Am I doing something wrong?

Marsupial1022 · June 2011

I feel completely at a loss here, and I really hope that someone can either reassure me or point me in the right direction.

The facts: I EBF with the exception of the 1 oz of formula (Similac Advance for sensitive stomachs) our doctor is having me supplement with every other feeding thanks to a stubborn case of jaundice that my daughter has been dealing with since we brought her home from the hospital 3 weeks ago. This is supposed to be our last week of supplementing if her biliruben levels are low enough (she went from a 16 to an 11 to a 9 and is currently at a 6...doc wants her to be below a 4). DD was 5lbs 13 oz when she was born and was 6lbs 4 oz last Friday at her well-baby checkup.

The problem: She eats CONSTANTLY. Ever since she was 2 weeks old, it's like she's on the breast every few minutes. I know that I've got a pretty good supply going on considering that she's gaining weight like she's supposed to, she'll nurse until she releases her latch and falls asleep (our average time is 20 minutes per breast), and my breasts feel softer after she nurses...but she'll snooze for a few minutes than start rooting around for the other side. I'll nurse her on the opposite breast, she'll do the same routine, and she'll wake up about 30-45 minutes later acting like she's starving. Between the breastmilk and the ounce of formula, you would think that her tiny tummy would be full to bursting...but it's like she never gets full!

She's been rather gassy lately, so we started giving her Little Tummy's gripe water thinking that maybe she's wanting to nurse out of comfort. The gripe water has been working beautifully, but she still wants to nurse all the time!

Am I doing something wrong? Or am I possibly missing something that's going on with DD? I'm so exhausted and frustrated from nursing her all day and every 2-4 hours at night, but I'm more worried that she's not getting something that she needs. She's nursed so much these past three weeks that I'm already back in my pre-pregnancy clothing, which are quickly becoming large on me. I'm hungry and thirsty all the time, and I try to eat healthy and drink plenty of water...but I can't help but feel like I'm failing at this.

Help? Advice?

utlawgirl · June 2011

Honestly.... that all sounds normal to me! She is probably having a growth spurt, and hopefully it will be over for you soon. They almost always last less than a week, so if you're still seeing increased nursing after that, think about offering a paci if you think she's just comfort nursing some of the time, or if you feel like something is wrong, see an LC for a weighed feeding. There's usually a big spurt at 2-3 weeks.

The first few weeks are just hell. You feel like you're nursing constantly, and you're exhausted, and you feel like it will never end. But here's the thing -- it will. Before you know it, she'll get more efficient at the breast, and she'll need to nurse less often, especially at night. You'll both feel more confident, and be getting more sleep. IMO, if you don't seriously want to quit in the first few weeks, you are superhuman. It's hard.

IT WILL GET BETTER, I promise. Hang in there. You are not failing. You're doing just fine!

MWoodside · June 2011

Totally 100% normal. It is very exhausting at first, I hear you. DD was pretty much attached to me nearly 24/7 for 6 wks. Then it got a little better, but it didn't feel manageable until 8 wks. She just wants to be close to you b/c she lived inside you for so long & she likes to hear the sound of your heart. The breast is comforting for her, KWIM?

Sounds like you are doing everything right & doing a wonderful job. Hang in there. I promise it gets easier! Try to prepare snacks & refill a large water bottle when she gives you a break & keep those close by when she starts the marathon nursing sessions. Good luck!

Edit: I would also have DH bring me snacks/meals & water when he was home. He pretty much took over managing household chores for a while there. My only job was BFing

RNOHIO · June 2011

Everything sounds completely normal. When babies are so young the eat ALL the time because their stomachs are so small. BM is also very quickly digested so she will need it very often. I remember the first month or so, DS would would nurse for 45 min on both sides and then only nap 30 minutes in between doing it again. Just keep her to the breast as much as possible...............and nothing is wrong with letting her comfort nurse.

Marsupial1022 · June 2011

Thanks, guys. This makes me feel infinitely better. Smile I wish I had been warned about this beforehand so I wouldn't work myself up into a panic. LOL

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