Help please. Minutes away from giving up bf

[Nobhobs]

I have a 3 week old DS and breastfeeding has generally gone on, had some troubles with engorgement when milk came in but got past that. I think I have over supply or fast let down as he's pulls off, coughs and splutters and generally struggles during feeds. Copes better in day but night feeds are a nightmare for him.

Today I just don't know what to do. He's been feeding for two hours straight, pulling off every 5 seconds crying. We're both soaked, as are my bed sheets and two towels. He just won't stop latching back on and pulling off. He's so upset and I don't know what to do. This close to sending DH to buy some formula.

I've tried breastfeeding lying down, he used to do this but won't anymore without screaming the house down. I've tried reclining but he can't seem to latch. We usually do cross cradle/cradle hold but even in that position it's making a clicking noise and I think he's just taking loads of air. We are both in tears and not getting anywhere.

I rented a great pump from these people.

https://www.medela.co.uk/breastfeeding/products/breast-pumps/symphony-rental?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvLb2-qbk4wIVDbTtCh2nlgXEAAYASAAEgIvlPDD_BwE

It was couriered the next day with everything you need. It was the same one I used in the hospital.
I combi fed and found it really worked for us.

Like everyone has said, you are going brilliantly. One bottle or more does not mean the end if breastfeeding. Even if you do want to swap to bottles that's ok too xxxx

Agree with others one bottle of formula at 3 weeks does not mean you need to completely give up breastfeeding.

My 12 week old has had a bottle every night since 4 weeks and happily breastfeeds for the rest of the day.

I’m happy because I don’t have to do an evening clusterfeed and I know I can leave him to pop out for an hour or two and he won’t go hungry. He’s happy because he’s getting fed.

Also agree that it sounds a bit like trapped wind though.

could be:

wind
reflux
cluster feeding
tongue tie (but this would probably have become apparent before now)
thrush

For now just do your best, do you have a midwife or health visitor or bf support that you could call?

@Nobhobs you are doing great, babies have growth spirts around 3 weeks so will feed more.

Is the pulling off a new thing, was he feeding well up until now?

There could be any number of reasons he has started pulling away.

Have you eaten anything different that he might not like the taste of (strong food, curries etc)?

Is it quite warm where you are, he could be thirsty and just wanting the watery milk rather than the food part.

He could have trapped wind or a blocked nose.

Do you have any bottles in the house? You could hand express some milk and get DH to feed when you are in another room. I have heard the 8 week thing before as well but a few bottles won't stop ds bf but will get him over the ravenous phase where he might be frustrated.

Also a one off formula feed won't hinder bf either, as another poster said buy pre made bottles or the little cartons you pour in to bottles to save buying a whole tub of formula you might not use.

There is lots of support for bf queries/problems but it is in no way a reflection on you if you do decide to switch to formula, happy mum =happy baby.

I completed the breastfeeding network peer support training (albeit over 10 years ago) so feel free to ask anything you want and I will try and find the answers for you x

How are you doing, @Nobhobs?