Washington Babies

Cluster Feedings Suck

Day 6:

I think Connor spends 20 minutes nursing, 10 being burped, 20 more minutes finishing up and then takes a 90 minute nap.  Then it's time to repeat.

And he has insanely fast, hard latch.  The Ped used the word, "Barracuda."  My poor nipples...

We talked to the Pediatrician and got nipple shields and then were referred to UW Outpatient Lactation.  We got some coaching and reassurance and this hyrdogel burn dressing.  I highly recommend the burn dressing Second Skin.  Lanolin wasn't cutting it for me.

Please tell me he'll get down to 15-20 minutes of nursing with at least a 2 hour break someday?  I would never be able to pee, eat or sleep without DH.

Re: Cluster Feedings Suck

  • It gets easier! It ALL gets easier. I promise. Give it 4 weeks and all of the sudden it will be like you have always been a mommy. BF is the hardest in the first 1-2 weeks. Your supply and his latch will both improve. I do miss having DH around during the day though....
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  • I am right there with you! I hope it gets easier, cause I feel like a human milk machine 24/7!
  • I hate to say it, but that's not what I'd call cluster feeding.  That's what I'd call pretty normal newborn behavior.  I think it's great that you can get a whole feeding done in less than an hour already! 

    Is that burn dressing OK for the baby to "eat"?  I've never heard of that.  I hope it helps you feel better.  I remember those early sore sore nips.  OUCH.

    It will get better and stretch out though... just try to find a way to survive it for now.  I feel like 1/2 hour to nurse was pretty normal after a while.   15 minutes didn't happen for a long time though for us.   But soon, he should give you at least one 3-4 hour stretch of sleep.  That will feel like heaven!!!

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  • Sometimes you earn to breastfeed while going potty!  :P

    Willow would take 90 minutes each feeding - sometimes two hours...never did the 15 minute feeding

    After two weeks I gave up and added formula.  At least it's working for you!  Good Job!

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  • Oh God! Those really were the worst days but it really does get better. Ditto on the burn dressings (and sooooo much cheaper than trying to keep yourself in Soothies). Good luck! You'll make it.
  • It gets better! Your nipples do heal, I swear. Will had a few days where he had several 3 hour feedings. I thought I was going to die.

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  • sounds like normal NB behavior to me. So sorry you are having a rough time right now, I promise it does get easier and and the feedings will space out more and baby will sleep more. those first couple weeks are rough~ I always felt like a zombie with both babies those first weeks.
    Dawn - Wife of Brian 09/25/2005 - Mother of Eli Jace 03/12/2007 and Kai Evan 10/17/08

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