Am I breastfeeding too much?

[Springtimeflowers]

My DD is 6 1/2 weeks, and since she's been born always feeds about 20 times a day. My midwife and HV both said this was fine and normal, but I haven't seen the midwife since about 2 1/2 weeks, and the HV since around 3 weeks. I've also posted on here fairly recently, where most people assured me that this was fine.

But I'm now really doubting myself. Last week I went along to a breastfeeding group, and the health professional (I'm not sure of her title, it just says member of the health team on the website) asked how many times a day I feed DD. When I told her, she looked a little concerned and seemed to think it was too often and unrealistic as I also have a toddler. She also gave me some tips to try and feed a bit less.

I was happy with how things were going, but I'm so unsure now and feel like I'm doing everything wrong. DD is gaining weight well and generally content, but I'm wondering if I am feeding her too much?

I haven't changed anything I have been doing, but just wondering what you think? My dh said that I know DD better than someone who saw me for 5 minutes, but I'm aware she does have a lot more knowledge than me so maybe I am wrong. I just don't want to let DD down.

[RedFin]

As long as baby is gaining weight and has the correct number of wet and dirty nappies then you're good! My baby fed a lot but I didn't have enough milk so he was expending energy sucking and not getting milk in return. I think this might be the only instance when a baby could be said to be feeding too much. It sounds like you're doing a great job, plus you have a toddler!! Well done, keep it up and well done to your supportive DH too (make sure you eat lots of cake to "keep up your energy!")

[JurassicAdventure]

If you're happy, and DD is happy and gaining weight then you're fine. Sometimes she'll want to feed all the time, sometimes she'll go longer.

Congratulations on your new baby! I hope you're getting some sleep!

[Ratbagratty]

I was given a leaflet tin hospital that said a "good" breastfeeding session is between 10-45min. Dd1 was at one end and dd2 at the other and as pp says weight gain and nappies are the best indicator.

[Springtimeflowers]

Thank you for your replies, it's nice to have some encouragement that it's okay. I'm fairly sure that I have enough milk, as if DD ever breaks the latch I can see milk come out, and I also have to change breast pads often.

It's sometimes just hard to know what to do when you're told different things.

[TrashPanda]

If you are happy and coping with the amount if time feeding and your toddler then you are absolutely fine. The frequency and duration of feeds is so variable, very few things are actually wrong.

It may be the person you spoke to felt you were worried about the number of feeds or were struggling to have time to sort the toddler. Even a tiny throw away comment can be picked up in case it points to a concern that can be easily rectified.

[fastfooder]

Do not listen to her!
When I had my first she fed every 10mins literally all day that girl was on the boob when I went to the weigh in they said no you should be feeding every 2-3 hrs and me being a new mum I listened for a few days but she cried and cried and I decided enough was enough and I fed her whenever she wanted and after about 3months she finally started giving me enough time in between feeds to have a shower or tidy up abit. They literally do not know what they are on about just do what makes you and your baby happy.

When I had my second they said I had to feed on demand and then I just decided to stop going bc they all have different opinions and they make you doubt yourself and i don’t need that.

[Springtimeflowers]

Thanks again, I am happy so think I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

I know that the woman was only trying to help, it just left me feeling insecure in what I've been doing. My toddler was the opposite with feeding, so it's just taking some getting used to.