Hand holding needed re bf

[Susieloo]

Ds is seven weeks today and has been feeding non stop pretty much since last night, he's had hardly any sleep today and he looks exhausted, he's a big baby 98th centile and has gained weight rapidly since he was born so I think my milk is okay, I've also got over supply so quantity is okay, I know cluster feeding is normal in the evenings but he's been the same since we got up this morning. He won't take a bottle from me or anyone else and I feel totally exhausted, I don't have any other children so I know im lucky in that respect but I don't feel I can cope with many more days like this, I know it's only been one and that's pathetic but I feel totally drained in every way, he will feed to sleep and then wake up either ten minutes after I've put him down or about forty minutes later, I can't co-sleep so that's not an option and i can't leave him to cry because I don't want to and he gets really sweaty when he gets agitated and i have to change his babygro and sheet which would just wake him up anyway. I really feel like giving up bf. when does the cluster feeding stop? Oh and can't use a sling because of bad back and his weight. Sorry for ramble I'm feeling sorry for myself.

I feel for you. Honest it gets better. He is clearly having a growth spurt. Can you not hust have a pajama day tomorrow, spemd most of day in bed with baby anf feed feed feed u til you come put of the other end of the spurt?

Also is the latch ok? Is he feeding well, taking big gulps etc. as if not, may not be getting enough at each feed, hence the continuing feeding. Is he ok apart from the endless feeding? Just trying to rule out reflux.

It is likely to be a growth spurt. I think they're every 3-6 weeks for 48 hours or so, sometimes slightly longer. You sound like you're doing really well so just carry on as you are. I found feeding lying down was a life-saver at these times so I was able to doze through it. Just remember its only a phase and it will pass.

Sounds like a growth spurt. It is v v v hard. But you will get through it. Chances are this time next week he will have settled down again. Grab any chance of sleep you can and put all housework on hold. You are doing a great thing and if you can get through this then bf is about to become very easy .

is it a growth spurt? they normally have one around 6 weeks, and I think they last a couple of days. My DS is almost 6 weeks and has started cluster feeding today for the first time in weeks, having finally started to spread his feedings out. He's also fussing on the boob and being all frantic about latching on. I am assuming its a growth spurt and hoping to weather out the next couple of days!

I've heard that the 6 week -ish period is the time when most women give up BF so I am sure you're not alone. Don't give up!!

Oh god, poor you, it is so so relentless but it does get better promise. I rang up the hospital in utter panic as I'd not stopped feeding for 10 hours and was so knackered. They suggested feeding laying down as azazello said. It's more restful, even if you don't nod off, and hopefully will lull the little guzzler off for a snooze. - that worked for us at that desperate 2am moment...

Could you try getting your head around doing bugger all apart from feeding and cuddling? If you set up a well stocked table of everything you need close to hand - drink, biscuit tin, fruit, tv remote, telephone, sweeties etc etc, you can just watch telly, feed, watch telly, feed, oh, and perhaps make a few phone calls.
My DS was a huge feeder, and it only got better for me when my mindset changed to
1 lowering my expectations of what could be done apart from feeding
2 not feeling bad about doing little apart from be beached in a chair, feeding ds, eating and watching tv.

It did and does pass as all things do. Nelly is right, it so sounds like a growth spurt, it could be over tomorrow.

My dd did this (growth spurt) at 8 weeks. She went from one boob to the other all day long and I phoned dh in tears and told him to get some formula on his way home. Instead he came home, picked up dd and took her round the supermarket. She slept the whole time and that hours break was just what i needed. Luckily for me (and her!) that was when the growth spurt ended and we never needed the formula.

Ok I went off on one a bit there but I mean to say, don't worry, it is a growth spurt and will end soon. Can dh take ds out for an hour in the car to give you a break? Or if you can drive, pop him in the car and take a drive, this will normally keep him asleep a bit longer. Don't give up, once growth spurt is over, bf is really lovely and much easier than ff! Xx

Bugger is right - car rides very handy for enforced snoozing!

Thanks everyone from what you are all saying it does sound like a growth spurt, he's fast asleep on my shoulder at the moment and I'm about to attempt a transfer back to his Moses basket, I've also decided he has outgrown his Moses basket, he looks far too big for it and when he gets agitated he whacks the sides and he just generally seems to hate it in there so Ive ordered a cot today.

So helpful to know other people have been through it and it gets better, thank you

I remember with DD at a similar age being like that. I moaned to the hv that my back was sore after being pinned to the sofa for so long.

It doesn't usually last more than 48 hours.

The normal cluster feeding in the evenings usually stops by 13 weeks or so.

You are doing really well. Don't let one bad day get you down. I did that with ds2 and regretted it hugely.

Took forever to type and x posted.

You are doing great Susieloo, you are coming to the end of the hardest bit, so well done!

When I had days where I was struggling with DS (and even when it happens occasionally now at 18 weeks), I said to myself "stick with it, tomorrow will come soon and it might be better". And it usually is

I found breastfeeding very hard in the early weeks, but now I am glad I have stuck with it as it really works for me and DS - I've even got to the point where I actually enjoy it a bit! although not if I have to hold him up as my wrists bloody kill

why are you trying to transfer him to moses basket??? cant he just sleep on you?
why cant you co sleep? not even in the day? could you just close curtains, strip duvet back and get in bed together, leave boob out? honestly i used to get 4-5 hours sleep in day doing this.
sorry, those questions sound a bit judgemental, just trying to get full picture!
x

He's asleep

Hello tea

Can't co-sleep due to the problem with my back and the position I have to sleep in and pillows needed for support etc.

Feel better already for just having twenty mins with him off my boob, getting into bed now for hopefully a couple of hours.

Thanks for your support

If he is thrashing around in cot then try swaddling.

Agree with everyone else, growth spurt time. It passes, seriously!! Get some rest now, mama, you're doing great :)

Make sure you eat and drink plenty. When he's having a growth spurt he is taking more out of you so you need to replenish more - that's why you're tired! On the bright side, my two would often have a couple of really sleepy days after a growth spurt - I hope yours does too!