8 weeks, its gone a little crazy. Please reassure me it will settle down again!

[LittlePickleHead]

I feel like I'm losing the plot with bf a little, and could really do with some reassurance that this is normal and temporary and not the way things will be going forward.

The past few days DS has gone from 2-2.5 hourly feeds in the day and around every 3 hours at night going straight back down, to feeding every hour in the day if not on the move in the sling, and pretty much wanting to constantly be on me at night. He will not settle back in his bed (cosleeper cot so still close) and isnt really unlatching like previously, just flutter sucking for hours. It's been three nights so far and I am so exhausted, I'm worried about sitting propped up in bed with him on me as the more tired I get the more I worry he will roll away. I Tried feeding lying down but I just can't get the hang of it, I'm really uncomfortable and the latch isn't great so its painful.

I know its probably a growth spurt, but every other mum I've met with a child the same age seems to be having things calming down and spacing out at the moment, not getting worse. I know its probably the lack of sleep, but its really getting me down and I feel like I must be doing something wrong.

I had my latch checked at a bf-ing cafe today, and it was a little shallow so that was helpful. But then I was told to try and space the feeds in the day to between 3-4 hours. I'm pretty certain this is not good advice, but its just confused me even more. I spent a lot of time walking round with the sling today and as a result DS fed every 2 hours, (And they did feel a little more like proper feeds) but I honestly don't think I've got the energy to try and space them out even more.

Please let me know that things will calm on their own and space out, and that he's not gong to want to sleep on me at night forever! I really want to stick this out, but at the moment it's all feeling very lonely as althought DH is very hands on, there is not much he can do when all DS wants is the boob :(

It is hard, but I agree that it is not good advice to try to space them out. Just do what your DS wants milk-wise and all will be good. it will settle down. soon they get interested in other things and therefore can't be feeding all the time. stick in there..

I remember feeling exactly like you.It sounds like you are doing a brilliant job.

Just wanted to say it does get easier at 12-14 weeks. You are getting there. Have you read anything about the fourth trimester? That helped me to understand why DD just wanted to sleep on me/next to me.

I compared myself to other mothers/babies of the same age too and felt a bit trapped and frustrated that we didn't have much of a routine by 8 weeks, but all babies are different and even though it seems never ending it is really such a short time that they do the feeding constantly thing.

Good that you've had your latch checked and that your DP is so supportive. He will be able to help much more after 3/4 months. We did lots of walking with the sling too, at least you get fit at the same time. A few evenings we even went and stood in the pub garden with DD asleep in the sling and had a glass of wine, although I appreciate that isn't for everyone.

Promise it gets better

Thanks so much for replying. I love the pub idea, I'd be there is a shot if it wasn't for DD (4) fast asleep. But I think I do need to get the idea of just going with the flow for the moment instead of stressing about getting him down to bed etc (this is what DH has been telling me all day...)

I have read about the fourth trimester, and it does make sense. I am just finding it hard to cope without being able to fall asleep properly. Before this craziness started he was beside me in a sleepyhead which is ideal as he's very close but I don't have to worry about covers etc, so was sleeping really well.

It does make it easier to know that 3/4 months should see things even out. I had such a hard time feeding DD (made it mixed feeding to 4.5 months) that I really want to make it to a year with. DS. I think I had assumed that if we got off to a good start (as DD had refused to latch for 6 weeks which is where our problems stemmed) that the whole experience would be a lot easier. I'm a bit gutted that I'm still finding it so hard and doubting myself all the time

Oh wow you have a DD too. Sorry ignore my inappropriate pub suggestions!

I read somewhere else that hormone-led supply starts decreasing at 6-12 weeks and from then on your supply starts to be regulated by how much your DC demands, so maybe that's the reason for the change?

I think your DP sounds wise about going with the flow, easier said than done though. I'm so sorry you are so tired, isn't sleep deprivation AWFUL?!

Have you tried lying down feeding using a muslin/pillow/rolled up blanket under your boob if you have big boobs or under your DS if they are smaller? Mine went through a period of being Jordanesque in size before they deflated and this helped with lying down latch. Sorry if you have tried all ways and this is just annoying x

Just to say that you rest and feed and get your supportive lovely DH to do everything else ans look after you! Sounds like your DS is boosting your supply just as he is meant to, though tiring do look after yourself - drink plenty and eat lots of oatt flapjacks!

I read a wonderful book called food of love which reassured me on so many points - quite funny in places too

Yes. I did the pub thing too at about that stage. Not for the booze you understand... (OK just a mouthful) but just to talk to new people and feel like myself again. The thing that got to me most about the first 6 months was that one step forward, two steps back thing you get every so often. We still get it to a certain extent tbh - even at 23 months. No-one owns up and tells you that baby development isn't linear. But in my experience it really isn't, so you get these short phases that you need to ride out. Take really good care of yourself and make sure everyone else does too. Eat well. The latch advice will help but not immediately. Try to keep the faith that it will all work through soon. And if it is any help, remember that after 6 months breast feeding gets really, really easy - falling off a log easy. If you have ambitions to bf for a year be assured that the second six months really is the lazy girls friend!

Totally agree. Much easier now at 8 mths. Even hoping to hang on until 12 mths, never thought I would say that as had a very rough 5mths to begin with. Hang on in there...