Breastfeeding for 4 hours and baby still not full

[An89]

Baby is 5 weeks old, there were issues with bf to begin with as midwife gave baby formula in the hospital, since then baby refused to latch on so have been formula feeding. Currently averaging between 700-840ml formula daily.

I have started to get baby on breast again, more in a way as a top up to the formula. I did it this way as i couldn't start with breast and then do formula top up as baby gets so inconsolable and then refuses both breast and bottle so as I compromise I give formula, baby Is then content and if wants more milk will happily latch onto breast and take milk for around 8 minutes or so.

Today I did it the other way around, I started on breast, but baby was on breast for 4 hours and still needed 80ml top up of formula. Is this normal???
I think latch was ok and could actively see baby swallowing.

Hey I didn't want to read and run. No, breast feeding for 4 continuous hours is not normal. Sounds like your baby is just using the nipple for comfort and you'll end up getting sore.

Thank you - could be the case as baby has had a lot of trapped wind recently- how do i know when to take baby off/ when to feed again if comfort is the case

I wonder if your supply has dropped as baby hasn't been taking a lot of breast milk, so was sucking but not getting much? 4 hrs isn't normal.

Do you have breast feeding support? Should be able to get advice re expressing and combination feeding. Good luck

Ignore first reply, a 5 week old baby could cluster feed round the clock and it could be normal.

Being attached and feeding a lot will be them helping build your supply back up. Are you happy to continue feeding?

Are they having wet and dirty nappies?

at 5 weeks their little stomach will be about the size of a small lime.. it’s normal for them to feed little and otften.

It does settle eventually!

Breastfeeding for 4 hours is completely normal if they’re going through a cluster feeding/growth spurt. Mine both did this at 5 weeks (and at other points) and I remember just binging Netflix literally all day and someone bringing me cups of tea and snacks.
However, I didn’t have any extra issues or used formula (I’m not being a dick with this comment I just mean I don’t have any experience with formula feeding and combo feeding - I hope someone who does pops along soon.)

Was it four hours continuous feeding? Or cluster feeding, where baby feeds for maybe 20 mins, rests for maybe 20 mins then back to feeding - and repeat?

If the latter then 100% totally normal. Cluster feeding, especially in the first 6 weeks, is totally normal to establish supply.

The best way to establish supply is loads of skin to skin, mouth to breast, suckling, feeding. The more oxytocin you produce the more milk comes. Your baby is the master at encouraging your supply.

Have you a feeding support group near you?

Long feeding times are really normal. Its also possible for babies to be attached but suckling rather than transferring milk. This is helpful to increase milk production and it also sooth baby.

I’d give the national breastfeeding helpline a call, might need a bit of unpicking what’s going on www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk

It can be normal yes, cluster feeding is normal and builds up your supply. They could also be getting comfort which is normal and will not make you sore.

i agree on making a call and getting some support moving from bottle to breast like this is a challenge.

My understanding is bf works on "supply and demand", or rather "demand and supply", as baby being at the breast is what stimulates the production of breast milk. This is why newborns are at the breast a lot as this sets up a good future supply of milk. And it is also why babies will often be at the breast more before a growth spurt as they will need your body to produce more milk for them.

I agree with this. One of mine fed for hours like this when he was cluster feeding. They do this to increase your milk supply.

My second regularly fed for 2-3 hours but he only had 3 feeds as a newborn and then dropped to 2 feeds a day shortly after.

Also, meant to say

Well done mumma you're doing a great job!

your baby is meant to be with you, and breastfeeding pretty much continuously at times.

when you say your baby fed for four hours , then ‘needed’ 80ml formula… what made you think he needed it?

I really think given it's been a bit of a bumpy ride to BF that you should speak to some professionals. As suggested perhaps feeding group or helpline or perhaps an Lactation Consultant? It can be normal for them to feed that long though. You won't really be able to build any kind of supply unless baby is allowed at the breast multiple times a day for varying amounts of time.

Mine fed like that for days when he was born- think he was getting my milk to come in/build up my supply. Sounds like building up your supply if you have been combi feeding. Definitely worth getting some advice though.

Hello, congratulations on your little one 🥰

4hrs is a long time and you don't want to get sore. However as long as the latch is comfortable I would say that as baby is only 5 weeks old, it probably wants to be snuggled in with you (my dd1 was like this and would stay latched on all day if I let her!)

There is a midwife Rachel Fitz-desorgher that explains this really well, she is worth checking out. She has loads of videos on her Facebook too where she explains everything.

Here's one of her articles
www.motherandbaby.com/baby/feeding/ask-rachel-how-often-should-i-breastfeed-my-baby/

Bf is a supply and demand, it could be that if baby has drunk the milk available and is 'working the breast to stimulate more milk to be made for the next feed and also just to be close to you. I'm sure Rachel above had a video on her fb page about this.

La Leche league is also brilliant if you want some advice they have advisors that will call you and go through anything breastfeeding related for free.

All the best on your breastfeeding journey x

My child won't sleep. Baby is 5 weeks old - lots of gas and trapped wind (combi fed). Won't sleep unless baby is lying on front on my chest and everytime I put baby down baby cried, tightens legs and Won't settlem

Tried bicycle legs, infacol,.gripe water.

Really struggling from lack of sleep

Unfortunately completely normal OP. I've been up for over an hour now with my 5 week old too, totally sympathise. This is my third baby so I'm unlikely to find any time to nap later either as will be busy with the other two and the housework later.

Have you tried your baby with a dummy, that might help? Also we find more success in transferring them into bed if they're either already in a sleeping bag/wrapped in a blanket before putting them down. Put them down slowly and leave your hand on their belly for a minute or two until they're settled.

I hope you have a partner who is doing their fair share of night work too?