Breastfeeding CONSTANTLY

[MilkMaidMary]

I've seen a few threads online of mothers who say their baby is feeding constantly but then say it's 4 hours at a time or once an hour etc and this makes me even more concerned about how extreme my situation is.

Baby is 3.5 weeks old. He's constantly feeding. Yesterday it was 2pm until 2.30am with breaks of about 5 minutes to burp him, all the while he's getting agitated because he wants more boob. It only ended because I caved and gave him 2oz formula and that sent him to sleep. Today he's been feeding non stop since 8am. Again only short breaks to burp and change nappy. Outside of these crazy 12 hour marathons he feeds every hour or so with sleep in between.

He's got a good latch, gaining weight, lots of wet and dirty nappies.

Everything online says cluster feeding lasts approximately 4 hours and only happens for a few days at a time...

Is this normal!? It's been going on for 2 weeks now and I'm close to tears. This isn't sustainable surely? Has anyone else experienced this to this extent?

It's been baking hot here for the last 2 weeks, and there is typically a growth spurt at 3 weeks.

Both could account for excessive feeding.
Are YOU drinking enough fluids?

At that age I would think the heat and he needs you do produce more milk.

Are you resting and eating and drinking enough?

@CatsOnTheChair I expected him to need to feed more because of the heat, but no one else is experiencing this to this extent.

I'm drinking LOADS, I've never had so much to drink in my life 😂 breastfeeding is thirsty work indeed!

Cluster feeding lasts a few days at a time? Ha!!! Someone should have told my son when he was that age 😂😂

In answer, this sounds totally normal. Mine was glued to me for 3 months. 45 min each side, then I'd get about half an hour's break before the next feed. Our longest feed ever was "only" 4 hours (I've heard of longer sessions!); it was 30 minutes each side with no breaks.

He's now nearly two and still has a huge appetite.

Sorry if that's not the answer you were looking for! I really got used to sitting down in that first year. My advice is get some wireless earphones you can connect to the tv and get stuck into a very long series on Netflix or something. 👶

It's HOT. They do feed like this in hot weather. It's horrifically difficult, but it doesn't last all that long.

Make sure you're getting plenty to drink so you can make dilute milk

Thanks so much everyone! Knowing it's normal makes it so much easier! I was worried that it might be a problem with my supply or something. Thank the heavens the coming week is meant to be cooler! The worst part is the constant sitting in this heat - I had him by EMCS and my wound is getting very sore and irritated. Will grin and bear!

Yep normal. We were like that. My Dc is now 7 months and feeds for five minutes every 4 hours or so. I couldn’t ever imagine getting to this point!! Hang in there. It gets easier (actually I’d go as far as saying I’m reaping the rewards now!)

Ps I found bf in the early days was so much more manageable when I just accepted that “ok my baby just wants to be glued to my boob and I’m not going to be able to do anything else for the next few weeks but that’s fine as I’m meeting babies needs.” As opposed to when I was thinking I should be doing x y and z, or questioning if it was normal. No it’s not managble long term but it won’t be like this long term - it’s a phase that will pass (but doesn’t feel like it will when you’re in the thick of it!). Hope this helps.

See if you can learn to feed laying down. Life saver overnight!

I'm not sure feeding as constant as that is quite so normal. Especially when the formula sent him to sleep.
Increase your water intake. Maybe give him formula at bedtime

If you need a break don’t be afraid to give him formula or a dummy. You are healing from major surgery and I’m sure you’re exhausted.

Congratulations on your new baby! Well done for BF, it's hard going at first and you're doing amazingly well. Is baby actively sucking and swallowing for all that time? Or asleep / flutter sucking for parts of it?

This is completely normal. If you want to breastfeeding I would stop giving him formula.

So refreshing to hear from those who've gone through similar, honestly. It makes all the difference. Feeling very delicate physically and mentally atm and this really helps!

@headcheffer thank you! He does a bit of everything. But if he's just suckling or if he's fallen asleep, I'll tickle him and he'll start drinking again. Or I'll try my luck and take him off the boob, only for him to fuss and cry and get back on! He's still going now 😭

At the start he wasn't feeding well, I was told to give him a bit of formula, and I remember being devastated that I wouldn't get to breastfeed. Now we're having the opposite problem 😂 must remember it's a nice problem to have 💙

It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job to me.

If Dc is putting on weight and you have a good latch etc etc (all the things you mention in your op) it will get easier.

Of course if you decide at some point it’s too much for you then that is completely fine as well. The best advice I ever received by the way was if BF is getting too much and I’m considering stopping then that’s okay, but don’t make the decision at 2am make it in the day on a day when you’re not zombie tired. Best of luck :)

@Peanutbutteryday you're so lovely, thank you 💛 feeling really guilty about the 2oz of formula I've given on a couple nights. But it hasn't affected latch or supply, so I might still use it when things get really dire. He started at 8 this morning and he's still going 😭 little monkey

I feel your pain as this is happening to me, baby is 5 weeks. I just cannot imagine her getting faster at getting food but I really hope she will!

A couple of suggestions. When he is asleep on the boob, put your little finger in the corner of his mouth and unlatch him and IMMEDIATELY put your finger under his chin to keep his mouth closed. It'll help suction his tongue to the roof of his mouth and help you get a little break! Alternatively, pop a dummy in for a short while once you've unlatched - don't be scared he will be using one forever, it's literally for a little break from him being latched permanently. He won't become addicted, they're not crack 😆 The other suggestion is a sling, if you don't have one they're fairly cheap off Amazon for a stretchy wrap sling. Watch a YouTube video on how to tie it. When you feel he's had a good feed from each boob, pop him in and wander around or get DH to. It might help him get a sleep without feeding the whole time, and give you a bit of a rest.

Oh and also - this is the period where your baby is setting up your boobs for the whole journey of breastfeeding. The more he feeds now, the more milk making cells are "switched on", and the safer your supply is in the coming months/years. It's a good thing, even though it feels knackering. Make sure you're drinking plenty, eating lots and keeping up with any pain relief you might still be needing post delivery. Look at the La Leche League information on co sleeping safety tips for breastfeeding mums too, super helpful.

Give him a dummy. It doesn't have to be like this! Breastfeeding involves two people and your needs and choices are important too.

Thanks so much again to everyone who has commented!

Quick update: today has been AMAZING. No cluster feeding (yet!). We were out for a lot of the morning and early afternoon, very relaxed in the pram. He started off feeding every 2-3 hours, since 3pm it's been every hour to 90 mins or so. This is so much more manageable!! Could be the weather, could be the end of a phase, who knows? But if every day was like today, then I'd be a very happy bunny.

I reckon your boobs are finally doing their job and producing the right amount of milk on fast flow as your baby think he's deserves 🤣

They grow in spurts so need need an increased milk supply seemingly over night and well our bodies and boobs need a few days to catch up.

So glad today has been so much more chilled.

Glad you had a better day!!