4mo distracted, at my wits end

7 replies

bakerbump · 05/09/2013 08:04

I know this is a notorious age for being distracted whilst feeding, but my 4mo DD is driving me to despair.

During the day I'm just going with the flow in the knowledge that it is a phase that will soon pass. I've tried feeding in a quiet room with no distractions, covering her with a scarf etc but nothing works.

My let down is very slow to kick in as it is, I have to distract myself with iPhone as otherwise I think about it too much and let down doesn't happen. Her fussing is not helping the situation.

Final straw came last night where both her feeds took nearly 2hours each as she was too distracted, even when I turned the lights out and it was pitch black. Tried putting her back down without feeding her but she was too wide awake.

I've been toying with the idea of giving up BF since she was 9 weeks so I'm pleased I've made it this far, but the thoughts are crossing my mind again as its stressing me out so much. In my heart I really don't want to give it up though, and I'm sure she'll be just as distracted and fussy with a bottle.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:

Jemimapuddleduk · 05/09/2013 10:35

I can't help but watching with interest as my dd is exactly the same. She is 5.5months and this problem started at around 4months. I also seem to have a letdown that is getting slower (probably due to the stress of her fussing around!). I have posted separately about introducing mixed feeding.

Jemimapuddleduk · 05/09/2013 10:35

Original poster

bakerbump · 05/09/2013 11:38

Hi Jemima, just read your post and it sounds like we're in the same boat. Been in tears this morning as this is the second day where she hasn't had a proper feed before midday, DH is getting frustrated and angry with me cos I keep turning down his offers of help. He wants to give her a bottle of EBM next feed but I said no because at that time yesterday she had a proper feed and I'm hoping she'll do the same today.

I'm a very stubborn person who doesn't like to accept help. I'm thinking if this carries on my supply's going to dwindle. Maybe I will do the same as you and start mix feeding by introducing bottles in the mornings as I'm worried at this rate she's going to start reverse cycling and want more feeds at night.

Or maybe I'm feeding her at night when she's not hungry, so then she's not hungry in the morning?

OP posts:

Jemimapuddleduk · 05/09/2013 16:58

Hi baker- I have also been getting very stressed! My Dh says I am obsessed with feeding as the days plans revolves around that and it's often the main conversation topic when he gets in from work! Boring!
We were out at lunch today and I gave her a bottle of ebm she took about 3 of the 5floz which wasn't much but she then lasted until 4 and just had a good feed. Think I am going to swap 10 and 4 feeds for bottles and keep bfing for the others and see how it gos!
I thought bf'ing was supposed to get easier with time!

CityDweller · 05/09/2013 19:15

My 4.5 mo has been doing this for the last month. She has ended up reverse cycling and, on top of 4month sleep regression, mean her nights have gone to shit.

There's little I can do to persuade her to do more than snack feeds during day. When she's being particularly fussy I find feeding her standing up helps - often I'll walk around a bit so that way she can see stuff while feeding. I've become a dab hand at doing this discreetly in public!

Original poster

bakerbump · 05/09/2013 20:50

Jemima, I know what you mean, my conversation repertoire consists of feeds and naps! Hope the mix feeding goes well for you.

Thanks for the tips CityDweller, unfortunately DD hasn't had boob since 8am. She's refused point blank but has happily drank bottles of EBM and formula. So I've decided to switch to formula with as much EBM as I can pump before my supply runs dry.

Very sad and emotional day

OP posts:

Jemimapuddleduk · 05/09/2013 21:23

Aaaw baker good luck with the transition. Hope you aren't feeling too sad.
I am looking forward to less stress, can only be better for dd x

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