Growth Spurt? Supply Issues? Or Reflux

[Danielle_NZ]

So as the title puts it I'm at a loss... He's now feeding 1.5 - 2 hours after he finishes his last feed, it's taking almost twice as long and he's general unsettled now... My calm baby has gone... My nipples are begging for a break... I'm falling asleep during feeding ARGH! Started yesterday, we also got meds for his reflux yesterday, but from previous bubs the symptoms haven't come on as fast as this has (only started reflux like symptoms last weekend)

I decided to give him expressed milk this last feed (1.5 hrs after the start of his last feed) and he drunk 90ml.

I'm going batty lol why cant breast feeding be simple

[Danielle_NZ]

He was feeding 3 - 4 hours apart

[MantaRay]

Danielle, you have had a really hard time since this little one was born and you have handled all the hurdles fantastically. I am so impressed by your persistence and determination. I am sorry to hear that you have yet another thing to deal with.

How long are the feeds taking now hun - and is it one side or two? Feeding every 1.5 to 2 hours is quite common at that age - on average babies feed between 8 - 12 times in 24 hours, and more than 12 times is also quite normal. Usually this isn't evenly spaced, there is often a longer period of sleep - maybe 3 -4 hours at this age, and then another period of cluster feeding. Is this what you are finding also, or is it literally 1.5 to 2 hours all day and night? Most babies are also able to drain a breast within 20 minutes, so if your DS is feeding for longer than this, it would be ok to pull him off (after breaking suction with your finger), do a nappy change and then see if he wants the other side (for 20 minutes max again). If he still seems unsettled after that time and seems to want to feed, it could be a need to suck due to wind, pain or just a normal instinct to be with his mum. Often mums find that they can settle their baby by wearing him in a sling for a while after a feed. If this works it will save your nipples and hopefully give you a bit of a break.

I hope things settle down soon for you hun - the early weeks can be very hard work