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Infant feeding

9 week old - is this much feeding normal?

13 replies

Jazzapples · 09/09/2016 19:55

My DS is 9 weeks old and breastfed. He was feeding pretty much non stop until a tongue tie was diagnosed and snipped at 6 weeks. He's getting milk more easily now and my nipples have stopped hurting but I'm worried that he's still feeding very frequently- at least every hour during the day but sometimes wanting to go back on after 15 mins. He only wakes to feed once or twice during the night (we're co-sleeping as he can't go more than 30mins sleeping by himself) but online it says babies of 9 weeks should be feeding 4-6 times in 24hrs- I've sometimes fed him that much before breakfast! And it makes it so hard to get out of the house! He can go a bit longer in the sling than the pram but not much. He is following his centile line so HVs aren't worried about weight gain but I'm worried this isn't normal. Also, often when he's on the boob he's sucking for comfort rather than doing audible swallows, but nothing else will settle him- he won't take a dummy. As you can probably guess, he's my first baby and I don't have much experience of babies so don't know if this is normal or when it might get better! Would appreciate any thoughts or advice!

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aaahhhBump · 09/09/2016 19:57

You're doing wonderful.

They are all different. Could be a growth spurt.

Is he a bit pukey?

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Jazzapples · 09/09/2016 20:06

Thank you! That's really nice to hear. Some half digested milk often dribbles out when I put him on his back but not loads.

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aaahhhBump · 09/09/2016 20:17

No worries.

Getting out of bed and into the living was a win for us some days.

Now 18 months and walking. Doesn't last for ever. We swaddled with arms up at her face and she started self soothing. Hth

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DouglasFirs · 09/09/2016 20:43

I don't think the 4-6 feeds a day you read about sounds right, that seems very little!

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DouglasFirs · 09/09/2016 20:47

But also, if he's feeding lots for comfort rather than actually taking milk, maybe you could try a sling so he gets the closeness and might go longer before wanting to be back on the boob?!

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Givemecoffeeplease · 09/09/2016 20:48

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly. Your baby will slow down soon enough and the feeds WILL start to space out organically. Don't worry - you are a fab mum feeding on demand and ensuring lots of snuggles BrewCake

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Ruthiesj · 09/09/2016 20:48

If he's otherwise happy and content, I'd stop worrying about the time and frequency of feeds - there's no one normal, so just about everything is!

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idontlikealdi · 09/09/2016 20:50

I know it's different but my FF DTs were on anything from 8-12 feeds at that age. 4-6 sounds unlikely!

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allthecarbs · 09/09/2016 20:51

You're doing a great job!
Every baby is different and he's obviously just hungry at the moment. If you think he's sucking for comfort do encourage him to come off and offer a dummy if you like but don't get hung up on it.
As PP said it doesn't last forever and as he gets a bit older you'll be able to distract him with other things.

Keep up the good work Smile

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Daytona79 · 10/09/2016 07:00

Breastfeeding is on demand and can be very frequent don't Denie or remove him and try and substitute it for something like a dummy

BF babies cannot over eat if he wants it give it to him

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Rinceoir · 10/09/2016 07:10

My DD fed at least 12-16 times a day at that age, and like your DS slept well at night. I was delighted she slept at night so was happy to feed her whenever! She definitely went longer between feeds when in sling/pram so if I needed a break we would head out!

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angelicjen · 10/09/2016 19:21

Ignore that! It sounds normal to me. Exhausting but normal.

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Jazzapples · 10/09/2016 19:36

Thank you everyone for your advice- it's much appreciated!! I feel reassured and will carry on!

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