BF advice for my friend - help

[Lolly85x]

My friend is breastfeeding her 16 week old son. But she is really struggling and I have no advice for her...
Her LO has always been a big boy. Last time he was weighted at 13 weeks he was nearly 16lbs. He has been a cluster feeder since day 1. Only lasting 2-3 hours. He doesn't settle for anyone but her. During the night he feeds every 2 hours, he only latches on then falls asleep. She lays him in his crib and he's crying again. So it's a vicious cycle. She's been co sleeping just to get sleep. But he's still up every 2 hours. She tried giving him a bottle at night, he would take 7oz and still cry for the breast when he's finished. She's given him a dummy but he still only lasts 2 hours. It's been going on for a while now, and she's really down about it. Saying she just dreads bedtime she spoke to the HV who suggested more bottle feeds and trying weaning at 17 weeks. But he refuses a bottle during the day. Gets himself all worked up, so she has to BF. to calm him down. The HV seemed a bit useless....

Any tips anyone?!?xxx

 

[Karate Kid]

Has he been checked for a Tongue tie? Even though he has has good weight gain there is eve

 

[Karate Kid]

Sorry hun pressed send to early!!

There is evidence to prove that the baby can get tired so will just fall asleep on the breast.

Unfortunately 2-3 hours during the day is pretty normal for a BF baby as breast milk is easily digested.

The night feeds sound like comfort or LO just isn't getting enough during the day. Night nursing can be preferred for some babies as they have less distractions and all of mums attention. I can't help much there because C isn't a brilliant sleeper he does however go 4-5 hours at a stretch.

Is baby sicky? Colicy? How is he in himself? Has she been to a baby cafe? Or spoken to a breast feeding counsellor?

I would personally steer away from early weaning but that is a personal choice. Xx

 

[Lolly85x]

He's never sick. Or colicy! He's fine. Just the constant feeding. I don't know about the TT I will ask her. The HV said this is just a breastfed baby for you, an offered no help. She hasn't been to the BF group as she can't make anywhere on time as she's so tired and just constant Bf, I seen her yesterday and in really worried about her. She tried him on a bottle while I was there and he got himself into such a state. Wee lamb.xxx

 

[Karate Kid]

He's never sick. Or colicy! He's fine. Just the constant feeding. I don't know about the TT I will ask her. The HV said this is just a breastfed baby for you, an offered no help. She hasn't been to the BF group as she can't make anywhere on time as she's so tired and just constant Bf, I seen her yesterday and in really worried about her. She tried him on a bottle while I was there and he got himself into such a state. Wee lamb.xxx

Poor thing! She is lucky to have you around. There is a bottle called a 'breastflow' bottle available on amazon for around £6, it mimics suckling. We used it when C was fussing and it really helped.

Some BFing counsellors or peer support workers will do home visits so maybe she could try and get in touch with a group?

Also there is a BFing support group on FB called 'dispelling breast feeding myths' which I have found brilliant. So maybe she could post a question there for some advice? Xx

 

[Lolly85x]

Ok! That's good to know! I will tell her that. She's done so well feeding him. I just think it's came to a head. She's got the cold to. And can't even get a rest as he just wants fed. Shame the HV was so useless... It's not fair. I will tell her to look on FB. And have a look at the bottles. Anything is worth a try. I am going to make some lunch and pop over with it for her.xxx

 

[Karate Kid]

She has done brilliantly. HVs are not always well versed on feeding advice but the counsellors are invaluable xx

 

[Lolly85x]

She said basically bottle feed him or wean him!!!!! Shocking if you ask me... She was crying on the phone and that's all the HV said xxx

 

[BevG]

you can get a breastflow bottle free off their website, i did. not much more i can suggest tho as KK has said it already lol

 

[Karate Kid]

She said basically bottle feed him or wean him!!!!! Shocking if you ask me... She was crying on the phone and that's all the HV said xxx

That's awful! She should complain!! My HV isn't brilliant and I wouldn't be BFing if it wasn't for my local Baby cafe. Xx

 

[Karate Kid]

you can get a breastflow bottle free off their website, i did. not much more i can suggest tho as KK has said it already lol

Really that's good to know! Xx

 

[Lolly85x]

Thanks I'll have a look for that bottle!!!
Yes I think she needs some more support, her mil is awful to her about the bf, and I can see how down she is about it now... Iv found some breastfeeding network numbers for her hope she calls xxx