Another breastfeeding thread

[Lumie9]

DS is 4 weeks old and is currently EBF. Ostensibly it’s going well as he is putting on loads of weight (a whole pound in his first week), which the midwives said is unusual as most babies lose weight at first.

I had some problems getting the latch right at the beginning and found it extremely sore but thankfully that seems to have resolved itself, as I was told it would.

The problem is, I just...hate it. The frequency of it has taken me totally by surprise and wasn’t something I had even thought about before the birth. More than that, though, I just hate the sensation. He is a lovely baby but he is hungry all the time (not unusual I know) and he makes the most amazing noises when he feeds, honking and growling and clawing at my boobs with his little finger nails like a little gremlin. It’s kind of amusing during the day but terrifying at night, especially when he gets colicky and cries and writhes around, meaning I have to re-latch him over and over again.

I find myself dreading each feed (sometimes barely half an hour in between) and I usually climb into bed with my arms crossed over my boobs and curl up into the foetal position because I’m completely touched out and just don’t want to be touched anymore.

I’ve been to my local BF group which has been really helpful for the latch but all the ladies there talk about how much they love BF and I just cannot relate. The thought of doing it for a whole year or even another few months fills me with dread!

I know I’d be stupid to give up when it’s going so well for him but I just don’t think I can bear it!

Am I alone in this?!

You aren't alone, it's really gruelling at this stage. Eventually they get bigger stomachs and go longer between feeds but this stage feels like ages. It won't be like this for a year although obviously I can't tell you how long it will go on for as it seems to vary a bit.

Give it to 8 weeks and see if you feel any different. This was a turning point for me. Baby's tummy was bigger so it was hours rather than minutes between feeds. The early days are relentless but hang on in there and it's worth it for the later days with no formula to faff with.

Is he getting enough at one feed - if he is feeding with very short gaps it may be worth trying to make the feed longer with good box set on and camp out and then when finished you may get a bigger gap in between. He may be a sucky baby so a dummy can help.

When you feed, burb then offer same side again so he gets the fattest milk. The milk is everything a drink, snack, comfort and meal so sometimes they just want a bit more, so it can and does feel relentless. I am currently trying to pack for half term with clothes all over the bed & this seems to have triggered the biggest longest feed and unsettled morning ever!

Nipple shields can help, I know it's not painful, but may be an option. I have also expressed once a day so once a day someone else or even me can give a good bottle feed, I know he is full and that helps a bit.

At this age/stage the feed a lot for supply/comfort etc etc -

There is nothing wrong with combine feeding or just FF for that matter, but if you want to combine, just one time slot that you will replace the feed with and that becomes the formula feed or expressed milk It may give you some freedom, even psychologically- I chose to do that last time and did a day time bottle so I could go to a cafe and not feel self conscious about the feeding.

Like someone said maybe give yourself a target like 8 weeks then review.

For now get some good distractions, trash tv, box sets & podcasts - to put on during the feed.