Frustrated with breastfeeding! AND bottle feeding!!!

[Mamabear12]

Okay, maybe im just tired, but Im feeling frustrated with breastfeeding and bottle feeding! I always feel like he isn't getting enough from breast and he doesn't drink much from bottle! Plus he fusses at both about 70% of the time!! Its so frustrating for me bc I do not know how! Some days it is fine and sometimes he fusses at both!! He was born tiny...2.85kgs...9th percentile and he is almost 6 weeks and 4.8 kgs now, so moved up to 75th percentile in weight! So I know that he is gaining nicely....so obviously getting enough milk...im just frustrated bc he fusses a lot at breast and doesnt drink well from bottle. He will drink like 5 mins and fuss....so I stop and feel like he doesnt get enough and try bottle....could it be he actually can drink enough in 5 mins?? ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

If he's gone from the 9th to the 75th centile then he is definitely feeding well. Some babies definitely can feed in a short amount of time so 5 mins could be enough. Try and focus on the fact that you are meeting his needs - you don't need to give him more formula, or time at the breast, than he wants. Try to put aside any ideas of particular quantities that you "ought" to be giving - all babies are different!

Ex is spot on. Likely he is done in 5 minutes and the fussing is him saying 'enough! I'm done. Especially likely if you have a strong letdown.

I guess he could be done. I just get confused bc I read about how we should breastfeed 15 to 20 mins each breast! To me that seems impossible! Bc he fusses after a bit. It was the same for first born. And yes, u r right...it seems my let down is fast bc he does pull off every time and my milk sprays all over his face...poor guy!

No, wherever you read that, it's not correct and V old fashioned advice.

If it's your second baby even more likely he's just done and you are making oodles of milk. Give yourself a break from bottles and timed feeds, sounds like you're doing great.

Yes, wherever you read that it's completely wrong and outdated - you should feed from one breast for a full feed. It's entirely possible that he's done in five minutes - DS2 is a fast feeder and never feeds for longer than four minutes like clockwork.

I agree with Ragusa - ditch the bottles, sounds like you're just making work for yourself!

Ditch the bottles, he isn't drinking them because he is already full up. If he is fussing, take him off the breast and wait till the next time he shows signs of hunger. I think you are worrying because he was little at birth but he has clearly made up for it now, you must be producing plenty of milk. Don't bother timing his feeds. It isn't necessary.

I agree with above. DS took over an hour to feed. DD (Dc2) took 5 mins.

Ditch the bottles!

He could be fussing because of fast let down. I used to have to pop baby on, then when milk let down take off to spray into a muslin, then when it slowed out baby back on.

That was just in first couple months, then supply evened out and baby wasn't getting overwhelmed!

Maybe see a local bf support group, they'd be able to advise better.

That's impressive weight gain, you must be producing cream!

My 2nd and 3rd DCs were satisfied after 5-10 mins as well. DC1 was 45 mins at least! He sounds full up and you're doing brilliantly with gold top full fat milk.