Frequent feeder problems.

[loolindley]

Hi, I don't know what to do. I keep trying to get through to LLL helpline, but it's always busy or no one answers.



My son is 2 weeks old and has been a frequent feeder since day one. His normal was 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off. Over the past 3 days he has become a lot fussier at the breast, doesn't seem to be actively feeding, and wanting to be on more often. His feeds have shortened, as has his time off me, so now he feeds for about 10 minutes, but with 15/20 minutes off, and I'm not convinced he is doing a lot.

im completely losing the plot because I have no time to recover, to play with my 16 month old, to rest and I'm doubting if my milk is any good, not plentiful (though I can always squeeze some out afterwards), or doing the job.



His nappies are always heavy and every one is dirty.



I don't know what to do. Is it normal? I'm So fed up.

 

[Emz1982_in_uk]

Sorry you're having a hard time. I know how it feels especially to have a toddler to look after too. Yes it sounds very normal I'm afraid especially as baby has plenty of wet and dirty nappies. Your baby is still brand new but feeding patterns will settle over the next few weeks. My daughter was a 10 minute feeder and it seemed like she cluster fed constantly. Her feeds regulated at about 12 weeks. I know that's ages away but it does gets better. It doesn't sound like your milk is a problem. Maybe wind/gas or even reflux? My daughter had silent reflux and it made her super fussy. Luckily she grew out of it.

Maybe you could get your toddler to get up on the sofa with you and do some activities whilst you sit and feed the baby? I had to do this lots. Hopefully baby will settle into a pattern soon but everything sounds normal to me. Where abouts are you location wise? If UK based ring your midwife to see if she has any numbers of local breast feeding support workers

 

[dan-o]

Comparing to my two, its completely normal to feed frequently, wspecially when really tiny.
Vin is 4 months now and still feeds hourly during the day if he's not otherwise occupied!
I learnt how to feed while holding him with one arm so I could sort my toddler out/cook dinner with the other hand! Things are a lot easier now baby will go in a bouncy chair for 10 mins or so!

 

[loolindley]

Thanks ladies. I'm in Manchester, and going to go to a BF support group tomorrow again.

My daughter didn't feed half as regularly, so this feels bonkers to me! I'm just going to go with it for now, and see how I get on. It's completely exhausting!

 

[TheNewMrs]

The early days are so hard! He is just out of the womb and you are all he knows.

Have you had him checked for any milk transfer issues? Heavy wet and dirty nappies sound like your milk is perfect.

 

[loolindley]

Do you think I should be trying to squeeze a bit of extra time between each feed?

 

[NoodleSnack]

Sounds normal. After the first 2-3weeks, mine started to feed almost every hour. It may take sometimes for the feeds to space out, but it will happen.

 

[TheNewMrs]

I would feed on demand. There's nothing to gain from spacing feeds so early on except an angry hungry baby.

 

[Emz1982_in_uk]

I also fed on demand and her feeds spaced out naturally after a few weeks x x