RP from BF'ing Board: Please tell me it gets easier

mrs.schmitty

Let me start off by saying that I realize I am very lucky because bf'ing has gone very well right from the beginning; maybe too well - he latched right away, my milk came in within 3 days and I haven't had any supply issues. That being said, I had no idea how hard it would be. I am the first of my close friends and family so although I took classes, read books, etc I really had no idea what to expect. At this point, it feels like he wants to eat constantly which I know is fairly normal except he doesn't sleep at night and I am exhausted. He literally eats every 1-3 hours both night and day. His pedi and others suggested I try feeding him at least every 2 hours during the day so he is full at night which I've been doing for the last couple of days. However, this pretty much means I can't sleep during the day either because almost as soon as he's done, it's almost time for the next feeding session. I know some people say it's okay to sleep while baby nurses but I am just not comfortable with this yet. I'm also worried that I am mistaking general fussiness, etc for hunger. I know what the hunger "cues" are but unfortunately he seems to root and want to suck all the time. He also has yet to ever refuse the boob...I think he just likes to suck to soothe which again I know is normal but mama's boobies need a break every now and then and mama needs to rest. Luckily DH has been awesome and is is doing everything he can to support my bf'ing but he's also exhausted at this point and has to go back to work tomorrow.

Sorry to be so whiney. Just need some reassurance that this will get easier. I feel like I think about quitting or supplementing at some point every day and have to talk myself back into keeping up with it because I know it's the best thing for my baby. I hear it gets easier but it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel at this point. I also know I should hit up a La Leche League meeting at some point but right now I'm just too tired to leave my house. Any advice or encouragement is appreciated. TIA!

kacelle

Violet starts rooting and showing hunger cues when she wants comfort as well as when she's genuinely hungry.  I gave up on waiting to introduce a pacifier and we use one now--lifesaver!  It's the only thing keeping her from being attached to the boobs at all times, especially when she's sleepy.

fluffybuns

It will get easier!!!!

My first was this way, she always wanted to nurse! Whether it was because she was hungry or she just wanted comforted. She had a serious need to suck! When I took her to her 2 month appointment, the doctor recommended that I try a pacifier. I was generally opposed to it, but it was heaven!!! I learned to tell the difference between hunger and just the need to suck. She would take the pacifier when she just wanted to suck and she would spit it out and fuss if she was actually hungry.

It made my life so much easier! It allowed me to go longer between feedings, and it allowed her to get a more substantial amount of milk at each feeding because my breasts had time to regenerate in between feedings!

For sure the first 8 weeks are the hardest, hang in there!! 

mrs.dilligaf

I agree with PPs 100%!  Her binky is the best thing ever.  Well, not right now because she has a cold, but it saved me.  I was worried about nipple confusion, but this kid could latch on to a carrot.  I was like you, opposed at first, but man.  Especially when she found she could suck her fingers.  It will be easier to take a pacifier than her fingers.  GL!

mrs.schmitty

Thanks ladies! We did introduce the pacifier fairly early on but I've been hesitant to use it too much because I feel guilty in case he really is just that hungry all the time. But I think you're right ....if he's already eaten recently and we try giving the pacfier to him first and he refuses it then we know he probably really is hungry.

tokenhoser

Good luck with the paci... my boy does not like it. He just really is that hungry. Yhe only thing that has saved me is side-lying nursing which has led to cosleeping. I've got my bed set up to be as safe as possible, and when I give up on the crib we both get enough sleep to feel decent during the day. I know it's not the ideal solution, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll do whatever it takes to get sane.

I am really hoping that he'll spread out the feedings more soon, though.

Cassondra09

I was against using the paci for at least the first 2 weeks, we caved at just 6 days and haven't looked back. Like PPs when Silas is hungry the paci just doesn't do it for him, he spits it out and screams louder; but when he just needs to suck, it works wonders!

We also nurse side-lying for all our night time feedings and sometimes during the day. I was surprised at how easily I could fall asleep when side-lying. Put a blanket behind baby so they don't roll over. We end up bed-sharing after about 50% of the nursings, depends on if I want to stand up to put him into his cradle or not. Although Silas eats every 2-3 hrs throughout the night, I can wake feeling rested.

pumpkinhead06

I too was going to recommend using a Paci.  I read somewhere that babies like to suck for something like 16hours a day... no way do they need to nurse all the time, but do need to suck.