Very hungry baby.... Help!

[Bex89]

Hi there,

I'm in such a dilema, my dd is nearly two weeks old and I'm loving being a first time mum, but she constantly feeds, she'll go one each boob for 45 mins then take a twenty min break and go again, I'm finding it so hard to do anything. I also feel guilty because my partner can't get a look in because she's crying for my boob!

Last night I expressed two ounces and she guzzled it in about 30 seconds, almost straight away I felt awful, and now have full blown mastitis, I caved today and gave her a formula feed, i intended to carry on bf at night time and formula feed during the day. But obviously I have to get her to feed from my mastitis boob to help clear the infection. Earlier on she fed on my left boob, my right boob and over again and was STILL grumpy wanting my boob. We tried her on another formula feed but she wouldn't take it and hasnt settled all day :( she's normally so happy.

I really don't know what to do, has anyone been through a similar experience? Is it possible the formula irritated her belly?

Thanks ladies!x

There is a growth spurt at two weeks that makes them a) feed constantly and b) unsettled and fussy. Best thing is to feed on demand, even if that seems constant. Baby is doing this to build up your milk supply, so best to avoid formula top ups if possible. The Kellymom website has good info on growth spurts

Congratulations on your DD. I would give a breastfeeding helpline a call to talk it all through. 2/3 weeks can be a difficult time (was for me) and her constant feeding could be anything from a growth spurt to tongue tie. [http://www.mumsnet.com/babies/breastfeeding-advice-and-support Here]] is a link to the helplines if you don't already have them (at the bottom of the page).

Poor you with mastitis. Hot baths, rest and feeding helped me. Try not to feel guilty about your DP, you are doing an amazing job and he will have to take a back seat for a few weeks, but this crazy stage doesn't last forever.

clickable link!

Growth spurt at 10 days, which is a nightmare if you already have a hungry baby. The constant feeding is likely to be the growth spurt and will settle.

Saying that, my eldest fed like that constantly from the day he was born, and by 10 days, I was on the verge of a breakdown. I did switch to formula, and he continued to feed at the same rate - was and still is just a very hungry child.

Feeling your pain.

We are doing formula top ups for our 1 month old (weight issues and breast pain). Midwife advised ff to be done slowly. Put in breaks. Gives them time for the full signal to get from tummy to brain.

We found the formula gave him wind and he didn't poop for ages. Had to try a few brands before finding one that didn't upset him. Cow and gate was best for us.

I have a lazy sleepy baby and he rarely summons the energy to feed enough from me. Hoping he will grow out of it.

Is she sucking constantly for 45 mins? How's your pain?

I remember when DD was that age and I basically sat on the sofa feeding constantly, just shifting from one boob to the other and then winding, for about 3 days. Definitely the growth spurt! Even after that, remember that for the first few weeks babies feed a LOT. It is how they get food, drink and comfort. It is normal, and challenging, but before you know it it will be over and she'll be sitting, then crawling, then walking and talking!

The other thing to remember is that babies' needs change in terms of the quantity, creaminess etc. of milk as they grow and the only way they have of telling your body what they need is to demand milk in such a way that changes the milk you produce. Especially as your milk supply is established in the first 6 weeks.

This intensive feeding period is your baby's way of telling your body what she needs and establishing a good strong milk supply that will support her nutritional requirements in the very rapid period of growth and development that she is embarking on. I know it can be hard but, I promise, it will pass and your amazing clever body will be producing enough milk to meet her needs. If you top up with formula you are interrupting the "conversation" that your baby is having with your body and it could make it more difficult for your boobs to be in synch with her needs - again especially in the first 6 weeks.

Try the book The Food of Love by Kate Evans. It is a really funny, supportive guide which I hope will help you to continue breastfeeding as long as you and your baby want to. And call a breastfeeding helpline or see a breastfeeding counsellor. NCT should be able to help you. Hopefully the mastitis will clear up soon!

Good luck and congratulations!