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Original poster

New born wont stop feeding- what am I doing wrong??

54 replies

Smurfy23 · 21/06/2017 11:21

PFB is only 3 days old- birth went on for a 3 days and was quite stressful for both of us. Have been breastfeeding her on demand- had been going fine (or so I thought) but then last night she wouldnt settle unless she was being fed. Fine- fed her until she released herself but then 5 minutes later she would be looking for food again (DH's right nipple is still recovering!). It started at 11ish last night- at about 2 we gave in and gave her some formula which she wolfed down....but then a few minutes later was looking for food and getting more and more angry when it wasnt immediately available. This went on until just after 5 am. I went to sleep then and DH took over- naturally shes been an angel since then, has slept and taken 30ml of formula twice.

I had wanted to start expressing today so we can see how much shes getting...should I still? Is it okay for us to top up with formula esp at night time? More importantly- what happened to my calm and placid baby last night???

Any help gratefully received- please be gentle, im tired!!

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voobylooby · 21/06/2017 11:28

My little girl is only 16 weeks, so I'm not mega knowledgable about this, but I'd imagine that the heat might Be part of the problem. My little girl has been much thirstier and more unsettled at night....

endofthelinefinally · 21/06/2017 11:31

Your milk is only just coming in. I wouldnt bother expressing, just keep putting her to the breast frequently. It is terribly hot so maybe she is thirsty. Personally I see nothing wrong with a formula top up if she is desperate. You should talk to your midwife though so you can work out a consistent plan. I had ds2 in the middle of a heatwave and offered him water as well as breast. He wasnt having any of it though. Luckily I was awash with milk by day 3 and all was well.

endofthelinefinally · 21/06/2017 11:32

Make sure you are drinking plenty and try to keep you and baby at a comgortable temperature.

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ChameFangeNail · 21/06/2017 11:33

Thirst in the heat/growth spurt I reckon.

When I had my first child I did ante natal classes and they explained that a newborn's stomach is only the size of a small marble, so almost as soon as it's full it becomes empty again. After about two weeks it's the size of a peach stone, then a plum, etc...

Don't underestimate the hunger of a newborn! It's voracious.

glitterglitters · 21/06/2017 11:33

Day 3 is a hugeeeee day. I think I sat and bf for 20 hours straight with only ten minute gaps here and there. The minute I put her down she would scream. Add to that it's hot it's completely and utterly normal. Supply and demand at this point and trying to bring your milk in. Supplementing can send incorrect signals so try and avoid this as much as possible.

Sofa, Netflix and someone to bring your drinks and snacks. Get comfy and just crack on as best you can d

fluffandsnuff · 21/06/2017 11:34

You're not doing anything wrong- they feed constantly. It's horrible. If you're worried, get MW to check your latch. Also make sure you are getting plenty of wet/dirty nappies. Make sure you go to weigh in to make sure DC is on track weight wise but don't be afraid to ring MW/HV if you're worried. Also, make sure you are drinking loads yourself x

glitterglitters · 21/06/2017 11:34

And don't top up at night with formula. This is when your prolactin is triggered and night feeds are the most important.

Madbum · 21/06/2017 11:34

Hi it sounds like your baby is cluster feeding which while very trying (I've been there) can be very normal.
Cluster feeding can happen for a few reasons, in the very early days it's usually due to your baby working hard to get your milk to 'come in' as it's usually still colostrum at this stage so your baby will feed as much as possible to facilitate this.
It can also be due to needing lots of comfort and cuddles and also when a growth spurt or developmental change is happening.
However! There is also the possibility of tongue tie or problems with latching on which can cause babies to need to feed more to compensate for any difficulties extracting milk from the breast.
You can get great advice from your local la Leche league (there may be a Facebook group for your area) you can also attend breastfeeding cafes or seek support and advice from a lactation consultant.
During these early stages it's important to offer breast as much as possible, taking your baby to bed and allowing free access is good for getting your supply established, and while very tempting just be mindful that giving formula can mean that your baby won't want breast as much which can affect your supply.
Congratulations by the way, these early weeks can be difficult when establishing feeding, I found I just had to sort of give myself over it IFYSWIM or I would have gone a bit mad with the cluster feeding! My DD has a posterior younger tie so it made things very hard.

Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 21/06/2017 11:35

If bf is your choice then keep going - you are doing great!! Keep offering her your breast and you will make more milk!! No need for formula to top her up!!
Need to add for none bfers if formula becomes your choice that's fine but at this stage your supply is just getting established and needs your baby to hurry it along that's all!!

EnglandKeepMyBones · 21/06/2017 11:35

The heat will be playing a part, baby will also be starting to cluster feed in order to establish a good supply. Breastmilk is made on a supply and demand basis, the more she feeds - the more there is the following day. It's hard, but the best thing you can do is get comfortable with snacks and drinks, and just allow her to feed, feed, feed. It will pass (well, until the next time she needs an increase in supply!).

Madbum · 21/06/2017 11:37

I'd also highly recommend the website Kellymom
kellymom.com

It kept me sane at times.

doleritedinosaur · 21/06/2017 11:37

You're not doing anything wrong, newborn's feed loads when your milk comes in plus add the heat it will be constant.
They're still building your supply, so it does feel constant but it does past.

Also day 2/3 they realise they're no longer cocooned in the womb so that causes a bit of discomfort.

But get the latch checked if you are worried.

tiktok · 21/06/2017 11:38

Op nothing you have described is abnormal or even unusual. I take it you are no longer in the hospital as I would expect support and explanation and encouragement from the hcps there.

Normal care would now be to weigh your baby to check weight loss is within normal limits. You should already have had feeding observed. Nappies today should show greenish poo (no longer sticky and blank or brown). Skin to skin with your baby will help her take what she needs. It's not clear she needed formula on the occasions you gave it - if she was feeding well on the breast then that would normally be sufficient. If she literally never stops feeding and never sleeps then that's not right but I don't get that from your post.

She's new. All she has ever known is being close to you. She knows your voice your smell your taste and she wants to have those familiar sensations 😀 . This is very likely to be why she is feeding so often. But get things checked out, continue getting support and tlc from your partner and stay in or near your bed with your baby close 😀

LunaLunaDot · 21/06/2017 11:40

Day three is the game changer. They are no longer shocked and exhausted from the birth and they are HUNGRY!! Keep going, you'll feel like you're constantly feeding for few weeks, but it does get much better.

Sunnymorningwithbacon · 21/06/2017 11:43

I really wouldn't give formula this early and I'd just feed on demand. She's doing this to bring your milk in

I know it's tough xx

Yogagirl123 · 21/06/2017 11:43

Congrats OP.

I BF my two sons, DS1 was born in the summer, he was constantly feeding, perhaps due to thirst, but also for comfort I think.

It's very early days OP, I am sure you aren't doing anything wrong, wet and dirty nappies are what to look for etc, MW & HV can help you.

With DS1 I often used to top up with a bottle at night time, if I felt I had nothing left or due to soreness in the very early days, it worked for me, I would just start again in the morning.

Look after yourself and as others have said plenty of fluids etc.

Good luck OP xx

OhDearToby · 21/06/2017 11:44

I've got a 3 day old too. Also constantly feeding. It's normal and doesn't last forever. Doesn't mean it's not exhausting though!

tiktok · 21/06/2017 11:48

No need to start expressing. WHY would you make your life more complicated! It tells you nothing at all about what your baby is getting - she could be getting more or getting less than the pump gets out. Pointless exercise 😀

Firenight · 21/06/2017 11:49

Yes this is normal. The baby will be trying to bring your milk in and then building supply. Drink plenty of water, be waited on hand and foot and just nurse round the clock.

These early weeks are critical for building supply so try not to worry and just keep going. It will get easier but breastfeeding is all you need to be doing at this stage.

Firenight · 21/06/2017 11:51

kellymom.com/hot-topics/newborn-nursing/

SleepyHeadThisTime · 21/06/2017 12:04

Your baby is cluster feeding - they feed almost the constantly for hours at a time to increase your supply and draw your milk in. Your don't need to give formula - in fact this could actually be counter productive to breast feeding as your baby will not be feeding on you as much and therefore not telling your body how much milk they need. It could also stretch their stomach (because they take it in more quickly) which could artificially increase their appetite. You'll find the feeding settles down around day 5 when your milk comes in.

Pumping tends not to be a good indication of how much milk you are producing - at the same stage as you are at I tried expressing and got absolutely nothing with a hospital grade pump, however i could hear my 10lb baby glugging as he fed!

Try to find your nearest breastfeeding group or contact your health visitor for the details of a local breastfeeding councillor for support if you feel you need it.

SleepyHeadThisTime · 21/06/2017 12:06

Oh I forgot to say, as your baby having wet and dirty nappies and putting on weight (after the initial drop) is the best indicator that they are getting enough milk.

GinIsIn · 21/06/2017 12:09

It's absolutely normal. I hate to say it, but you didn't have a calm and placid baby. You had a baby that was a bit shellshocked from birth and has now perked up and is HUNGRY. Day 2-5 they often want to feed constantly, to bring in your milk and then once it comes in to establish the supply. I wouldn't top up with formula if you want to BF longterm as what the baby is doing is completely normal and important for getting your supply going.

BF is really, really hard but if the baby has no tongue tie, can latch and is feeding, offer the breast again rather than formula if the baby is hungry. Top ups can be great later to get you some respite, or if your supply is tricky, or if your baby doesn't patch well, but this behaviour now is normal and will pass in a few days.

Congrats on your baby!

VinIsGroot · 21/06/2017 12:09

This is totally normal for day 3... Probably the next couple of weeks too. Your milk should come in today or tomorrow!!!

AlbusPercival · 21/06/2017 12:17

You sound tired.

DS was born in November, day 3 he fed 20 hours straight. Next day my milk came in properly and it all settled down.

If you are worried can you make it to a local baby cafe or similar?

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