Cluster feeding
Show your support
The only advice I can give is to hang in there! ❤️ I was the same as you. So overstimulated all the time by constant feeding and my nipples were so sore. Breastfeeding is so hard at first. First 3-4 weeks were the hardest for me. I’m now 17 weeks along. It gets so much easier and enjoyable. Try to ensure you have everything you need (water, food, snacks, tv remote, phone) near you. I got my partner to make my hot drinks in a thermos. Just know that it is not like this forever ! Your little one is trying to increase your supply. I went from feeding 5/6 hours a day at the beginning to around 2 hours a day now. Xxx 😘 Also, if you can, get your partner or close family/friend to take the baby on a walk for an hour or two each day so you can nap or have some me time away from the baby xxx
Sorry to hear you're having a hard time, it can be so tough at the beginning while everything is so new and your milk supply is coming in. The sore nips and zero time to yourself is hard! But you're doing a great job, it definitely gets easier and baby will get more effective at getting your milk out so feed times should reduce. Only thing I will add, is that it could be worth having baby's tongue checked, because if they have a tongue tie they can struggle to get milk out effectively meaning they're on the boob longer/they get tired v easily on the boob, and also be unsettled/always seeming to be hungry. And can also cause sore nipples due to poor latch. So might be worth looking into if things don't seem to improve soon. Hopefully it does improve quickly for you though 🤞🥰
Longest session I had was 6 hours. I cried so much and we decided to do a formula mix after. It passes, we're about to hit 8 weeks and I've managed to express a small supply on the side as well as using anti reflux formula. Hang in there! It's not forever
It's so hard as you're right in the trenches! Short answer, yes this is very normal. Your baby is establishing your milk supply, getting a good nipple cream can help. Its probably a good idea to find your local feeding team and get a latch check and advice. The Facebook group 'breastfeeding and lactation support uk' are an amazing group that offer great advice and support. It really does get better! I'm now 20 months in! Find a good series on netflix, get some good snacks and drinks to hand, and give both yourselves the time and space to figure it out. Sending you love and support lovely x
Yes mine was constant in the early stages. Push through it 💪. Nothing prepares you for the absolute shit storm that those first fee weeks are but don't give up. Breast feeding your child is one of the most amazing things and she won't do this forever x
No there’s nothing wrong! You are all she’s known for 9 months and baby will suckle for food, warmth and comfort. Cluster feeding is very normal in the early days. Personally my experience of that was baby going on and off the boob throughout the evening time, rather than staying on for hours at a time. Is your little one swallowing milk throughout those hours as she might be using you as a dummy more so for comfort - it looks like quick little sucks rather than suck suck swallow. I know the advice is not to introduce a dummy until your supply is regulated but I ended up giving one within a few days just to give my nips a break. You could always try a clean finger if you don’t want to give a dummy. People recommend the silver cups to help heal sore nips with a bit of breast milk in or nipple shields whilst you feed. It will get better ❤️