Demand Feeding

[KaylaC]

Please help.... I'm breastfeeding my 3 week old on demand - but she wants to be constantly attached to me, she feeds for 20 minutes then falls asleep and as soon as I put her down she screams and wants feeding again - I'm tired. I also have a 19 month old who I feel like I am neglecting because I am constantly holding the baby. Did anyone else have this?? I just need some advice on how to get through otherwise I will have to put her on the bottle so i can monitor how much she is have.
Thanks

Much sympathy to you. It can feel like you're chained to the couch at this stage and it's so tiring. It must be extra hard with a toddler as well. They have a huge growth spurt at 3 weeks, but it will get loads easier soon and she'll get herself into a bit of a routine. Hopefully someone will come with experience of trying to cope with a toddler as well as bfing in the early stages.

DD2 (now 4 months)is demand fed and feeds constantly, dd1 is 2 and a half. Its tough. Suggestions:

• stories while you feed

• a new toy that stimulates a game - jigsaw/cash register or something

• when you are ready to go out mother and toddler groups can actually make things easier as dd1 can potter off and play while you sit and feed

• you have to get adept at feeding, this comes with time. Get a big cushion so you can feed and sit at a table helping dd1 do say, playdoh or drawing

• a sling is essential. Often after a long feed but still crying sticking the baby in a sling and walking around soothes them. My Kari Me cloth sling is essential I wear it indoors when cooking tea or something for dd1

• cbeebies

Good luck it is hard but you will feel really proud if you keep at it and dd1 is probably less neglected that you think

Congratulations on your new baby!

Unfortunately lots of little ones love nothing more than being close to their mum and nursing. DD2, no2 7 months was ultra clingy for the first 3-4 months and the only way I survived was by giving in to it. I second the suggestion of a sling, preferably a tie on wrap sling, so that baby is very close to you and you can get on with things while carrying the baby. My dd2 had all her naps in the sling during the day as she couldn't be put down.

Do you have people around that can help out with your older child, maybe take her/him out for walks or just entertain them for a bit?

Try to take it easy and don't feel guilty if you resort to lots of cbeebies, this is only for a short while, even if it feels like forever at the moment.

Oh yes, definitely get a sling! I had a Kari Me as well and it's been the single most helpful thing we bought.

Thank you all.
I've had the telly on loads and felt really guilty about it - but feel better knowing that others do it too.

I've got one of those 'close' carriers I'll start using it around the house and see if that helps.

Thanks again.