BF 11wk 17lb 11oz baby-advice

[airhostess]

Hello,
My Son is a big, healthy, happy baby. I'm exclusively BF him and I'm enjoying it. My first DS despite best attempts was formula fed.
I'm concerned as I'm exhausted, he feeds every two hours can occasionally go to three in the day if he's in the pushchair asleep.
Has anyone else BF a demanding baby? I'm concerned that I feel I can't carry in much longer which is a shsme as I'm now run down. Surely as the weeks go by his demand for milk will increase.
I've spoken to the health visitor and she's suggested formula at the night feed.
Any advice would be great. I have a 3 yr ks and my partner works away 4 days a week on average.

Hi, airhostess. This feeding pattern is normal for all babies, whatever their size....big babies, small babies, bf babies, ff babies, mixed fed babies....some of 'em just like feeding like this :)

As time goes on he will likely space his feeds out a little more - most do. He will become more efficient at taking what he needs.

If you are run down, then it might be a good idea to ask your doc if you would benefit from a blood test and a check up - anaemia, low iron, blood sugar, thyroid problems and a whole load of other minor and easily corrected complaints might show up.

Sometimes, getting whatever help you can that enables you to rest and sleep more, is useful - I think anyone would be tired in your situation, however the baby was feeding.

There may be ways your dh can help when he is here - could he maybe make some nice meals for you and your toddler so they are in the freezer when you need them? Or other ways he can share the load?

Both my babies have been like this, my 10 week old feeds nearly constantly some days and I also still breastfeed my toddler.

I don't get much else done, but I love the cosy cuddles whilst feeding. I try really hard to see it as a nice thing that I spend so much time breastfeeding otherwise I'd be so frustrated by it!

Hello op. All sounds pretty normal to me re spaces of feeding etc tho you shouldn't be feeling very run down.
Maybe you are coming down with something or would benefit from some vits and mins?
Bf itself doesn't really take much toll on the body as it's a natural process so it shouldn't be the cause of you feeling run down. Maybe you are low in iron???
Formula and making bottles is all hit extra work. No guarantee your baby will be any different.

Tho the timings are normal, feeling shattered is to. I ebf until 14 months and I found it tiring because I couldn't have a lie in on occasion or share the feeds. That said, I wouldn't change it for all the reasons you've already said. It sounds like you're doing it on your own for part of the week. Perhaps a bottle at night, perhaps even expressed, could mean your partner could help when they are home?
You need to stop or reduce when you feel it's right for you and your ds though. I know I felt pressure to keep going through four bout of mastitis and an abscess and I put myself under a lot of pressure. I'm not suggesting for a second that you would be the same - I'm just saying you need to look after yourself too. I'm glad you're seeking support.