Breastfeeding…..what the hell am I doing?!

[Shleepymummy]

I have a 2 week old and have been exclusively breastfeeding. All of a sudden I just have no idea what I’m doing/seem to have lost my way. I understand I need to feed on demand but do I offer both breasts? Which breast do I then start on next time? If he isn’t giving hunger cues do I feed? Sometimes his latch is bad so I unlatch but then he is sleepy and won’t go back on, sometimes he is screaming like he doesn’t want to go on, most feeds the last few days have only been about 10 minutes. Last night he also did 4/5 feeds between 10pm-midnight-off on off on. But is that because I keep putting him on etc?!
I just suddenly don’t seem to understand what to do anymore with it and feel totally lost?!
Any advice to get back on track/how to get a grip!
TIA

I fed my 2 DC every 2 hours at that age, unless they started rooting on me sooner then id give it sooner. I also offered 1 side per feed, partly because I had slight oversupply issues both times.

I didn't worry about offering that side again next time if they only had a short feed, it all averages out over the course of a day, and you'll soon work out if they have a preferred side, then you might need to adjust things.

You can try and keep him awake while feedng by tickling feet or tweaking ears.

Congratulations by the way, its hard at this stage so well done for persevering.

The night time feeding is completely normal (but knackering!), cluster feeding is how they build your milk supply. I always waited for DS to come off naturally and then offered the other boob, he didn't always want it, and if you try to get a good latch first time you won't need to take him off and make him cross. I did this by holding him with the arm opposite the boob he was going onto, my hand supporting his head, and using the other hand to squish my boob flat (like squishing a burger so it fits in your mouth!).

Like the others have said, I'd offer every 2 hours in the day at this age and every 4 at night until they're around 4 weeks.

There is some information on cue feeding here.

And it's perfectly normal to cluster feed or "tank up" in the evening before a sleep. Kellymom has this article on cluster feeding and fussy evenings here.

You might also want to read Feeding your newborn.

And yes, I'd offer both breasts. Only feeding from one is the advice given to reduce supply for women who have an over supply.

If he's not interested that's fine, you can encourage him by doing things like stripping him off, changing his nappy or gently rubbing the soles of his feet but he may just be satisfied with the first breast.

You should alternate the breast which you offer first. You can get apps to track this and their feeding but I just put a hair band on my wrist at first and swapped it over each time I fed. After a few weeks you just get used to which one feels more full.

I'd also recommend going along to your local BFing Support Group. It's always good to talk to other Mums who are BFing, even if you just have a cuppa together and talk about something else

Congratulations on your LO too