Sleep deprivation with cluster feeding

[alltalknobaby]

Hi all, first time poster on this board. My DD is 10 days old and has been cluster feeding for the last 5-6 days. To begin with I didn't have the latch quite right but with amazing angel midwives we seem to have cracked that now (pun intended ). The problem the last 2-3 days now is that she will. Not. Let. Me. Sleep. I am not getting more than 2x 1.5 hour naps which usually come between 3 and 8am. I know all new parents are sleep deprived but please tell me this is normal and everyone else is coping and I just need to suck it up? Everyone I've spoken to says it won't last forever, by 6 weeks it settled down- but I think I'll have to be institutionalised if this continues for another 4-5 weeks. We have even resorted to formula - one 2oz feed last night (slept for 3 hours! Unfortunately I wasn't expecting it so didn't sleep too) and tonight she didn't sleep at all after the formula.

Sorry this is all a jumble. Did I mention sleep deprivation?

Tia x

[alltalknobaby]

Sorry, when I say cluster feeding I'm talking 26 times a day. Breaks of 10-30 minutes from 8am to 2pm

[pastabest]

To tired to write more. I'm totally there with you though

[beela]

I would say it's either a growth spurt, or you need to get her checked for a tongue tie.

[Bex134]

Sounds like me! My DS is 19days old. The sleep loss really took me by surprise. All I hear is it gets better and inside i scream but when!!

It's hard to look back when you're tired but DS is getting better. I just think a peaceful sleep at night is long gone for the time being.

I think on the whole suck it up (using your words!!) this is what it is and try to believe what others say.

Be careful with formula unless your planning to bottle/combo feed as your milk will reduce.

[alltalknobaby]

Thanks and sorry to hear others are having the same lack of sleep issue. I am struggling to see an end in sight but will persevere with bf. I don't think it's tongue tie as she latches fine.

[Feefeefs]

8 weeks tomorrow here! I can happily say I went through this and am out the other side! We also had some silent reflux compounding the issue! I stayed up watching tv till about 2:30 every night to keep me awake. Napped during her nap and had DH, MIL watch during am when I could for an extra hour. Go to your local breastfeeding group for support. Mine started to improve around 4 weeks, now up 2-3 times at night every (3-5hours) once or twice has managed just one feed. Formula never did anything for us

[forfucksakenet]

My DD is 14 months and this was her! No tongue tie, no problems just normal I think! I used to cry when I'd read about for 'advice' and people would say 'enjoy the snuggles' because it didn't feel like snuggles it felt relentless and I was exhausted. I also almost told a poor woman on the breastfeeding helpline to fuck off because she told me to relax and enjoy it
It does get easier I promise. I would say 6 weeks was a. It if a turning point but for some it can be earlier. This too shall pass. This too shall pass. MKe that your mantra. You're doing great

[alltalknobaby]

Thanks ladies. fucksake I feel that way when I read "I used it as an excuse to sit on the sofa all day snuggling" etc. I wish I could enjoy it. My stomach churns when I hear her cry, I feel like this is ruining our first weeks together. Sigh.

[positivity123]

It's awful but it does get better. I kept her pram in the living room and when she nodded off I would put her down and catnap for 20mins. I used a hot water bottle to keep the bassinet warm so she didn't wake when I transferred her.
Also don't worry about cherishing every moment - these first few weeks are tough but it's where you realise you will literally do anything for your baby.

[teaandbiscuitsforme]

Have you tried BF lying down in bed once you are ready to go to bed? Then at least you can rest. It's an absolute lifesaver in the early weeks.

[teaandbiscuitsforme]

Also, I agree with Bex. Formula might seem like a quick fix but it can interrupt your supply. If you're giving formula, you should really pump when baby has it so your body knows that baby is feeding. If you want to introduce formula, it's better to wait until 6 weeks to allow BF to be established.

[MoodyOne]

Hey ! I'm on day 22 , I can say I am still having bouts of cluster feeding but every few days I do get a golden nugget of 3 hour block of sleep ... have you tried co sleeping and feeding lying down ... honestly this saved me , I didn't like it at first as I didn't want to squash baby, but you don't because you are aware of them ... and I love the sleepy cuddles now ... I only do it if he doesn't settle in the Moses basket tho as I have to kick DH out of bed x