4 week old constantly on boob

[Darcy224]

Just checking to see if this is normal!

I have been solely breastfeeding for the last 4 weeks. Baby seems happy, only cries when hungry or bring changed etc.

I have been using nipple shields (not sure if relevant, but have heard there can be a problem with milk supply on them), however baby certainly seems to get enough - tonnes of wees & poos each day.

Anyway, today she has been attached to my boob the entire day. As soon as she's finished and realised my band wakes up, she starts screaming until I put her back on the boob

Sorry, buggered that up!!

Typing with one hand!

As soon as she is off the boob she starts screaming until I put her back on. She won't let me put her down etc.

Is this normal??

Yes it's normal, have a look at "cluster feeding". It's either a growth spurt or a way to increase your milk supply. Have you tried to wean her from the nipple shield?

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

Absolutely normal. Settle down in front of Netflix, make sure you have a jug of water nearby and some snacks and just let her get on with it. I had to use shields with my first and it didn't affect supply. If she's weeing and pooing and not screaming constantly then it sounds like she is getting enough milk. It's most likely a growth spurt but it can be exhausting when they do this so try and make sure you have enough to drink to replenish what you are losing and snacks to keep your energy up.

Unfortunately so it's hard isn't it!
People on mumsnet get funny about nipple shields for some reason, if it works for you that's all that matters they certainly helped me bf so I have no complaints

Just coming on to say it's really normal! She's telling your body she needs more milk. There's another growth spurt at 6 weeks or thereabouts too, just get a boxset on TV and hunker down. It'll soon pass!

Totally normal, although I appreciate that knowing that doesn't make it any easier for you OP. It is hard at this stage but it will get easier.

Perfectly normal. I'm a maternity nurse so I ought to know! Stick at it, it'll pass!

Yes very normal! All that growing she's been doing means she needs to place a bigger order so is upping your supply. Should settle down in a few days. Try and enjoy the cuddles as much as possible in the meantime (assuming you don't have a toddler or older kid who needs anything done for them!).

Oh I'm glad it's normal!!

Was starting to think something was wrong.
She's finally stopped feeding and fallen asleep woo!

I have attempted to get her to take the boob without nipple shields and she completely refused. My nipples were sooo painful and cracked after 2 days of breastfeeding. I'm a bit scared to go back to that to be honest.

Thanks for letting me know it's normal!!

Yes absolutely normal. It will pass and you will miss these cuddly days. Research the fourth trimester and cluster feeding

Try and enjoy this time- she's essentially insisting you sit down with her all day. And possibly all night. It's nice to be wanted!

Have a read of The Wonder Weeks too. Extra feeding and fussiness is classic 'Leap' behaviour.

Yes completely normal, even more so in the evening and night as this is when the hormone responsible for milk production is highest. It really is the perfect excuse for staying on the sofa/bed.