4 week old feeding constantly

[Newmum2b78]

Hi ladies

I really don't know what to do. My dd is 4 weeks old and been cluster feeding for about 2 weeks. She is ebf and I've even tried formula to see if I wasn't satisfying her. She didn't want it but never reached extreme hunger as she doesn't sleep for more than 20mjns at a time through the day. She won't take a dummy and only settles on me. She seems to use me for comfort and isn't always feeding. I'm totally exhausted.
Any thoughts gratefully received !
Any tips on her accepting a dummy ?

Xxx

My ds number 1 was just like this and I thought how am I going to even shower and get dressed?? (often still in jamas when dh got home), but I was given this advice....just go with it, your milk takes a good 6 weeks to really come in anyway. Dh used to bring up bowl of cereal before he he left in the morning, then we'd feed and sleep until about midday (he only slept on me) then we'd move to the sofa for the afternoon session (lots of snacks, remote control, phone near by etc. and water/milk for me).
BUT it doesn't last, she'll start to go longer between feeds as the weeks go, ( I take it you've not got any other dc to look after??). I literally did nothing for about first 5/6 weeks!
Do what gets you through and don't stress

She is trying to establish your supply, plus her stomach is still tiny and your milk is easily digested.

Short spells of sleep are totally normal at this age.

Netflix, thermal mug and cuddle up. I don't regret doing that with DS at all. I miss those days now he is 2 and constantly in motion!

Plus using you for comfort is normal. A dummy is a fake boob. Invented for bottle fed babies.

Not recommended to use until feeding and supply are well established anyway.

Thanks ladies, at least I know it's normal !! I will battle on !

I guess I'm getting stressed about things I need to get done. Then I tell myself I'm doing the most important job in the world

Xxx

Totally normal and also why a lot of women give up BF , it's tough going in the early days but once your supply is established it does get easier , I know you are shattered but just hang In there , you are doing amazing

I BF both of mine for 1 year and the 1st 6 weeks of first child was tough going. By time 2nd baby came along it felt very easy

I wouldn't bother with a dummy, your boo is what that is for , it's the best comfort a baby can have

I have a BF 8 month old and I remember this well. I’m not sure he had much of a break from my boob until about 6 months!

Read about the fourth trimester, it might help you to understand.

I went to loads of BFing groups and they were fantastic. I’d save questions for them every week (sometimes general parenting questions) your HV should be able to point you in the direction of your local groups.

Thank you. I will ask her if there are any local groups. She seems to be having a more settled day today. I wonder too if she is maybe a bit colicky. I struggle to get her wind up, and she screams out during sleep. I've got some infacol to try xx

Infacol worked brilliantly for my DS, hope it helps your baby too.

If you're going to use infacol (we did), it has to be every feed as it builds up

Yes to PP re 4th trimester and local BF groups.

As for housework etc, you'll get to it eventually. (or partner can? )

I will use it every feed, I wasn't sure with her feeding so much !!

My partner is being good in terms of doing all the other jobs like housework and dog walking on his days off. I can't grumble really xx

This is the worst time for cluster feeding but also the most important in establishing your supply.

My DH used to take DS in carrier with the dogs every morning while I got maybe an hour of sleep before he went to work

Then as he got older, he was plonked in the high chair, propped up, to 'chat' with daddy then returned to me for boob/ first nap together

I have a carrier and I take her and the dogs every morning. She seems to like it and is generally quiet.

I'm not good at napping when she's asleep, I tend to take the opportunity to get a hot cup of tea or something to eat. I know I only have between 15-30 mins through the day xx

I was the same newmum. Found it hard to switch off and nap, especially in the beginning.