Ok, so we are 6wks BF & going fairly good.....so far only given 40ml formula once. I don't want to give up this time!!!
The thing is it seems some days I don;t have enough. I know about extra feeding for growth spurts etc. But DS2 has several days each week where he just feeds & feeds & doesn't sleep. It seems 5mins after a feed he's hungry again. But he doesn't seem to be gulping or swallowing??? then he's up til late that night too. Then a day or so later i'm soooooo full he just feeds and sleeps. Could I have a low supply & if so what can help?
Babies will often feed and feed if unsettled so it doesn't necessarily mean anything about your supply.
Tell us about your baby's weight gains; how many wet and dirty nappies?
Your milk won't just up an disappear for no reason, so I very much doubt there's anything wrong with your supply (especially if he's feeding constantly, because that will stimulate more production)
Do you use a sling at all? Sometimes carrying baby close will help them to settle and sleep better (I suspect his need to be close to you is the reason he's feeding so much). Or he could have an upset tummy or any number of other things going on.
My supply seems to do this after 6 weeks too and my babies have all been unsettled. This is the first time I have persisted through it and I am still feeding and 4 and a half months (that is a milestone for me). My supply seems to now be sufficient for my baby's needs. This has never happened before (possibly because I gave up too early previously, but I don't know).
This does sound like your baby is having a growth spurt and just placing his order for his next feed. It can be hard when they are feeding all day though. Sometimes a sling will help him feel close to you without needing a feed so this can give you a break.
Sounds like you are doing a fantastic job though, well done!
Hey Erin, we are having one of those days today! Lying down feeding as I type.
It's really hard not to doubt your supply when they do this but just trust your body and your baby. Supply = demand and it sounds like your baby is doing the demanding bit for more supply! Keep feeding and using a sling is a great idea.
Thanks for the replies, we have only had his weight checked once & he had put on plenty of weight. He's got plenty of wet nappies, though doesn't seem to do no2's on days like this....but then on the days I'm full as & he feeds & sleeps he blows the nappies apart LOL.
I am stoked to have gotten this far & will soldier on. It's just hard on days like this with a toddler to run after & DH who works away from home!
We are lucky he's not a screamer, just a bit unsettled. I don't think it's his tummy or anything as I would think he'd cry more. I was thinking growth spurt, but every week?
I love the idea of the sling, but TBH we have one for when he can hold his head up....I can't really afford to buy another just for this early stage.
LOL at typing as we feed, it's amazing how a woman can mulit task!
Many mothers express concerns about their milk supply. When our babies are fussy and unsettled we take it so personally.
You will always have enough milk for your baby - your breasts are never really empty, even when your baby is having a cluster of feeds quite close together.
For a baby, breastfeeding is not all about being hungry. When they feed they get milk, but they also get a surge of great hormones which help them relax and to sleep and to digest their food. When they are breastfeeding they are close to mum - and everyone wants their mum when they are a bit out of sorts. He could be feeding for a number of reasons, but it sounds like you are making plenty of milk. He doesn't need anything else. And it looks like the evidence is before you - he is growing and thriving.
I second the sling. It is hard work when your partner can't be close, with a baby and a toddler - you are doing a great job.
I also suggest the sling. There are even some threads around that tell you how to make your own. Have a bit of a look through everyone's recommendations and see if you can pick one up cheaply on ebay or even make your own. This is the best time to be using something so your hands are free to be looking after your toddler as well as your newborn.
He sounds like he's doing wondefully, thanks to Mum!
could this be lack of supply?
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