Struggling

[Karenb]

Hi, not sure if after advice, encouragement or just a rant. Really struggling emotionally with breastfeeding, finding it so draining especially as Sophie's feeds are now taking ages- up to an hour (she's 8 days old). Last night from 5.30 till midnight she just wanted boob constantly and couldn't be settled at all.
Finding myself crying a lot close to giving up, even sterilised bottles last night but didn't use them xx

 

[Nutsyputs]

It's really normal for breastfed babies to cluster fed in the evenings. They usually stop around 12 weeks. As she gets older she will become more efficient at feeding so won't fed for as long.

 

[TTT]

I can't remember exactly per week but her stomach will be about the size of a marble so she will feel full very quickly. Breast milk is much moreeasily digested tthan formula so they feel empty again very soon and need more.

I think being born is pretty damn scary too and they go through four developmental leaps during the first four months too so its likely she's suckling for comfort or to help her sleep.

I know exactly how you feel though. I remember changing my fb profile pic to a pic of a dairy cow chained inside a block being milked lol.

As they get bigger, they do get more efficient, have bigger stomachs and need you for comfort less.and.less.

Hang in there

 

[Maud]

It is really tough, but if you can persevere through the first weeks it does get easier. It can help to think of the first few months as baby's 4th trimester. They still need to be close to you and feeding from you a lot while they adjust to living in the scary big new world. Is your OH and family supportive? That makes a real difference!

 

[Karenb]

It is really tough, but if you can persevere through the first weeks it does get easier. It can help to think of the first few months as baby's 4th trimester. They still need to be close to you and feeding from you a lot while they adjust to living in the scary big new world. Is your OH and family supportive? That makes a real difference!

My OH is amazing yes, wouldn't still be struggling through breastfeeding without his support xx

 

[tinselcat]

It's tough but perhaps try to think of the benefits for both you & the baby for doing it... I also distracted myself watching lots of TV as well as my baby's feeds would take 1h 20 mins .. ugh. It gets much better, I promise!! xx

Glad you have a supportive OH

 

[MrsGriff]

Agree with the above. It's so hard in the beginning but it really does get a lot easier!

Might be worth checking for tongue tie if you feel she's never getting satisfied. That affects lots of babies and getting it sorted can make a massive difference

 

[Karenb]

Just on the off chance these mummies read this... Thanks for your encouraging words, still Breastfeeding at 5 and half months! She did have tongue tie, had it snipped twice as it reattached and things did improve! Just getting over mastitis now- but all worth it!!

 

[Maud]

That's great news; well done

 

[tinselcat]

Congratulations Karen, sounds like you've been through some really tough times but congratulations for persisting!

For some people (including me) it feels like BF has one challenge after another but as you say, it's still sooo worth it

Cuddles to your little one xx

 

[Karenb]

Thanks, had no idea id feel so strongly about breastfeeding as I do! Even though most feeds are a pain now as she's so interested in what's going on around her haha!! xx