9day old constantly feeding for 2days now.....

[foxxylox]

Hi.

I'm after some advice, my 9 day old little girl hasn't stopped feeding since 7pm, last night, she latches on ok and you can hear her swallowing etc, she'll unlatch herself and fall asleep on me, but as soon as I put her down she sucking again and screaming blue murder until I let her feed again. I'vd tried to wind her but with little success and given her infacol.
Breastfeeding is going well, but I do have a crack on each nipple that I'm worried will become worse with the amount she is feeding.
I know newborns cluster feed, but us this more than cluster feeding? I've even tried a dummy, to settle het, bit she won't take it.
Any advice would be great, I just don't know what to do.

It's exhausting, but they do this sometimes. Make sure you are as comfortable as possible, do you have any help? Drink loads of water too. Do you have lansinoh for your nipples? I found it the best and although pricey, it lasts an age and works well to reduce cracks, tenderness, etc. can you call your HV for support?

For baby, if it is wind or maybe fast let-down, try a more upright feeding position. Do you have a sling, so that you can keep baby close and warm and upright while you get a few minutes to stretch and gather essentials?

The website kellymom is good for advice and ideas too.

Keep at it! It will settle down soon.

Thank you!
My hubby is at home until Tuesday and has been great support.
Yeah have got that cream, its been a lifesaver for sure.
I'm seeing the hv tomorrow so going to talk to her about it, I'll give the rugby ball.position a go, she likes to be cradled close thou.
Haven't got a sling but think we'll be investing in one if it'll help.her settle.
Thank you for the advice, just nice to know if not neccessary something i'm doing wrong.

Congratulations on your new baby :) The early days of breastfeeding are tough, but don't worry, 9 days is bang on one of the many "growth spurts" you will encounter and that are sent to plague you with worry and self doubt about whether you're doing it right, just at the moment when you begin to relax and think you've got the hang of it. As mentioned above, the kellymom website is brilliant and the section on growth spurts is very helpful in getting a heads up on when your previously contented baby might turn into crazy feeder. Try to look after the nips, the spurt should hopefully pass in another day or two and you'll get a bit of breathing space (but not much!) til the next one.

"The wonder weeks" is also a great resource for identifying a series of predictable ages where your baby becomes more unsettled. There's a great phone app for both iphone and android phones. If you understand why it's happening, it makes it a lot easier to cope with. But also know that there's not much you can do to make it pass any more quickly, other than settle down on a comfy chair for a long sit in, make sure a ready supply of snacks, drinks and the remote control is at handy arm's reach!

Oh I remember DD doing a solid 12 hour feed in the early days - 1pm to 1am, and if she dropped off in that time it was only for 20 seconds or so. It is so freaking hard (and nobody tells you) but it really does get easier. I was on the phone to the NCT breastfeeding helpline in tears loads. I stuck with it though and ten months later I was in tears because I was giving DD her very last feed. I still get emotional thinking about it now! FWIW, my advice is to lower your expectations - don't expect to achieve anything for the next few months, just feed your baby. That way you won't be so frustrated. And if you do manage to get the occasional shower in, then that's as a bonus! Good luck. x

Ah, the "10 day growth spurt"...

Caught me out with ds1 (I cracked and gave him formula - very long story). Better prepared with ds2, and it passed. It's hard, but will get easier in a day or so.

I remember it well. My DD is 4 months and those early days were tough.
I also cared for my dad until he passed away when DD was 15 days old, so it was a hard time for me.
I breastfed and I swore I'd never do it but I gave my DD a dummy. She just liked that comfort to go to sleep with, although if it is a growth spurt they won't accept a dummy.

And what Mia said, lower your expectations and just feed feed feed.
I am assuming this is your first, in which case no one knows how hard it can be to have this tiny baby attached to your boob 24/7.
It get's easier. xxx