help :( 7 day old feeding constantly or is inconsolable

[Amazonmulu]

Hello

I'm hoping someone out there has some advice. We are really struggling :(

Our 7 day old DD lost too much weight after birth and we were put on a feed schedule :( We breastfeed minimum every 3h for 20-30min and then cup feed her 15-20ml formula. We've been doing this for 2.5 days.

She has put on a bit of weight (yay!) but now seems to feed continuously. Nothing seems to settle her apart from a boob. Even after formula she won't sleep or settle she lies, then roots then cries.

An example (we are tracking everything):
Feed left 15:01 35min
Nappy wet 15:43
Cup feed 15:50 20ml
Nappy poo and wee 16:10
Feed left 16:20 20min 
Sleep in my arms 60min
Feed right 18:10 35min
Cup feed 18:50 15ml
Feed left 19:10 20min
Sleep in cot 5min
Nappy wee 19:30
Sleep cot + throw up 
Grizzling
Feed right 20:05 21min
Nappy poo and wee 20:27
Feed left 21:10 30min


Any advice very much appreciated :(

[SleepyRoo]

It's really early days and she will indeed seem to feed constantly. It's normals. Cuddle up on the sofa, get your partner to tend to you, drink plenty of water, and be reassured that it's not like this for long.

[SleepyRoo]

It's really early days and she will indeed seem to feed constantly. It's normals. Cuddle up on the sofa, get your partner to tend to you, drink plenty of water, and be reassured that it's not like this for long.

[startwig1982]

Cluster feeding us normal and means she'll put on some weight. Get some box sets on and stay on the sofa!

[startwig1982]

Cluster feeding us normal and means she'll put on some weight. Get some box sets on and stay on the sofa!

[Amazonmulu]

Thank you for the advice. I'm glad I'm not going mad!

[Junosmum]

You aren't going mad! It's cluster feeding as the others have said. She's increasingly your supply to meet her growing needs so put her on the Boob as frequently as you can/ she wants. It'll settle down in a couple of days once your supply increases. Then she'll do it again in a week or so as her tummy grows again.

Sounds like you are doing great.

Don't forget to ensure your nipples get a good airing between feeds, cluster feeding can make them a little tender.

[namechangedtoday15]

Yes, pretty normal. Seems bizarre but honestly, put your feet up and let her feed when she wants to! Good luck! Its does get better!

[MagicalMrsMistoffelees]

Right now it feels like the feeding is never ending! But this is very early days and it will settle soon I promise.

It's totally normal that your daughter roots for more milk so quickly after feeding and you mustn't worry that she's not getting enough. Comfort and being close to you is important too.

You are doing amazingly to be breastfeeding your daughter - feel proud of yourself. It is so often this difficult period of endless feeds that wears mothers down.

Hopefully you haven't got anything else you need to be doing(!) and you can just snuggle down and enjoy this precious bonding time.

[angelicjen]

As exhausting as it is the constant feeding in the early days is totally normal. Their little tummies fill and empty very quickly, it establishes supply and on the boob is the most comforting place in this big scary world. My advice would be cancel all visitors, get a good box set, make yourself comfy and go with it. It won't last forever, promise!

[Amazonmulu]

Thank you for the advice. I will try persevere. I can now see why some people quit at this stage and just have formula.

I just hope I can get some sleep today - even an hour.

[Curiousmum69]

Cluster feeding is tough going! But the. Constant sucking is what stimulates your body to produce the milk.

In a few weeks it should settle down. But many baby still cluster feed in the evenings.

Get comfy. Pick a new Netflix series and just roll with it.

If anything I think the constant cluster feeding is evolutionary designed to force us to rest.

[BeauGlacons]

Totally normal. It's the bit the experts don't share. Just make yourself comfy and feed on demand. most of the time Go with the flow and cuddle up.

It wasn't what I expected at the time and I found it very hard, not least coming to terms with the demands of it and the fact that I was used to being on the go all the time.

[knaffedoff]

Congratulations Amazon, it seems you are doing brilliantly managing your first growth spurt, it should settle down today (until the next one arrives again soon!)

[fiyawataa]

Hiya. I completely agree to what the others have said. In order to get some sleep, why don't you express milk and get your partner to do some feeds while you sleep. This is what saved me in the early days x

[Nousername2015]

It's so tough but you sre doing brilliantly from the sounds of it. Keep baby to your boob as the suckling is helping your supply. Just remember that this is temporary and it will pass I promise!

[DawgDawg]

Its normal and really hard for you OP. I remember it well, you are doing everything right. I hope you get some rest, if you can express & get someone to bottle feed it may give you a break.

[CDButler]

I'm so glad I've just come across this as I've posted something similar.

I'm now into day 3 of constant feeding and I'm at my wits end!

I'm sorry you are struggling OP but you're not alone!

[IamChipmunk]

Just as everyone has said but you could also try offering booth boobs each feed.

Baby might not take anything from the second or you might find they will take both. Either is fine. If they don't take the second side you offer start with that side first the next time.

[clippityclop]

Nothing to add to excellent advice above but mine reverted to cluster feeding in a four week cycle right up until they were one.Nurse told me was normal to have growth spurts like this, great excuse to lounge on the sofa and just go with it for a day or two!