Help I need some sleep baby bf 2 hourly

[micegg]

I am shattered so excuse typos. DS born 1 week ago. 8lbs 3ozs so quite big. I am demand feeding. He wants to be fed 2 hourly. Normally feeds for about 20 mins on one breast and 10 mins on the other before he has had enough.I have a toddler and am exhausted. I really can't continue with this. Have any of you got any tips on how to lenthen gap between feeds, should I try some FF as well?

Thanks

[MegBusset]

Would highly recommend co-sleeping.

[micegg]

Funnily enough I did that from 4-7 and managed to get our first stint of sleep for 2.5 hours. We haven't quite got to grips with latching on in this position though. Is it easier if baby is on a pillow or something?

[weasle]

no, baby on the bed on his side, no pillow. you may need a hand to hold some of breast out of the way of his nose though, but i usually fall asleep myself and he is fine.

i am having hourly-2 hourly feeds of ds2 at night and co-sleeping is the only way i can function with my toddler. not what i had planned, and am trying to get him to do some sleeping in his cot (he is 4 months)

i am telling myself - it's just a phase in his life! am enjoying reading th no cry sleep solution, not that it is working yet, but she says it takes time!

[MegBusset]

It does take a little practice to get the hang of feeding lying down, but it is an invaluable skill! Maybe when he feeds during the day you could go and lie down on the bed so you can find the best position.

[conkertree]

i have started doing this but was when my baby was about 6 months - think i was nervous about doing it when he was smaller but probably wouldnt be with my next baby.

i usually lie with ds on my arm on his side while he's feeding - just seemed to work more easily than him lying directly on the bed. if i fall asleep thats fine, and if not i put him back on his back when he finishes and get my arm out as otherwise i usually wake up an hour or so later with pins and needles.

[policywonk]

As Meg says, it takes a while to get the hang of feeding while lying down, but it is worth persevering.

[ChairmumMiaow]

I agree. 11wk DS normally sleeps in his basket but if we get past 10.30 and he won't go down we just get in bed and both drop off.

I find I sleep more soundly when he's not in bed with us but its much better than getting up when he's having a bad night

We alsp feed his him on his side with his head on my bent elbow.

[needahand]

They feed a lot at the beginning but it will get better very soon when his stomach gets bigger so hang in there. Also perhaps you should let him 10mn more on the first breast. I think I recall reading somewhere that it can take up to 30 mn for the baby to get all the hindmilk, so perhaps he is not getting enough of the fatty milk and getting hungrier quicker. It will improve soon though I promise.

[ConnorTraceptive]

I posted a similar thread a couple of weeks ago - no advice really but I thought it might help you to know that ds is 5 weeks now (he was also a big bub 11 pounds) and last night he fed at 9pm, 1.30am, 4am and 7am so much more tolerable than the hourly stints!

I second the feeding lying down too.

[NotABanana]

I wouldn't start FF tbh.

Mine fed 2 hourly. Their tummies are the size of peaches and BM is easily digestible. They need to feed little and often.