Three week old feeding constantly? Normal?

[icclemunchy]

Hi all my DDis almost 3weeks old and since tuesday has wanted to feed almost constantly from around 4pm. Is this normal/ok?

If it makes any diff she was born a little early (35 weeks) and spent time in nicu/scbu however I've got plenty of milk so I don't think its because she's not getting enough. She'll fall asleep at the Breast after feeding but within half an hour max of being put down she's acting like she's starving again.

I'm loosing the will to live a bit tbh. I feel like I can't move off the sofa

[WhatWouldMaLarkinDo]

Completely and utterly normal! DS was the same and cluster fed for about 4-5 hours every evening at that age. I just resigned myself to it and used the short breaks to stretch my legs, go to the loo, get yet another drink and snack... If it helps remember their stomachs are tiny when they're newborn (and your DDs may be even smaller as she was early) so they need to feed little and often at first. Good luck and congratulations!

[MarthaMonkeynuts]

Normal!

[icclemunchy]

Ahhh thank you, I was having a mini panic since she was a bit early and hasn't been home long. Should I offer the same Breast utill it's empty or swap between them each feed? Scbu mentioned avoiding giving too much fore milk by swapping too early but is it the same when they're feeding so much?

[AliceInHinterland]

I would only offer the other side if she has clearly finished with the first (drops off), and start with a different side each time (roughly). But you'll find your own rhythm together. Enjoy being stuck on the sofa, DS is 6m and sometimes I'd kill for a sit down, cup of tea and a good book!

[WhatWouldMaLarkinDo]

I'm not sure about early babies but that does sound like good advice to get her to put on weight as the fore milk is a little more watery and less fatty. I think I tried to use a different side every time but when they're feeding almost non stop like that it's easy to lose track! Maybe just swap every half hour or so?

[icclemunchy]

Being stuck on the sofa I could live with but I've got a 4yo too (although she was ff so didn't have this with her!!)

How long is this likely to last? Might see if nanny can take my older dd out for the day on Sunday if I'm likely to still be sat here

[AliceInHinterland]

I think there are a few growth spurts at 10 days etc (a quick google will tell you) based on adjusted age, so it will come and go. But difficult with another DC unless you have decent support in place. Can she snuggle up with you and read and watch telly? Perfect time of year for snuggling.

[WhatWouldMaLarkinDo]

Anyone who manages to bf a newborn with a 4 year old as well is a bloody superwoman as far as I'm concerned! Literally no idea how it's even possible! I can't really remember how long it lasted (the sleep deprivation seems to have affected my memory!) but I don't think it lasted long with us, maybe until 2 months or so. It settled down a bit then and DS could go longer between feeds but we never really had a feeding 'routine' as he was fed on demand. It just gradually calms down, that's all I can say!

[AnythingNotEverything]

Dont worry about fore milk and hind milk. Lots of people don't believe in it anymore.

In terms of sides, let baby unlatch himself, then offer the other side. Let him lead.

And yes, the constant feeding is normal. Grab some cake and a box set, or a sling you can feed in.

[CanIhavesomeginnowplease]

Have you thought about something like a moby wrap? I used to feed DS in it while I was doing other things about the house. Planning on using one again with this one and I have a feeling I'll need to as he will have just turned 3 when this one comes!

[icclemunchy]

I'm quite lucky to have an amazing childminder the older one goes to 3days a week and DH works for his mums business so can be a little flexible.

I've never used a wrap or a sling before. Are they easy to get the hang of?

[PixelFloyd]

I've got a 7-week-old who was feeding like this up until about a week ago (evenings from about 5 till 11ish, sometimes more!); it's started settling down now and we have more space between feeds and less manic clustering (...until, I'm told, the next growth spurt).

[AnythingNotEverything]

OP there should be a sling library close to you where you can go try them out and get advice. You can rent one very cheaply to try it out or see you through this phase.