End of my tether

[WhatWillSantaBring]

DS2 is almost 4 weeks and EBF, but things seem to be getting worse to the point where I just can't cope bad don't know what to do.

He had a TT snipped a week ago but all the things I was promised would improve haven't and more issues seem to be coming up. He is gaining weight well but feeding is a fucking nightmare. I struggle to get him to latch on and he keeps falling asleep or falling off the latch, so it never feels like he's having a proper feed, just lots of snacks.

Current pattern is feed for 5 mins, he falls asleep (and no amount of tickling will wake him) so I put him down and within ten mins he's rooting again. He's probably managing two two hour sleeps in 24 hours -otherwise it's an hour or less each time.

I don't think he's getting enough hindmilk as his poos are green about once a day (rest of the pois are yellow, but at least one green one each day).

I don't wqbt to give up, mostly because I'm far too lazy to use formula. I EBF dc1 till 6 months but I don't remember it being this head after 4 weeks.

Help!

Hi whatwill. Sounds like you need to seek out some real life breast feeding support. Health visitors? Breast feeding support group/cafe? National Breastfeeding Helpline? Also, what about expressing to try & measure exactly how much LO is getting?

I've got a 7wo ebf & while not having the same problems as you I will admit at times it is tough (like what feels like constant feeding since 10pm!). But I am going to persevere because like you I not only think it's what is best for baby - I cannot be bothered with formula!

Good luck. I hope I've not just typed a bunch of stuff you've heard before.

In the morning find a local breastfeeding drop in. your children's centre should have a list. La Leche are ace. I'm in a similar situation with my two week old DS2, posterior tongue tie so no snip, cannot get him latched strongly etc.

If your DS is gaining weight and producing lots of wet nappies you really do not need to worry about one green poo a day, that's well within the bounds of normal. Can someone (partner) help you to focus on feeding this weekend? You need to sleep between feeds, get lots of skin to skin, have a bath with DS2 etc. I know you probably know this already, but sometimes it helps to be reminded. Best of luck.

Could you take out for walk so that he sleeps longer and when wakes is genuinely hungry. And has a good feed.

I found putting mine in a baby swing good (though longest she would go would be 40mins.)
I think maybe lots pf short feeds can cause more gas etc

DS had a TT and it was tough going for a while. They can regrow - were you given stretching exercises to do to prevent reattachment?

Just another thought, does he sleep for longer if you hold him rather than put him down? DS had prolonged jaundice abs I struggled to keep him awake. My midwives told me the best way to wake him up is to put him down as they like to be on you.

Breastfeeding babies do feed little and often-when they are small it really does seem like they aren't taking much but if he is growing he is obviously getting plenty. I BF my first 2 DCs for over a year each so when
I had DC3 I thought-old hat, I know what I'm doing. It then took 6 MONTHS before he had truly got the hang of it! He just didn't seem to latch on, it was uncomfortable and I just couldn't work out why. Then with hindsight, after a child who was prone to choking and who had speech issues and who had a "lazy soft palate", we had our answer! So do keep battling on-hopefully you will get there even if it is slowly. Good Luck!

I think when DD2 had hers snipped I read it could take two weeks or more to see a change. Do you have a follow up appointment for them to check if it's not been completely snipped? I had to go back to the NCT bf counsellor who had referred me a week after the operation so she could check and see it was all healing. Find someone who can have a proper look and advise.

I know that they aren't the done thing, but I was/am in the exact same situation as you, and nipple shields changed everything. After tt snipped and latch was still poor, nipple shields have enabled me to EBF successfully. Full, decent feeds.

DS is 8 weeks and I'm still using them, but I have decided that if it works it works!