8 days old and wont STOP feeding

[Sweetiepies]

I have been breastfeeding since birth, DS is very clingy and wants to be fed constantly. Last night I gave him a bottle as I was exhausted and I started crying as he wouldnt settle after 3 half hours of solid switching breasts.

He woke up at 8.40am, hes been asleep for one hour and now I'm feeding him again. During the night its constant feeding, wind then change to the next boob and it goes on for HOURS.

Is this normal? I am desperate and determined to keep this going as the bond and emotional attachment I have already, stopping brings me to tears

This is totally normal. Your baby is working hard to establish your milk supply. It's hard but you'll get through it. Congratulations on your baby.

Bless you it's so normal at this point
Try and think of it as baby putting in their order for the future
It will get easier you will manage this
try and stay hydrated and at times when baby is willing to be off you, make the most of them
both of mine went absolutely milk crazy from about days 6 to 10 and then they chilled out

Sounds like normal cluster feeding to me.
It will pass x

Yes it's completely normal and will help establish your milk supply. Don't put pressure on yourself to do anything other than feed and cuddle your baby. Make sure you are well hydrated and have snacks to hand.

It is completely normal. Near constant feeding for the first 6 weeks builds supply but it’s also how your baby feels safe and comforted. It’s all part of the 4th trimester.

The first couple of weeks are a shock but you are doing great and you just have to hang in there. In a few weeks it’s much easier and long term BF is a godsend.

Super, super normal. Your baby is feeding as much as he can to tell your body how much milk it needs to make. Exhausting and overwhelming, but a really good sign.

He's getting everything he needs from you, so you need to make sure you're getting everything YOU need. Drink tonnes of water, make sure you've got a HUGE bottle nect to you at all times. Stock up on biscuits, things you can eat with one hand, make sure you've got plenty of pillows for propping him up, go for a wee and then get comfy on the sofa. Stick a boxset on and just snuggle down and try to relax. You're doing a brilliant job.

From my experience - it could be one of two things - either he’s trying to build up supply. I had periods with both my babies (EBF) where they would feed constantly. It would last a couple of days and then calm down once more milk came in. Or, another thing to check is whether or not he’s feeding properly or snacking (I had this with my DS around the same age). The issue I had with my DS was that he was just getting the foremilk, which is very light and sugary, and not the hind milk (which is fattier and more filling). He would just snack, not get filled up and then snack again. The war I could tell (what the lactation specialist showed me) was to see if he was taking long sucks, or just short ones (snacking). Also important to try and keep them awake while they’re on the boob so they feed long enough for the hind milk to come in.
If you are concerned, maybe talk to you health visitor and see if they can refer you to a lactation specialist?

This is totally normal, make sure you have water and maybe something to eat! You might want to buy lanosin (sp?) for your nipples if they get sore or cracked. Also rub breast milk on them and try and have them out to let them breathe to help with any pain.

Definitely make sure you are drinking loads of water. Dehydration will only thwart your milk supply.

Make sure he is peeing and pooing regularly so you know he is getting enough.
My DS would do Marathon feeds at this age. I kept track once and it was something like: Fed from 2pm to 4pm, 4.40pm to 8pm, 10pm to 2.30am, 5am-7am
I think it's them building your supply. Make sure you have someone to bring you food and drink. Sleep when you can. And watch lots of Netflix while awake! You've got this!

Both my breastfed babies were like this. It was exhausting. There is now a permanent indentation on the couch where I sat with them both, my arse is permanently imprinted. But it does calm down. They get themselves in their own routine and it will get easier.
Congratulations on your baby!

I am going through this too! It is completely normal- I was given a lot of conflicting advice and was told by a midwife that my milk supply was inadequate. This isnt true- like everyone else has said, baby is just getting your boobs to up their supply. It's tough but hopefully it'll pass for both of us. Make yourself comgy- lots of snacks, pillows and netflix. Best of luck x

Totally normal for this age. When you’re in the middle of it then it feels never ending but it will get so much easier very soon. Baby is working hard to build your supply but also needs the warmth and comfort from you.

Thank you everyone for the replies, I am overwhelmed. DS1 was bottlefed so I have no idea how all this works.

I have been guzzling water like no tomorrow and I had no idea why I was so thirsty I do now he goes for a poo and wee all the time. Its like hes feeding and going right through him.

Yes it's normal.

If he has wet and dirty nappies he's getting enough milk and is building your supply. Breastfeeding is hard and time consuming at the beginning but as time goes on it becomes the easiest most convenient thing ever.

I second getting lansinoh cream too.

It’s normal. But day 8 with DC1 is just plain hard. It will get easier. Hang on, and it’ll be better. A couple of PPs mentioned Lansinoh: honestly that was probably the thing that enabled me to keep on bf-ing.

It’s normal. Exhausting though eh? It’s a perfect excuse to sit and watch some tv while getting cuddles and bonding with baby.