Breastfeeding struggles

[Jessicadilly]

My little girl is 5 weeks old and I am a first time mum EBF. It’s been going well so far other than her preference to the left breast but she was still latching and feeding well from the right with a little bit of perseverance. It seems over the past couple of days she will just latch and unlatch constantly on both breasts and then gets very frustrated and screams. My breast also no longer feel full throughout the day.
I thought at this point in breastfeeding it would start getting easier but it seems to be going the other way. Has anyone got any advice or experienced this themselves?

You might like to get some advice from someone who can see you in person (peer supporter, IBCLC, health clinic drop in) but from what you describe, softer feeling boobs around 5/6 weeks is very normal and shows your supply is regulating. It’s nice when they stop feeling like two exploding boulders!

as you haven’t been supplementing at all, it’s unlikely your supply would just drop. Assume nappy output and weight are good?

fussiness and on/off feeding can also be normal and an annoying phase, or it could be a sign of something that needs a closer look, it’s really hard to say without someone qualified observing a feed.

good luck and well done so far!

I don’t think your supply is the issue, assuming that you’re drinking plenty.

Could she have an ear infection? Lying on your side can be painful in that instance. Could you Google some creative breastfeeding positions?

Keep going….it’s worth it in the end. My first was a bloody nightmare but I’m glad I persevered.

Is she 5 weeks but almost 6 weeks @Jessicadilly? If so, it sounds like the 6 week growth spurt and totally normal.

Usual advice is to get someone to bring you drinks and snacks if there’s a DP/DH around, drink plenty, eat plenty and make sure you have a long phone cable, your phone and MN.

Congratulations on your LO too