Baby not content after breast feeding

[Rebelwithallthecause]

Baby is nearly 3 weeks old

Has been very content after feeds and slept and fed well so far

Until I had mastitis start mid last week.
I’m on antibiotics and although the swelling is going down and I no longer have a fever baby no longer seems satisfied after breastfeeding other than the morning cluster and lunchtime feeds.
By the time it gets to late afternoom and the nighttime feeds baby does not settle
Seems increasingly angry and now will not sleep.
Last night was awake and unhappy from 1am to 6am with lots of hitting and thrashing at my boobs and seemingly nothing getting to her

I used to be able to collect 3oz let down from the haakaa pump but don’t get anything in the last 2 days
I started using an electric pump last night and got around 20ml
I had another go just now and got less than 15mm
Do I just need to give formula top ups in the evening now?

Keep feeding, baby will boost your supply by feeding.

As long as they have wet and dirty nappies all is well. Fussy in the evenings is totally normal at this stage. Mine cluster fed from about 5pm all evening at that age. It’s hard but doesn’t last.

I can’t express a drop so it’s no indication of supply.

Just a thought - as you've been taking antibiotics have you checked for thrush in his mouth? It's very common after a course of ABs (they will pass to him in your milk) and would make feeding uncomfortable for him and possibly meaning he stops before he's full.

Sorry - her

This is totally normal. 3 weeks is cluster feeding hell (I have ebf 2 babies). Keep going, keep feeding, lots of skin to skin, lots of fluid and food and rest when you can. Expressing is no indication of supply. If your baby starts having much lighter nappies or stops gaining/losing weight then that would indicate problems. If you're seeing plenty of wet and dirty nappies then just keep going! You will get through this stage!

Are you swapping sides every time the baby comes off one side? You can feed more sides per feed if you keep swapping - both sides then back to the first again.

I’m swapping both sides and sometimes going back to the first again but not always as she sometimes just refuses even though she wants more

I could effectively get her to rematch on the side she’s just finished but then she’ll get angry that nothings there

I was checked for thrush and baby yesterday but all was apparently clear.

She’s fine all morning so would assume that’s right and no sign of discomfort then

My nipples seem ok other than one being cracked but it’s not itchy or shooting pains like with thrush

Is she sleeping enough during the day? Could be getting overtired by late afternoon?

If you can get her back on the first side again after the second I would as that will be good for upping your supply and getting her more hindmilk.

Yes she definitely seems to be getting good sleep in the day

Could it be too much sleep?

Not at 3 weeks. I don't think mine were awake for more than 20-30 minutes at a time at that age.

Around 3-4 weeks my baby did her infamous 11hr non stop session, she literally went from one side to another for 11hrs straight (dozing off for a few mins here and there still latched). I only took her off to wee and she screamed.
It’s a tough gig at that time but from 6 weeks it just magically improves. Definitely look out for thrush, but I’d bet my last £10 it’s cluster feeding.
Lansinoh before and after feeds, get comfy, drink tons of water, literally gallons, and you need a box set.
It will pass.

My NCT Whatsapp was a lifesaver as we were all in it together and we messaged encouragement day and night.

@Megan2018 that’s reassuring thank you

11 hours is crazy!

I don’t mind so long as that’s it and she’s not in pain or Going hungry

Any tips of knowing early signs if thrush appears?