HELP! Various issues re breastfeeding

[KiwiLemon]

Hi, my dd is just over 4 weeks old and is feeding relatively well, gaining weight etc. However, what I at first thought were super long feeds (2.5 hours) im now suspecting is comfort sucking. I keep her uptight in a hug over my shoulder after a feed for 20mins then try to put her down but after 5 minutes she is crying, every single time until she's picked up. Obviously I know she's only little still but my sanity is wearing thin as I have no chance to eat properly or do anything st all.

Another issue is I'm wanting to start expressing at 6 weeks, but howcwillthis be possible when she's attached to me all day? Is this normal to cry literally non stop?

A few questions;
Has she been checked for tongue tie?
Plenty of wet and dirty nappies?
Have you tried a dummy?-They're great if you have a sucky baby
reflux?-are there any times when she's happy to be laid flat?

Good questions from Nicky. But the most essential question is how is your baby growing? This is a key piece of info and helps you decide if she is basiclally ok.

That said, babies like this are usually fine, and it is a matter of making life easier by accommodating these newborn needs and not fighting them. Have you tried a sling? Babies who need to be close much of the time usually enjoy them and of course it leaves you freer.

What do you think.

Hi my baby is 16 wks old and his dad has fed him half a rusk with cows milk in it will this be ok for him, my baby is bf usually any help is hugely appreciated Tia

Well. There is not much point in asking if this will be okay after it has already been fed to him. If it was done without your knowledge and consent then if course it isn't your fault and I'd be hopping mad at him.

First of all - this involves a choking hazard. Trying to dissolve solids with milk to pass through a bottle is an obvious choking hazard. Secondly babies are not meant to have cows milk as a drink till they are one. Third, babies are mot meant to be given anything except milk till they are about six months old because their digestive systems aren't ready for it. All of these things have been done to (presumably) try to stupefy him into sleeping longer. In ya day and age of widespread internet use, health information from reliable sources like the NCT, nhs, who, available online, I'm amazed as to how he did this - just because someone from the previous generation probably advised him to.

I know he isn't ment to get anything thats why I asked if it would be ok, that Is the first time he has been given a rusk with cows milk by his dad and yes probably coz he was advised by his own mum, my baby sleeps great most nights anyway, I only wanted to know If this would have harmed having had it this one time thanks

I'm sure he'll be fine but wouldn't do it again. They don't need solids until around 6 months. Plus Most rusks are full of sugar and not an ideal first food.

Hi Kiwi,
To be honest, this sounds completely normal for a four week old baby, they just want to be held and fed all the time. I once fed my daughter pretty much non-stop from 3pm to midnight. Really long feeds and constant sucking help build up your milk supply, that's why it's so tough going in the early days. Do get a HV to check for tongue tie and that the latch is ok but it doesn't sound that abnormal to me. The main thing is the baby is gaining weight. It's totally exhausting but does get better and feeding between 6-12 months old will be a breeze, I promise! You're putting the hard work on now for the benefits later on. Young babies do hate being out down, I solved this with lots of walks and baby in a baby Bkorn carrier. Have you tried a swing at home? Sometimes they just want movement. Good luck and try not to stress too much, it is a phase

Baby Bjorn carrier. Sorry for the typos

Thankyou so much for the replies! Going to mothercare this afternoon to purchase a sling, I think she needs more stimulating too as my husband tried all sorts (gym, bouncy chair, book and nursery rhymes last night which she loved . I am walking her once a day at the mo but I had her by emergency c section which scuppered any plans of long walks with dog or out in car etc. Starting today afresh as I know I'll miss these days holed up in the nursery when she's bigger . Thanks again xx

Hope the sling helps, kiwi. Four week old babies don't usually need stimulating much - attention and responsiveness and closeness are fine. Singing and chatting are fine, and whatever else comes naturally :) but don't worry too much about keeping the non-stop entertainment level up. Over stimulation can lead to upset.

Not sure if it's too late op but I really recommend a Caboo Close sling-mine's been great.

Just to add that being permanently attached is building your supply, laying down prolactin triggers and is very normal. The sling should definitely help, but know what this behaviour is normal for this age.