Whats the best thing to do?

[startrek90]

I have a 7 wk old DS. Up till now but exculsively bfing both from breast and expressed.

Right now hes feeding round the clock and won't settle for longer than 40 mins. I have had 5 hours sleep in 4 days.

On sunday my PiL suggested giving baby a bottle of formula in the evening so baby will sleep and I can rest. Is this a good idea? I want to keep bfing but I am so sleep deprived I can't think to clearly.

How do I do this? Is this a good idea? Will it make baby ill? I don't have any bfing support where I live (I am abroad)

It's so hard without support and no-one can tell you what's best for your baby. 7 weeks is classic growth spurt territory. Feeding round the clock, no sleep, grumpy mummy and grumpy baby! I remember it well. I can tell you that it will get better and you are doing an AMAZING job. But you need to do what is right for you. With DD I combination fed and gave some formula and some breast. Eventually giving all formula by 16 weeks. With DS I was more prepared/informed about the difficulties and we are still going ebf at 7.5 months. With DD I feel I made the right decision at the time. We were both happier for it, but I do feel pangs of guilt now when in feeding DS.

Sounds like baby is on a growth spurt. He will settle down soon and hopefully feed less.

Is he latched on well? If not may not feed very efficiently.

A bottle will interfere with your supply long term but one bottle may not make a difference.

Not much advice really. It gets easier. Eat and drink lots and just resign yourself to it. Maybe try co-sleeping and lying down when feeding.

i don't know if he is latched properly and I don't know how to feed lying down otherwise that would be great.

trying to eat but baby not making it easy as I never have a moment :( trying hard.

I was going to suggest co sleeping too. DD is 10 weeks and we are co sleeping as I also have a 2 year old to look after as well so I need sleep! Google it so you can follow the guidelines for safe co sleeping.

In terms of actually feeding lying down, if you lie on your side and put your arm under your pillow then move baby (on their side) against you so their mouth is next to your nipple they should just latch on. DD latches on and off as she wants and I sleep, your subconscious knows they are there. At some point DD will get fidgety so I switch sides. It doesn't work for everyone but does for us and I did the same with DS, don't worry about not being able to get them in their own bed it will happen.

I hope things improve for you soon.

You could still phone a BF helpline even if you are abroad. Or try kellymom website for good advice.

Honestly it will get easier. I just used to lie down as suggested above. On my side with bAby latched on and doze.

On the "how to tell is dc is still feeding" question, things to check for include the sound of swallowing (or pauses between sucks if swallowing quietly). Movement at temple/ear is generally a good sign that they're sucking well. Stroking the ear or playing with the feet can start them feeding again if they've dozed off. Oh, and I think breast compressions while feeding can help speed up your milk flow after the initial let down has passed and keep the baby interested.

I look for dd's little neck "gulping". If she stops I gently blow on her, stroke her cheek or compress my boob.