4 week old v.long bf

[HighFiveThenSquidAway]

Dd I'd 4.5 weeks, and she basically just faffs when she feeds. She'll feed lazily, latching on and off, all in all it takes about 1.5 hours and it's getting me down.

I'm not convinced she's actually taking in much most of the time either.

Mornings are the worst, an hours feed at 7am followed by another 1.5 hour feed at 9, which I can't maintain and spend time with ds.

I just don't know what to try

There is a huge variation in the length of time babies feed - there's a thread at the moment from a mother concerned that her 4 wk old baby only takes 30-40 minutes, having taken a lot longer before.

However, you are describing a baby who latches on and off - and that could be normal (with the baby taking what she needs in short bursts of a few mins at a time) or it could indicate difficulties in getting and staying on comfortably, if you think she is getting frustrated. Presumably she is gaining weight and thriving despite it all?

Someone who knows what to look for could maybe observe a feed. The things this person would look for would be

• is the baby held comfortably?
• would the baby prefer to be in a different position?
• is there a problem getting a proper latch because of some sort of anomaly - tongue tie, for example?
• would baby-led attachment help (where you hold the baby upright against your chest while you lie back comfortably and let the baby get herself on)?
• could you learn to help her feed in a sling/wrap which leaves your arms and hands free, so that this phase (if it is a phase) does not mean you are trapped on the sofa?

Thanks, yes I noticed that thread and was jealous!

I'm worried it isn't a phase, ds never shortened his feeds. She's been checked for TT and apparently has a good latch. She doesn't seem to get cross, unless she's been feeding a while and I think she's frustrated it isn't quick enough

Has anyone experienced this with a positive outcome? I'm trying to go to 6 weeks to see if things improve but am finding it so hard x

She's gaining well and seems happy enough too

I could try baby led attachment, not helpful when out, but might be a good start

If she's happy, healthy, only minimally cross/frustrated, then maybe she just loves being close and having the comfort of breastfeeding....in which case a wrap/sling will be a great help so life can go on around her while she snacks and guzzles when she likes :)

A sling isn't always helpful unfortunately. She also won't settle in one only briefly unless she's feeding

Try a wrap rather than a sling.

Thanks, I'm trying to find a way for her to feed more effectively or reduce too