18 day old DD - crying and feeding frenzy

[WestYorkshireGirl]

DD and I are in the feeding constantly phase and when not feeding, DD is crying. The only thing that soothes her is the breast so all I've been doing is feeding her. She doesn't really sleep in the day and just gets agitated for milk when I try to soothe her so I don't even get any nice awake time/cuddles with her. I presume she smells the milk as she roots constantly so my DH takes her a lot when he's here, but he's just gone back to work. I thought now I was feeling better physically that I might get out this week, but DD is so unpredictable, that seems impossible. She has just nodded off after 50 mins feeding, but only lasted 25 mins and is now screaming. How long does this last - am finding it really hard to not get resentful of her and worry why I am so useless at comforting her?

Hi and congratulations

Sorry it's hard-going atm. It does get better, honest!

When was she last weighed? Is she gaining well (or are the mw/hv happy with her). Is she producing lots of wet and dirty nappies?

Weighed last Fri for first time since birth - only dropped 150g. Yes - lots of nappy action. MW pleased so seems to be nothing wrong...

I had a really similar week after DP went back to work and when I held her, she went into a frenzy because I smelled of milk - I got really freaked out that this was what the next months would be like, but it was only a short phase and by 4 weeks I think, dd had outgrown all of that and could go a bit longer between feeds, etc. I seriously considered giving up breastfeeding at the time but I am glad I didn't now...hang in there!

Do you have a sling you can put her in? She might settle better then. Most babies that age can't cope with more than 1.5 hours (often as little as 45 mins) awake before needing another sleep, and I suspect the screaming is mostly due to overtiredness. Lots of babies that age will only sleep in arms / with motion.

20-30 min naps in the day is normal apparently, although my DS did much longer ones.

I'd get someone to look at your latch just for your peace of mind.

Congratulations - hope things improve soon.

The constant feeding is normal at this age, I'm afraid. By constantlyh feeding, your baby is sending signals to your body to make more milk. The only advice I can give is to go with the flow and watch DVD boxsets (or MN) or give up bf and put her onto formula.

If bf is important to you, then persevere. I hate bf in the early days but in a few months time, it will be a doddle. Have you been to any bf groups - I found themn immensely helpful when struggling with DS2