didn't ever feel like there was more demand than supply, the supply would never increase to meet the demand, right?

 

[staralfur]

Definitely sounds like classic clusterfeeding, my LO did this constantly when she was little. As long as you're still getting wet/dirty diapers it means he's getting milk, so try not to worry too much about that. Cosleeping was a life saver for us.

 

[xdxxtx]

Oh, no. That is the toughest part, I remember. The first 6 weeks of my babies' lives, they ate constantly. I did nothing but nurse and try to eat and sleep. My OH works long hours, so eating and sleeping were difficult. I suggest having a bunch of pre-made foods or convenience foods around for this period, and I also recommend getting as much rest as possible. Sidelying position while cosleeping was a LIFE SAVER. Yes, I'd sleep with my baby nursing beside me. Keep it up! You're doing SO GREAT!!!

 

[happynewmom1]

Definitely sounds like Cluster feeding to me too. They would nurse and nurse and nurse.. I'd co sleep, have snacks close and Netflix lol

 

[dragonfly26]

I agree with the other ladies, definitely sounds like cluster feeding. My current lo, would eat non stop around the clock. It was rough!!!

 

[Eleanor ace]

Ooof, those days are rough for sure! The early growth spurts don't tend to last too long though, so hopefully you'll get more sleep soon

 

[broodymrs]

He's doing better tonight. I've had a ridiculously horrible day (in laws - need I say any more) and I'm actually loving the snuggles tonight so am just letting him snooze on me. I think I've broken through the need sleep barrier!

 

[luz]

As long as he's having enough wet/poopy diapers, everything is ok. Babies cluster feed when they go through growth spurts and will feed ALL the time =) It will pass in a few days, only to happen again at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks.......