Needing BF help!

Kittynoah · #1 October 21st, 2011, 06:13 AM

I am struggling with the Breastfeeding. Yesterday she was cluster feeding for hours at a time. By evening, she had been latched for almost 2 hours and she was getting MAD! She would latch, suck, and unlatch and scream. I am thinking she wasn't getting anything. I was so overwhelmed, so tired (she had been up feeding a ton the night before) and started to lose it. So we gave her a little formula - and she sucked up the 2 oz and passed out.

I am afraid I've ruined things by giving her formula but I just don't know what to do. And it is hard to just sit and let her nurse all night with Jed running around. James is still sick (if you remember he was in the hospital last week) so he isn't the best help.

so any suggestions? I am going to try and call an LC today to see what I can do. I'm afraid my supply isn't what it needs to be. She did nurse in the middle of the night last night and this morning. After she nursed this morning, I pumped for 5 minutes - I'm hoping to tell my body that it needs to make more. I'm not sure how much I should pump this soon.

I'm drinking a ton of water, eating oatmeal and drinking mother's milk tea.

Anyone else that dealt with low supply have some suggestions? I am getting really emotional and this is getting really challenging for me.

frgsonmysox · #2 October 21st, 2011, 06:21 AM

Is she wetting and pooping like normal? It doesn't sound like a supply issue to me, and if it is the more you nurse the better.

mylene169 · #3 October 21st, 2011, 06:57 AM

Nurse nurse nurse nurse! I know it's hard. Is there anyone at all you can call for help with Jed? (Angela?

) It doesn't sound like a supply issue to me either. Cluster feeding is totally normal and difficult but once you're past it it's a distant memory. I remember a friend of mine from high school posting "Cluster feeding is NO JOKE!" on FB just after her DD was born. She was right. One bottle of formula isn't going to ruin everything. But if you keep going back to that, it could.

Kolbie cluster fed for what felt like forever. I'd spend hours in her room rocking and nursing every night. I usually ended up laying her down screaming for more and laying down in my bed for a minute also in tears because it was so exhausting and frustrating. I needed to take a minute to calm myself down so I could be there for her. Usually shortly after that little break she'd fall asleep and I could lay her down.

Keep up the hard work. You CAN do it!!

JennieD · #4 October 21st, 2011, 07:05 AM

My son Cluster fed, it was hard! Dont give up thats the main thing,, Nurse nurse nurse!!! KUP!

Twhylite21 · #5 October 21st, 2011, 09:52 AM

I posted on FB, but wanted to post again here. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and just keep nursing. Yes, nursing can be hard, but as long as she's wetting around 6 diapers a day after the first week then she's doing fine. You have to have faith in your body, which can be difficult. Most likely your supply is fine. Cluster feeding is just really normal, especially for newborns.

Kittynoah · #6 October 21st, 2011, 11:39 AM

I am feeling better knowing that cluster feeding is normal. I was afraid she was doing that because she wasn't getting enough. I guess after my experience with Jed I was just paranoid. I did call an LC and am hoping to see her today or tomorrow - even if just for some reassurance. I know they have a baby scale and we can see what she weighs.

BUt she is nursing better today. I know she is getting milk because it is on her lips when she unlatches. I am just letting her nurse as much as she wants today.

I am so glad you ladies are here and on FB to help me out!

JennieD · #7 October 21st, 2011, 12:37 PM

glad we are here to help!

QueenCrafty · #8 October 21st, 2011, 03:33 PM

So glad it went better today! Abri cluster fed every evening from 6:30-9:30 for several weeks. Seriously, she nursed the whole time. Every 30 minutes or whenever she started fussing, I'd switch breasts. Do you have any family that could help you with Jed a few nights a week?

mum74 · #9 October 21st, 2011, 08:35 PM

I think if she's latching on for 2 hours that's too long. It's exhausting for you and for her. I see she's only six days old. When the milk does come in properly and isn't mostly colostrum, a baby gets a full tummy, their tummy can feel sore and funny because it is so full and this can make them really irritable too. (Oh and yes my children cluster fed, so did I misunderstand and you don't mean she's actually full on trying to nurse for 2hours?)

I hope things start to work out for you.

MrsTiffy · #10 October 21st, 2011, 10:34 PM

I don't have any advice other than what the others said. I just wanted to tell you that I hope that it gets easier for you!! It sounds like you have a lot of stuff on your plate right now, and I hope that when you see the consultant she can help you out!!! Good luck and lots of hugs!!!