Finding it difficult

[Kmx]

Baby has been feeding every 1.5-2hours. She's 3 weeks on Monday. I'm exhausted & so grumpy.

I'm considering expressing a bottle so OH can do one of the many night feeds but I'm too worried about nipple confusion/supply issues so I promised myself I wouldn't until the 6 week mark.

She's gained 26oz in 2 weeks which I can believe due to her feeding schedule. I'm just so bloody tired.

 

[happynewmom1]

I know it's so exhausting at first. It really is. Try to hang in there. It does get easier! I remember that feeling in the early weeks too. Bug hugs

I guess I don't have a ton of advice. Does your oldest go to school yet? Wondering if you are able to nap some when baby naps during the day. You could try pumping.. I think the biggest concern there aside from nipple confusion (which is something my kids didn't seem to have an issue with) is oversupply. So just keep that in mind.

 

[PocoHR]

It is so so so hard. Do what you think is best, try expressing and getting some sleep, if you think it will help, just do it. I've read that the whole nipple confusion thing is unfounded. One bottle is not going to kill anyone. Get your sleep, wake up, feed, then pump and your supply should be fine. You're in the thick of it, the toughest part, it will totally get better. She will not be 30 years old some day and waking you up every hour to eat, I promise! :-D

 

[purplesparkle]

ive haf to express for the last couple of days as baby lost weight adwell as an odd bottle of formula. ive only just started to establish bfing again. no nipple confusion babies are more adaptable than we think

 

[1nceUponATime]

It is so hard!! There are so many times I almost gave up... my baby is 6 weeks old and it's just starting to get "easier" and by easier I mean every now and then baby is giving me a five hour stretch of sleep or four...or three but anything is better than the 1-2 or no sleep that I was. Hang in there!!

Also, I waited the recommended four weeks that the lactation specialists say to wait for a bottle or pacifier and she refused both... and still refuses both. Now we are trying to get her to take a bottle desperately cause she has to go to daycare at 11 weeks.

Now this is solely my opinion but being a first time mom if I had to do it again I would have introduced the bottle sooner because I can't leave her even with DH. If you are someone who is a stay at home mom or has an extended maternity leave maybe it's not as much of a problem (bottle refusal) but I will have to leave her in a month to work everyday so she needs to take one from her daycare!

It's up to you, honestly there's a risk either way, but with my baby I wish we had tried the bottles a little sooner than four weeks. But it WILL get a little easier on you (you will adjust as well) !