Baby constantly feeding BF

[dawntigga]

He's 4 weeks - 5 on Saturday
His due date was 2 days ago.
He now weighs 8lb 4oz from 5 lb 15 oz at birth - Mommies boobies do good work
He wants to BF constantly. I put him on until he starts to use me as a dummy - not falling for that one again! He won't take a dummy and I know I'm not supposed to try them until 6 weeks but I'm desperate for sleep here! I then remove him, I've been feeding him on and off since 0700 this morning and frankly I'm tired and my nipples are hurting. He also has trouble staying awake for a feed so they usually take AGES! But the second you put him down he wakes up again hungry.

Anyone have any ideas how I can:

a) Keep him awake for a feed - I've tried cold water on the face/body, tickling, stroking him, changing him, keeping him cool/colder than usual and pretty much any other suggestion I can find! Is this something I'm going to have to endure until he stays awake on his own? I've asked the HV and MSW's but they haven't been very helpful and I need to sleep!!!!

b) feed him enough so he doesn't want to BF constantly. I've 'cheated' and given him formula some nights to supliment the BF just so I can sleep but I don't like doing this as he suffers with really bad wind the next day.

Any help or suggestions would be great!

Tired smooches.

Dawnxx

I'm just here to offer sympathy, i'm in a very similar situation with DD, 3 1/2 weeks, she's thankfully having a nap right now but she had been feeding 10am-3pm and will probably do the same tonight 7-midnight if the previous 6 nights have taught me anything!

It is exhausting, hoping it is a growth spurt and they will stop when they feel the supply is adequate, but I am becoming frustrated, especially as the feeding pattern meant I missed the breastfeeding class again this week so I could go and ask questions!

Thanks guys,

I offer both breasts because that's how I started and it appeared to work.

I've only given 90ml in formula on an very infrequent basis just when everything is getting on top of me. I've decided to go with BF only through this next bit.

I phoned the helpline and got some advise on getting some sleep during the day so I'll be trying that which will hopefully work.

My partner is not happy at the amount of sleep I'm getting, but I think I've finally drilled it into his skull that we need to do this and now he's being supportive which is nice He's taking the night time nappy changes which is VERY nice

Dawnxx