Getting really frustrated with bfing

KimRN

Getting frustrated with BFing

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My lo's are 10 days old.  I can not seem to get them on track. Not that I expect them to be on a schedule or anything let alone on the SAME schedule.  The last two night have made me want to quit.  They were tandem feeding but I couldn't get the smaller of the two to eat very well so I decided to feed them seperate back to back.  Well I thought it was working but the last 2 nights have sucked.  I have probably gotten 3 hours of sleep.  Neither one will stay on very long which in turn makes them ready to eat again 1hr later.  The process is taking so long and I am getting really frustrated.  I just worry!  Any suggestions, words of encouragement?  I am pumping and giving 1-2 feedings with the bottle just to ease my own mind.  I don't think it is nipple confusion becasue they will suck they just don't stay on very long.  Definately not long enough to empty.

Shannonlea

It does get easier as they get bigger, hang in there!  And I am glad you are pumping and doing some feedings with a bottle, this saved my sanity early on (DS wouldnt latch so we bottle fed him but now he is latching so I am able to breastfeed)

As they get older, they get better at sucking so their feedings are quicker.  At 5.5 weeks, DD eats for about 10-12 minutes and she is done. It used to be 30-40 minutes.

My only suggestion is to keep doing the pumping and have DH feed one with the bottle while you feed the other baby.  And if you need more of a break during the day, pump for both and bottle feed.  I really believe this is a good tactic until they get faster.  Just make sure you are putting one to breast often enough so that your supply is ok.

You are doing a great job and if you are doing good now, it will only get better.  

awalton3

I just want you to know...when I just read your encouraging last statement it made me cry.  NO JOKE.  I *think* the hormones are getting the best of me!!!!  lol

gumiberg

I hate to tell you that it stays hard for awhile but in my experience, it was very hard for the first month.  BUT, after that it got easier and easier and now, I can feed them both in under 10 min - without any bottles to clean!   It's a short-term challenge for a long-term reward. 

Good luck!  I just took it day by day to get by. 

meagamomma2be

I wanted to quit every day for the first 6 weeks and that was with only 1 baby.  I'm so glad I stuck w/ it.  It got so much easier.  I know it will be even harder with the twins, and I'm not looking forward to it.  You are doing something most people don't even attempt.  Be proud of yourself and good luck!

KimRN

Thank you!  I think it is hard becasue I just need to know they are satisfied with the little amount of time they are on the breast.  At this point I wouldn't care if it took 30-40 minutes...it just scares me b/c it is a challange to get them to stay on for 10min.  Emily, the smaller of the two, will only stay on for about 7 minutes of continuous suck if I am lucky.  I fought with Chloe for about 1hr for her to feed for about 10-13 min. 

My other issue is that when they feed like that I am not emptying.  I get full and need to pump.  Then they wake up an hour later and I feel like I don't have enough.  I probably do but I am just overly paranoid.

KimRN

Shannonlea:

It does get easier as they get bigger, hang in there!  And I am glad you are pumping and doing some feedings with a bottle, this saved my sanity early on (DS wouldnt latch so we bottle fed him but now he is latching so I am able to breastfeed)

As they get older, they get better at sucking so their feedings are quicker.  At 5.5 weeks, DD eats for about 10-12 minutes and she is done. It used to be 30-40 minutes.

My only suggestion is to keep doing the pumping and have DH feed one with the bottle while you feed the other baby.  And if you need more of a break during the day, pump for both and bottle feed.  I really believe this is a good tactic until they get faster.  Just make sure you are putting one to breast often enough so that your supply is ok.

You are doing a great job and if you are doing good now, it will only get better.  

Thank you so much!  It's so nice to be able to post here and get much needed advice!!!

KimRN

Also, when I pump I get 5oz per side.  Again making me wonder if they are getting enough.

jalaiaa

I just wanted to let you know that I feel your pain. My boys are 12 days old and I am in your same position. I have been so frustrated, especially at night. What keeps me going is knowing that it will get easier. I just keep reminding myself that it is temporary and soon they'll eat faster and less often.  You can do it.