Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Is this normal for bf 4 week old?

9 replies

wimpund · 08/12/2021 14:50

My DC is 4 weeks old and predominantly BF, we give one bottle in the evening to allow me to catchup on some sleep. She feeds well (can hear her sucking and swallowing) during the morning and overnight pretty much every 2 hours on the dot with a period of alertness in the morning before napping. Nappies and weight gain are good. Her latch is fine most of the time but she is definitely still getting the hang of things and needs to be relatched sometimes .

The issue is the afternoon and early evening, she just wants to be constantly on me feeding but I would describe it as grazing, takes a few gulps and dozes off and has a suckle while she is dozing. I try burping her, changing her nappy, tickling her to try and encourage more active feeding but this doesn't really help.

Its ok most days as i can sit on the sofa but I have a toddler as well so feel guilty about not being able to do much with her. I guess my question is, is this normal behaviour and she is building up my supply and will pass or is there something else going on?

OP posts:
SingingSands · 08/12/2021 15:04

Absolutely normal and essential newborn behaviour.

It's a bit trickier with number two as you also have number one to deal with, but as long as you're in the same room as your toddler and showing an interest in what they are doing you'll muddle along just fine.

I had horrible guilt around DC1 spending 4 weeks in front of CBBC when DC2 came along, but she's now a very competent and academic 17yr old so it didn't do her any harm in the long run, haha!

Good luck OP, it won't be long until you're running after two wee cheeky toddlers so just hunker down and let this phase play out. ThanksBrew

mummyof2littleones · 08/12/2021 15:06

It sounds like cluster feeding. I breastfed my little girl for the first month and every day from around 4pm through till 9-10pm she would be the same and this is what it was. It's tiring but completely normal xx

DockOTheBay · 08/12/2021 15:06

Yes very common, its called cluster feeding.

Roomba · 08/12/2021 15:11

Sounds just the same as both my DC at that age! Very common and normal, although rather difficult doing anything else in the house while it lasts. I made sure I always had snacks and water within reach and a pile of books and dvds to keep me occupied. The housework had to wait! It is harder with a toddler to keep occupied as well, but that's what's CBeebies was invented for Grin

wimpund · 08/12/2021 15:12

Thanks all, I guess I was doubting myself as I couldn't recall this going on for weeks on end with my first born. But I was recovering from a cs so I didn't want to go anywhere and we were encouraged to do top-ups as she wasn't gaining weight.

OP posts:
wimpund · 08/12/2021 15:13

Thats the difference this time round too, I cant watch my box sets but stuck with toddler tv instead Grin

OP posts:
Pickles89 · 08/12/2021 15:15

Yes, don't worry! Cluster feeding is essential to establish a healthy supply. Enjoy your little one OP!

PanicBuyingSprouts · 09/12/2021 12:58

Thats the difference this time round too, I cant watch my box sets but stuck with toddler tv instead.

Oh god I remember those days!

If all else fails, let her feed for a bit using some breast compressions abs then stick her in a sling whilst you sort out DC1.

Pickles89 · 09/12/2021 15:15

That's the difference this time round too, I cant watch my box sets but stuck with toddler tv instead grin

Helpful Tip Of The Day: 'Bluey' makes you want to kill yourself less than most other shows!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread