exhaustion from all the bf demands and pressure to ff

[mamasmissionimpossible]

I'm currently ebf my ds who is nearly 4 weeks old. He was a fairly large baby 8lbs 13. He seems to feed all the time. I am finding it hard, especially as I have 2 older dc of 4 and 6 years and feel I am not looking after them properly. Dinner time is a nightmare, with them all shouting for food.

I have had several unhelpful people saying I should give him a bottle, but I know this will effect supply. I need all their support to carry on bf, as it feels like a massive commitment, right now. I'm exhausted from the constant demand

Any ideas how to make my life easier with a bf newborn, and 2 dc?

ohanotherone, I didn't say herbal teas would have no effect on breastfeeding - I said they would make no difference to the OP's situation.

I am sceptical about peppermint tea affecting milk supply adversely - I'd like to see some decent evidence first! The amount of active ingredient in peppermint tea is minimal - if someone was worried about a lack of milk supply (again, not the Op's issue) I suppose it would make sense to avoid something with this reputation (whether it is a widespread reputation or not), but there's no science in it. Milk is not made in response to herbal tea, put it that way :)

You say "I know Tiktok you often say that diet has no effect on feeding but lots of mums think there is, clearly then it is possible that a placebo effect may be at play."

Yes, of course - but that's no reason to promote or suggest it. I prefer real physiological, measurable effects to placebo effects :) I think the effect mothers sometimes say they see as a result of diet is more imaginary than placebo, though. Or coincidence ie not an effect :)

"Is this any different from a mum giving a bottle of formula and feeling like a burden has been lifted and then feel like their babies sleep better?" Well - you can measure how long a baby sleeps - so there is some objectivity there!

Agree using a sling's a great idea. I wonder if you could arrange for someone else to do the school run and give baby a feed lying down in bed for an hour before they get home - give both sides and see if you can roll away. Baby sleeps and you get some time with your older children. See if you can get smeone else to cook or do simple foods for now. Mealtimes were always flash points for us too (I bf my three too) I remember trying to butter toast whilst breastfeeding at breakfast on many occasions

The feeds will spread out eventually but you need to get as many people helping you out as possible. Good luck. It will get better, promise x

The moby wrap comes with a booklet showing you how to breastfeed in a sling so you could try their website. The local breastfeeding support group loan Moby wraps here for as long as you need then for £5 deposit. Perhaps you could see if there is a similar scheme here?

I am another one who cooks in the afternoon and I generally cook double for the freezer so I'm sorted for a dinner the following week. Its just as easy to make double of a casserole, spag Bol, chilli etc.