Any advice for first time Mum of 10 wo DD?

[fluffandfold]

Got myself a bit confused and hoping for some advice.

10 wo DD is EBF and from seconds after being born has always fed really well. She was a small baby - 6lb3oz - but has steadily gained weight and is now over 10lbs. I have always fed from one breast per feed, usually for at least 30 mins. We co-sleep (beautiful moses basket purchased in pregnancy now on ebay!!) as only sucking seems to settle her back to sleep at night.

For the last week or so DD has cried when I take her off at the end of a feed. She isn't in pain, it is more of a 'grumpy' cry, and as soon as I walk with her into another room she forgets all about it and stops crying. She usually falls asleep at end of every feed so I take her off to burp her otherwise she gets uncomfortable (and keeps me awake all night farting!!) She has never just 'come off' herself.

She was starting to go 2.5-3 hours between feeds but has been very grumpy in the last week or so and so have fed her more frequently.

My questions are:

1. Could she just be grumpy at not being allowed to suck for longer as she is used to sucking for comfort at night? If so, should I just let her? ( Have tried all shapes of dummy and she HATES them!)

1. Could she still be hungry as now she is bigger she needs to feed from both breasts? Or does breastmilk adapt to needs of older/bigger baby?

1. Does age or weight determine amount of milk/frequency of feeding? Am I wrong in expecting her to feed like a 10 week old baby when she is only newborn size, or is it the age of a baby that determines their needs regardless of weight?

1. If I do start giving her both breasts, how quickly will my body adapt to the increased demand? Will there be transition days when I am unable to meet her needs?

1. She had the 8 week immunisations on 4th Jan. Is it coincidental that she has been a grump since then?

Any advice from more experienced Mums would be very much appreciated. I am sure sleep deprivation is making me blow everything out of proportion, but feel I need some reassurance.

bump!!

Hi, and congratulations on your baby :)

1. There's no "should" - it's up to you and how much time you have! Allowing her to suckle "for comfort" has the benefit of giving her comfort, and also is good for your milk supply.

2. Yes, it's certainly possible. It's always worth offering her the second side to see what happens. She'll get another good let-down and it may be just what she wants.

3. Well, it's a bit of both. Bigger babies may need more milk, but a small, older baby will be more efficient and effective at feeding than the same size newborn so it's 6 and 2 3s. There's no point expecting her to "feed like a 10 week old baby" as 10 week old babies all feed differently :) But it does sound like she may well be asking for more milk.

4. You will be fine straightaway.

5. I would expect her to get past any immunisation grumpiness within a day or so.

Going back to your comment, "She was starting to go 2.5-3 hours between feeds but has been very grumpy in the last week or so and so have fed her more frequently." am I right that this is the crux of your concern?

I would certainly feel that offering both sides would be a good plan. It may be that she just needs that extra milk and it's absolutely normal to offer the other side.

Is she well otherwise?

Hi F&F, sorry I have tried to write a reply several times and keep getting thwarted by a 3 yo

'Comfort' sucking is important for regulating your supply, sort of like your DD putting her order of milk in for the next day. There is nothing wrong with feeding her whenever she needs it, you sound like you're responding to her really well :)

It sounds as though she is gaining well and feeding well. You can offer the other breast if your DD is still awake at the end of a feed to see if she is still hungry.

Feeding on demand is the best way to go and it sounds as though things are going very well. Do you think going to a breastfeeding group would help to build your confidence?

Grumpiness could be down to a number of factors, extra feeding and cuddles should perk her up but as your mother (and therefore the expert!) you will know if she starts to seem ill.

Hi fluffandfold Does she have that 'milk drunk' look after the feed? If yes, then she's likely to be finished and if not, then offer the next side.

Hi I think the above posters have said it all really - just about the jabs - sometimes they can get a bit poorly/grumpy 8-10 days after too.

Also she could be having a growth spurt.