What exactly gets easier about BF at 6-8 weeks?

biochemgirl

Everyone keeps saying give it to 6 weeks or so b/c it gets so much easier.  Can someone please tell me in what ways in gets easier?  I can never get DD to burp after she feeds, she only takes one breast at a time, she doens't seem to nurse for that long and I constantly worry she is not getting enough.  She was four weeks yesterday so I'm trying to make it to 6 weeks but last night we gave her a bottle and I have to say it was so nice to know that she just had 4 ounces and I could relax a little bit.

rc1276

If she's gaining weight and having an appropriate number of wet/poopy diapers every day, she's getting enough. Only taking one breast at at time is fine!

For me, what got easier was that:

a) it finally stopped being painful (at least most of the time)around 7-8 weeks

b) we'd gotten into a clear routine

c) he was getting faster at eating (doesn't seem to be your problem, but my LO used to take an hour or longer to eat, now it's more like 30 minutes max, often more like 15 minutes)

I say hang in there -- I had a HORRIBLE time getting started (baby lost too much weight at first, I had to use a nipple shield for a flat nipple, latch was horribly painful for weeks and weeks) but I stuck through it and am SO glad I did.

Joanne12

Mine got easier about 5-6 weeks I would say.  It was less painful.  I stopped worrying after his month appointment because he was gaining weight just fine and had enough wet/poopy diapers during the day.  Some days I still worry if he is getting enough but he is growing just fine!  He also eats from one boobs still most the time.  I try to offer the second but he hardly takes it.

At1stsight

Around then is when DS would latch immediately and perfectly, we ditched the nipple shield we were using on one side, and it didn't hurt at all. Also, my supply was finally perfect so I never felt engorged and stopped any spontaneous leaking. (I had a little over-supply at first.) DS had lots of gas and I always spent at least 20 min. burping him after a feed, but he needed that after bottles of EBM too, so it's not linked to your nursing.

DS still only nurses on one side at time unless he's really hungry. It used to worry me until I heard that lots of other babes do this too. As PP said, you know she's getting enough if she's gaining weight and wetting/soiling diapers. You'll get into a rhythm and a groove very soon with all of it. Breastmilk is best for your baby - just remind yourself what a great thing you're doing for her health and development!

frizz76

it doesn't seem like the pain will ever go away but it does. around 4 -5 weeks, my right breast stopped hurting when she latched. I had more issues with the left (engorgement, oversupply & forceful letdown) so we tended to favor the right. around 6 weeks, the left also stopped hurting when she latched and I don't dread nursing on that side anymore. once my milk came in, my baby never nursed x amount of minutes on each side, like the websites and books said. she only eats from one side (she'll do both sides maybe once a day) and she eats pretty quickly, 5 - 10 minutes tops. if she has wet and soiled diapers, she is getting enough. as long as there's pee at every diaper change, I try not to worry. good luck!

Temp534591562502098

Does your baby have reflux or something? Why are you so worried?

Not burping is a normal annoyance. I found that having LO lay down and sit up a few times made the burps come out better than traditional "burping". 

Taking one breast at a time is fine - there is no rule that says they have to take both. If she is full from one breast than its all the easier for you!

As long your LO seems satisfied at the end of her feeding and refusing the second side then you can assume that she is getting enough!  I know its nice to see that bottle empty, but as long as shes growing and gaining weight from checkup to checkup than there really isn't a cause for concern.

From what you have written it sounds like everything is fine. Is there something else going on?

chloephoebecali

It stopped hurting.  Mine only does one breast at each feeding.  Don't feel you have to do both.  DD was a terrible burper.  I dreaded it.  She has since been better.  GL!  Hang in there!

DallasHorn

After 6 weeks I found:

- Baby could go longer stretches b/t feedings
- Was more proficient at eating so it didn't take so long
- Was now more wakeful and didn't keep falling asleep
- There was more established of a routin

I agree with the laying baby down for a few minutes then burping. Think of it link a soda bottle - how the air comes to the top when you put it upright. I also like laying baby tummy down on my knees and rubbing her back. The pressure from your knees helps push the burp out.

BTW...in my experience, 4 oz is WAY to big of a bottle for a 4 week old! 

See my post here:

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/25560240.aspx (working mom's board)