BF should I swap to formula

[Lisajo5]

Hi,
So my LO is 17 weeks on Monday and were having a rough time BF. He still feeds every 2 hours in day and sometimes less and the last week or more he's crying after both breasts and wanting more. Surely growth spurts don't last that long?

He was sleeping through 8-5 then 5.30 till 7, but for two weeks now he's waking for at least two or three more feeds.
I fed him a mashed banana yesterday lunch time as I thought he was ready for food, but now I'm thinking should I just switch to formula and hope that fills him up.
He's putting weight on he was 17lb 6ozs this week.

HELP, I'm unsure what to do and my HV always says it's a growth spurt when I ask, but I think personally he is a big boy and I'm not producing enough milk. Thanks

 

[Maud]

As your little one is growing well I doubt it is a supply issue. Sounds more like the 4 month sleep regression. Although I've obviously not gone through it yet (have that little joy to look forward to), from what I've read it is completely normal, especially for breastfed babies and can last a few weeks.

 

[Nutsyputs]

Sounds like sleep regression. My lo did and would be awake for hours at night but I once he came through he fed less frequently.

 

[BunnyN]

If he is putting on a propper amount of weight he is fine. A big baby should be no problem, women even feed twins, your body adjusts to demand. Crying and waking in the night can be for so many reasons, not just hunger.

 

[Lisajo5]

Thank you ladies, it's so hard to know what's going on sometimes! I have read about sleep regression and wondered if that was it.
Hopefully all will settle down soon, I will try and keep up with BF! Sometimes I just listen to others to much, like family members saying he needs top ups or to start weaning. It's nice to come on here and talk to you ladies

 

[BunnyN]

I don't know why people have such an obsession with supplimenting and weaning, lol. I totally get where you are coming from though. LO had real problems with weight to top it off. My gut feeling was that my supply was fine but I had so much pressue to suppliment it made me doupt myself. In the end it turned out she was alergic to cows milk and other foods that were effecting her through my diet. Giving her fourmula would have been a disaster.

 

[CamFi]

Keep at the breastfeeding, sounds like the four month regression and growth spurt, it's a big one, hang in there! If he's wanting more after you've feed from both sides, let him keep suckling, it triggers your boobs to produce more milk the next day. Don't start weaning before 6 months unless bubs is sitting up on his own and trying to grab your food off you, even then it should only be little tastes of things, a couple of spoonfuls a day, not relying on solids for nutrition.

 

[Lisajo5]

Thanks
He was super last night slept 7.30-4.30! Also has feed every two hours today and seems satisfied.
Hopefully things are improving x