Is it possible to go from combination feeding to EBF at 6 weeks? Please help!

[SLworld]

I’ve always wanted to exclusively breastfeed my baby, but we’ve had a difficult start and I’m wondering whether it’s still possible to get there.
My milk came in late, and my baby had a severe tongue tie which caused a very shallow latch. It was released when he was 4 days old and then again at 5 weeks. His latch has improved considerably since the second release.
We’ve seen two different lactation consultants, several midwives and our health visitor, who have all said that his latch and feeding look good.
I’ve been offering him the breast as much as possible, but we’re still having to top up with 60–90ml of formula.
He’ll sometimes feed for around 30 minutes across both breasts and seem satisfied, but then want to feed again within 30 minutes. Other times, he’ll feed for 5 minutes, fall asleep and wake up still hungry.
He also sometimes gets frustrated at the breast, pulling and thrashing his head around with my nipple in his mouth.
I’m worried I’m not producing enough milk, although when I pump I can usually get between 60ml and 150ml. If I try to exclusively breastfeed throughout the day, by the afternoon he seems increasingly frustrated and his wet nappies start to decrease, so I end up giving him formula.
He seems to really enjoy breastfeeding and will sometimes refuse a bottle but happily latch onto the breast.
I’m desperate to make breastfeeding work and would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

• Has anyone successfully gone from combination feeding to exclusively breastfeeding at around 6 weeks?
• Is it possible to increase my supply at this stage, and how did you do it?
• Could he be getting enough milk but just wanting to cluster feed, or does this sound like a supply issue?
• What helped you when your baby was frustrated at the breast?

I don’t want to risk him not getting enough milk, but I’m finding combination feeding emotionally difficult when I’ve always hoped to EBF. Is it too late for us, or is there still a chance? What would you do in my situation? Thank you so much. I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences.

How much formula do you use across twenty four hours - sorry I wasn’t sure with your post?

I went from combination to EBF at around 4 or 5 weeks, as DD had a cow milk intollerance and the health visitor asked if I wanted to have a go at EBF. I did, cluster feeding made me lose my sanity, but once I made peace with it, it was fine! Lots of time watching crap tv on the sofa with baby attached. DD was growing well and health team had no concerns. I think having a relaxed approach helped me, so I wasn't a failure if it didn't work. I did express milk so DP could feed (and i could shower!). I was told that supply increases with demand, so the more baby feeds the more you produce. I also ate like a horse, it wasn't a time for diets! 😁good luck!!

Cluster feeding is normal at around 6 weeks because this is the natural way of increasing supply. What you can do to facilitate this is rest, eat well and drink plenty and keep your baby with you, feeding him as frequently as possible. You can gradually decrease the amount of formula.

Hi OP,
sorry you’re having a tough time. Your baby likely has a flow preference from the bottle, which is usually much faster than a boob. Are you doing paced feeding with the bottle? There’s lots of videos online.
If your baby wasn’t latching well in the first two weeks then it may be that your supply has suffered a bit. The first thing to do is maximise what baby is getting at the breast, you can use breast compressions and switch feeding to help with this (again lots of videos online demonstrating these techniques). The best way to increase supply is to increase milk removal from the breast. This means feeding the baby as often as he wants at the breast and look out for active drinking (his chin will drop slightly and you’ll hear him swallow).
Feeding during the night is really important too, as your prolactin levels are highest then.
What kind of pump do you have? A double electric is the best for building supply, and using hands on pumping techniques can make a big difference to the amount of milk removed, as can hand expressing after a pumping session.
Keep an eye on the baby’s nappies and weight before dropping the top ups. Also try to get to a breastfeeding support group if you can, they usually have lots of good advice.

Sounds very similar to what I went through with DS.

He had a tie cut at about 5 weeks and it didn’t improve things, he was feeding constantly (which they do at that age anyway) and was always hungry and screaming so he had two bottles of formula a day where he was finally content after a feed. He had the tie divided again at 10 weeks and also saw a cranial osteopath and I made sure I did his exercises . He’s 14 weeks and now EBF.

i had a really hard time it was totally all consuming and I was so miserable but things are so much easier now

that age is hard when they’re cluster feeding and crying peaks at that age too but things got much easier :)

What you are describing is very normal BF behaviour at 6 weeks. I never gave an Oz of formula and my baby was fussy in the evenings (every fucking evening), fed all.the time.and not on schedule. Cluster feeding is real and you have to lean into it. I think.you need to cut out the formula gradually, just accept a fussy baby for a day or 2

How mean and unhelpful. Yes, how selfish of the OP to be working hard to do the thing everyone is telling her is best for baby.

Also, yes, long term BF can be easier than formula, IF it is established and going well. I certainly persevered as I found it easier after a while. It's a source of nutrition and comfort, all in one. How terrible of me.

OP - do what works best for you.

You obviously have a very limited understanding of the emotional impact and benefits of breastfeeding. How sad.

Sorry I haven’t responded sooner. I’ve ended up with mastitis and have been admitted to hospital.
Thank you to everyone who offered helpful tips, advice and support. I really appreciate it.

@Floppyearedlab I do find it emotional that I’m struggling to EBF, but when I posted, I didn’t feel I should have to justify why breastfeeding matters so much to me.
I have Crohn’s disease and UC, and have spent a large part of my life since my teens enduring painful procedures, operations and medication. I desperately don’t want my son to have to go through the same. Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of developing Crohn’s disease and UC, and that is a big part of why this means so much to me. I want to do whatever I reasonably can to reduce his risk of experiencing the pain and difficulties I have.
So yes, this is about him, not me.
But even if I simply wanted to breastfeed because it was something I wanted for myself, that would be a valid reason too. Nobody should have to explain or defend their personal reasons for wanting to breastfeed.
A short post on MN is never going to tell someone the whole story behind their choices. I came here looking for advice and support, not to be judged or made to feel I had to justify myself.
If you have nothing kind or constructive to say, sometimes it’s best to say nothing at all.

Hope you’re ok OP. PM me anytime, I’m a breastfeeding peer supporter. Your feelings are entirely normal and valid, sorry you’ve attracted comments from an uneducated troll.

Are you able to get proper support from your local infant feeding team or a private IBCLC? Lucy Webber has great advice online. Midwives and health visitors are very encouraging but aren't always the most knowledgeable.
I'm really sorry to hear your in hospital. Your babies behaviour could be very normal cluster feeding or perhaps they are still struggling to transfer milk effectively.
I also have IBD running in my family so completely understand your desire to lower your child's risk. 💐