Struggling to keep up with very hungry baby

[Jabberwockydoodah]

Hi my son is 3 weeks old and getting hungrier by the day. I'm breastfeeding him but struggling to keep up. He's a cluster feeder and can go up to 5 hours constant feeding with no more than 10 minutes between coming off and going on again. He will then sleep for 2-3 hours and it all starts again. It's bad at night because he gets more fretful and restless for some reason. I've not slept for 2 nights running. He's finally asleep now thanks to 3oz of formula on top of a mammoth 6 hours breastfeeding.

I spoke to a breastfeeding counsellor and apparently I'm doing the right thing keeping him on one breast until it empties completely before swapping to the other side and pumping to ensure a good supply. She couldn't suggest any way forward. Obviously it's best if I keep breastfeeding but I'm exhausted and really struggling to cope because I have a 3 year old daughter to care for too. I should add that I breastfed her for 13 months with no problems.

Anyone else had a similar problem? Any ways of coping? I'm currently letting him feed for as long as he can handle before going berserk but he's getting fretful on the breast more quickly now. I fear he will soon only want a bottle because it satisfies him quicker. I know it sounds stupid but I feel completely inadequate and guilty for having to resort to a bottle. My husband isn't helping either, he gives me grief saying I need to just get on with it because breastfeeding is the best way.

I don't want to contradict the counsellor, because I'm not one, and I don't know your specific situation, but I didn't think that breasts emptied ever...

3 weeks they still have a tiny stomach, but I really would be tempted to swap him when his sucking slows and the breast feels a bit emptier rather than keep him on one (I am not trained, but it just feels counter productive to leave him on the partially used breast only getting what you can generate on the fly, when you have another one ready to go) - so he gets the easy, fast initial letdown twice, and maybe fills up a bit faster?

Also, isn't pumping just knackering you more? Do you really need to pump right now or could you just swap the baby after a while and let him get the milk straight from source.

Perhaps ringing another counsellor for a second opinion would be worth it?

I would also swap breasts more often!

Growth spurt? Mine used to feed for hours and hours and hours...

Thank you for your suggestion. I have tried that as well with no difference. It doesn't seem to matter how often I change him over or how long he feeds for, he's still hungry! Emptying one breast first is supposed to keep the supply going better long term and ensures he's getting hind milk which is thicker and more filling. But as I said I've tried it both ways. I think part of the problem is he wants to feel full quickly rather than patiently wait as he would have to do with the breast. I don't like giving him a bottle though because although it fills him up quicker he gulps it down so quickly that he keeps choking and taking in loads of air despite being an anti colic bottle.

Oh, and as for growth spurt he's most definitely having one now! What I described in my first post is his normal pattern but he's gone crazy in the last 2 days that I've given up counting hours and number of changeovers from one side to the other. I know that will subside soon but looking for a solution long term as he's only going to get hungrier as he gets bigger.

What you describe isn't necessarily hunger it could just be normal baby behaviour, have a read of this.

If it is a growth spurt and you are finding it hard, have you tried feeding him lying in bed? At least that way you could doze.

Another thing to try is breast compressions. They may help but like I say, this may be normal behaviour which should improve soon.

It is worth going along to your local Bfing Support Group too and asking them to observe a feed. You could also ask them to check your latch and to check DS for tongue tie and upper lip tie.

There are some good Bfing videos here and have you tried feeding like this too?

Hope it all improves soon. If it is a growth spurt then things should start to improve anyway soon.

If your DH isn't being very helpful, could he do things like take DS out for a walk in a sling so that you can get an hour? Is he able to leave you snacks and drinks and cook dinner? If finances allow could you do your shopping online and get a cleaner?

Have a read of this too. I'm not suggesting you have low supply btw, hopefully though it will offer some reassurance that you are meeting your baby's needs

My DD is 5 weeks old and we had the same thing. My DH gives her formula at 10pm - I go to bed after feeding her around 8pm - and I get some sleep until midnight-1am. She's just getting the hang of day and night - going from 1am/2am till 5am. It does get better - I know it's not ideal but the FF at dream feed has allowed me to keep Bfeeding. I aim to do so for at least 6 months. Good luck xx

Some great advice, much appreciated thank you ladies. I'm going to combine breast and bottle (got a pump already so minimal formula) to ease up the night feeding and enable me to properly look after DD. Fingers crossed it's only a temporary thing! I'm not giving up BF though :)

@JiltedJohnsJulie - I've been feeding lying down every night (I love it) and found he's actually more fussy for some reason ??? I'm doing the breast compressions too, which helps sometimes. We had him checked for tongue tie because DD had it but he definitely doesn't. My MW, HV and an advisor at my local BF group checked the latch and positioning are good.

@CareerGirl01 - glad to hear I'm not the only one! I gave him a 4oz bottle earlier and he settled straight away and still wanted to BF a little an hour later, so it's reassuring he's happy to combine. Finally sleeping so I can do DD's bedtime routine for once. I'm aiming for 3 big bottle feeds per day and breast in between when he's not starving, which will allow me to pump.

I'm not a BF counsellor but I believe the hind/fore milk thing is no longer widely considered a reason to keep on one breast.

What you're doing is block feeding (keeping on one breast) and is sometimes used when you have an over-supply. when you swap breasts frequently that is switch feeding and supposed to be good for increasing supply.

Not suggesting you are doing it wrong btw, I'd just be inclined to get a second opinion :)

Sounds like baby is having 3 week growth spurt and building your supply to me.

GL :)