Struggling to continue!!

[Mummyxofx2]

Lo is 8 days old today. The first day she was born I had the worst night with a 11 hour feeding session with only a few 15 minute breaks here and there. Midwife said to let nipples rest as they were exteamly cracked and bleeding. Day 3-4-5 were great with 20 minute feeds 2 hourly day 6 came and she has since started to want to feed constantly now and I have nothing In me. My milk is almost gone. The only time I have some is the first 2 feeds of a morning then it's constantly all day until bed time I get a 2 hour break. It's starting to wear me down extreamly. I'm soooo tired I can't function properly. I have a 8 year old and a 5 year old to care for as well but I am finding it very difficult to. The past 2 days they have had to make their own lunch because I'm feeding. I really don't know what to do. I'm worried I may end up getting depression because I'm trying to do the best for my newborn but in return can't look after my other children =(

 

[Mummyxofx2]

Oh and she lost 15grams in 2 days after the official drop and gain.

 

[justkitty]

From what others have said its baby building supply. I appreciate how difficult it must be with your other kids too. Could you sneak a dummy in for a bit while you make lunch for your other two and maybe for a bit in the dsy just to give your eldest two a bit of time and you a boobie break? I'm not experienced enough to say it will or won't affect supply. Also could you maybe make lunch in the morning so it's in the fridge then all you have to do is get it out? You could express some milk in a week or so allowing your eldest to help. Plus at 8 I don't think its awful that she had to make her own lunch sododon't feel bad. Plus all your hormones are raging right now so things feel worse than they are. Hope that helps x

 

[missk1989]

It does sound like cluster feeding which is natural for establishing a supply. I would say get some quick things in for the kids that they can help themselves to like sausage rolls and snacks for yourself. try to keep them involved in the baby so they understand why they haven't got all your attention. Ask for their help to get things ready nappy changing and bath time. Its unlikely that you have no milk its just that your body produces more first thing in the morning so unless you miss a feed you don't feel as full in the daytime. You could try wearing baby in a sling so you can still look after the other too.

 

[Mummyxofx2]

Thanks girls. I have tried a sling but she hates it. Won't latch properly and then screams blue murder. I Havnt tried a dummy yet as I was worried she might really take to it then I can't get it off her. My other 2 girls were ff and both had dummies of a night only and it took a while to get them off it. Midwife said cluster feeding should only last a couple days but today day 3.

 

[missk1989]

Cluster feeding comes and goes in the first few weeks. I remember being confined to the sofa for about 6 weeks after birth. That probably isnt what you want to hear but i dont want you to feel something is wrong and give up on bf. equally if you do feel something is wrong then dont hesistate to call out a midwife or HV, they are there to help.

 

[Mummyxofx2]

Midwife has said I do have low supply and has suggest fenugreek so heading out tomorrow to get some.

 

[missk1989]

Try eating plenty of oats and drinking loads of water too. As hard as it is try not to miss a feed as this will do more harm than good.

 

[Mummyxofx2]

Can't miss a feed when she is constantly on me lol. Have been eating oats since pregnancy and always thirsty to

 

[Care76]

Fenugreek is great, but you need to take enough that you smell it on you. You will actually sweat the smell, kind of a spicy maple smell. I take 4 capsules 3 x day. Good luck!

 

[Jary]

Definitely cluster feeding! I don't miss it!

Just take each day as it comes. You're doing so well already and baby is just trying to build your supply like the others said. I don't remember having much at first but once BFing becomes established then your milk will be fine and she will stop the cluster feeding.