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.