Overwhelmed by breastfeeding

[Lizbiz89]

I had my gorgeous baby a week ago and I'm really struggling with breastfeeding at the moment. My ds will literally be on me for a whole hour then when he takes himself off he cries so I put him on the other side then he feeds for another hour, then he takes himself off and he cries. And we go round in circles. Is this normal for a week old baby? I'm happy to continue if this is but it is starting to make me feel very overwhelmed. Especially as I have a toddler to look after too.

Is his latch ok? He may just be a very hungry baby (DH fed constantly, boobs and formula). If you're worried though I'd speak to midwife/HV

Has he been checked for tongue tie? Loads of cases are missed but inefficient feeding is a sign

They've checked him for tongue tie and he's not got it. Latch is also fine and I see him taking big gulps when he feeds. To be it honest it seems like he's using my breasts as a dummy. He's been fine up until now as well. Not sure if the hot weather would make them need more milk?

It's very normal! The first few weeks they're on you constant to stimulate your supply. Things will settle down soon enough. The best thing to do is feed as much as he wants it. There's no such thing as too much at the stage you're at!

Yep, totally normal for a week old baby, and yes, they are probably feeding more because of the hot weather. Keep feeding, keep baby close to you - minimal layers between you and baby so you can do skin to skin which will help baby regulate their temperature. If they’re awake, and not having Nappy done, expect baby to be feeding at this age! Hang in there, you are doing a great job. It gets a bit easier every day as you get to know your baby and understand their different cries. But yep, just feed feed feed!

Hot weather can mean they do feed more... have you got a dummy if you think it’s for comfort? I got a dummy at 5 weeks because when dd started doing that! However, you are in the real busy part of establishing breastfeeding so a few ideas : a sling or carrier that allows breastfeeding so you can move around, lying down feeds so you can have a snooze, if there is anyone else around at the moment, get them to wind/change the baby so you get a rest too. Otherwise, contact your local breastfeeding clinic for advice

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

The above website is brilliant and worth a look.
Personally mine all fed constantly every evening for at least 3 months. So from 5pm- 10/11 swapping sides constantly. But during the rest of the day and night would feed for 20 minutes or so then fall asleep contented.
If your baby is never having periods of feeding then being contented and sleeping for an hour or two, then I would worry and check nappies / weight gain / latch etc. Two of mine had tongue tie that wasn't immediately apparent in the first few days so it's worth getting a second opinion.

Thanks for the replies! He's has a wet nappy every time I feed him and poops a lot too. Plus he's gaining weight now after initial small amount of weight loss. I think it could be the hot weather as my dh put him down and unbuttoned his baby grow and he calmed down. He was a big baby (9.5 pounds) so I'm not sure whether that means he needs more feeding?

Ah he could be communicating that he's uncomfortable. One of mine would feed constantly if there was anything wrong. So yes might simply be too hot! You dont have to dress them one layer warmer than you contrary to what is often said - two of mine were (and still are) hot bods who needed to be dressed cooler than me!

My baby fed like this for a while. My boobs were so so sore. I remember one day he latched on and I thought ‘ah, that’s isn’t agonising!’ and realising it’s because he hadn’t fed for 2.5hrs and my nipples had had a break. It is hard. And I cannot imagine what it is like with a rtoddler to care for.

It’s worth checking and double checkong for tongue tie though too.

Sounds very normal to me. Your boobs are lovely and full of milk and comfort, of course he wants to stay there for hours on end. Try to enjoy it and get your OH to be on toddler duty.

My DS was like this and is now on breastmilk and formula because he’s a food lover! I can’t imagine having a toddler as well, don’t feel bad if you have to give up or add formula. It’s normal and will get better, I called the breastfeeding support workers when I was there!

Woke up last night with the most painful engorged breasts and guess what!? He didn't want to feed all night after the marathon feed in the evening. Kept having to wake him up and even then he'd fall asleep on them. Had engorged boobs all day so I've been trying to feed him on them but because they're so engorged it's been very painful. Honestly feel so hopeless today. Especially with my boobs being so sore. 😥

Have you got a pump so you can express a bit to make yourself more comfortable? Not too much though or your body will just make more! If not you can hand express for comfort.

I've just expressed and filled a whole bottle in 10 mins. Clearly needed emptying desperately. Feel so much better for it as well! Have given him the expressed milk and will feed him on the breast in the next feed!

Honestly bf is just a little bit lot shit in the beginning! It gets better quickly though and in the long run is so much easier! Did you bf your older one?

@DeadDoorpost I breastfed and formula fed my dd. But she struggled to latch so I used nipple shields which was a lot gentler on me but meant I didn't get a great supply. This time around is completely different. He's latched well but almost too well. He's like a little vampire and seems to be hungry around the clock. Hence why my breasts have tripled in size lol. So I'm in completely new territory really.