Need help/advice/support

[Charlotte1984]

I have a 10 week old baby boy who I have been ebf but one day last week and today he was feeding every 1.5 hours (he normally feeds every 3 hours) and was fussing/crying even after the feeds. Both last week after his distress and tears and mine, I relented and gave him formula. Both times, he gulped it down and was instantly happier. I dont want to stop ebf but am worried my milk supply might not be enough. Just want him to have what he needs but feel bf was one of the only things I felt confident in my ability to do and now I dont :(

It could just be coincidence, or simply the novelty of having a bottle. Its totally normal for babies to have fussy days, it could be for Amy number of reasons. Is there anything else that makes you doubt your supply? Is he gaining weight and bright and alert at times?

If you think he could be hungry are you offering both sides at each feed? If he is still hungry its fine to offer the first side again

Is there a Bfing Support Group you can go to? They should be able to observe a complete feed and check Lo for tongue tie and check your latch too.

You might find this article on kellymom reassuring too

I always offer both sides and have offered the first side again but nothing seemed to satisfy him :( Nothing else really of concern but might pop along to a bf group just to check. Thank you.

Its good that you offer both sides. All of this could be normal aby behaviour and something as simple as a tummy bug. Are you able to express at all? It might be worth sticking some ebm in the freezer should you feel the need to top up again

What days are your bfing group on? If its not tomorrow I'd consider giving one of the helplines a call in the morning.

About 10 weeks they have a growth spurt, before hand they can fuss at the breast etc as this encourages more milk to come in for when they need it. Its perfectly normal and doesn't signify that there's any problem with your supply. IME what you need to do is just be prepared with a comfy chair, good book, phone, wet wipes, nappies, remote, big drink and put your baby on the breast. If they're fussing I find get them in a good grip and pat their bum, if they get an almost dreaming suckle that seems to work best. Also make sure your winding properly as fussing at the breast can cause them more wind. Basically, it takes time. You might seem to spend a whole day or 2 doing barely more then cuddling your baby but it pays in the end (especially if you do want to ebf), and if your prepared its actually kinda nice just sitting back and cuddling the thing to remember is that this will stimulate your milk supply for when its needed rather then a demand for something your body isn't providing.

yy to growth spurt. My periods returned at 4 months (soooo cheated!) and I find my DD gets fussy just before as supply dips a little. Just thought I'd mention in case.

Perhaps express a bit then if you do give him a bottle again to top up it is still your milk.

They do have growth spurts between 10 and 12 weeks as OP said so this has probably got something to do with it too.

And be prepared that your baby will have you guessing every single day - one minute you've got it sorted, the next you'll be stumped - it's all part of it but go with your instincts and you'll figure it out each time