Nursing just about every single hour...

[*~Danielle~*]

I know this is normal for some babies...but come on now. I'm getting tired of it and I just want a break. I have family members telling me to top him off with formula but I don't want to feed my baby corn syrup solids. Argh.

[HappyMommy2]

Check out the breastfeeding forum for support and good ideas. Good luck, Mama, you are doing great. It does get easier, and less often, I promise! :-)

[filiadeluna]

My DD does this sometimes, too. I was reading some stuff either on KellyMom or in The Breastfeeding Book (Dr. Sears), and it said that sometimes newborns will "tank up" and eat more frequently before a really long nap. It kind of makes sense since my baby will eat once every hour during the day sometimes, and then sleep 3-4.5 hours after that. When she has longer, less frequent sessions, she seems to only sleep for 1-2 hours. I dunno. It can be pretty tiring, but I'm hoping things will change in the next few weeks or so.

[Malva]

He's probably trying to regulate your milk supply so that the amount is just right for him. If he needs more milk, he'll nurse almost constantly for a few days to increase your supply. Topping him off as suggested by "well-meaning" family members would just ensure you don't make enough milk for him in the long run.

It's really demanding while it lasts but he won't nurse every hour for ever!

[JillyD]

My babe is doing the same thing...and yeah, it's normal. My worry is that it seems like I am out of milk b/c he is nursing so much (i don't hear him swallowing after he's been nursing for a while)...so, that is kinda stressing me out.

[*~Danielle~*]

Thanks for the thoughts. I nursed my other children and I remember doing this but right now in my life with 3 littles and a farm and not much help, I guess I feel pulled in every which way and then baby needs me constantly, and I'm a bit overwhelmed. I also have those fears in the back of my mind that I don't have enough milk for him...but rationally, I know I do and he is just wanting more and my body will keep up. I just need to trust the process and the evidence of him getting bigger and staying alert and reaching milestones. IT is just hard to be so demanded of right now. Thanks again.

[mom2tatum]

growth spurt? that'd be my first thought with everything you mention...hang in.

[momto4kids]

Originally Posted by mom2tatum

growth spurt? that'd be my first thought with everything you mention...hang in.

My lil' guy just got over a growth spurt....I completely hear what you are saying about how hard it it . Of course ours came right when DH went back to work & my 21 mos old took full advantage of momma's not being able to chase him totally destroyed the house LOL! Hopefully it won't last much longer

[Conchobhar]

In the way of growth spurts and cluster feeding, my LC told me the numbers to remember are 3, 6, 3, 6 - 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months.
It could also be that your child is more of a soother-sucker than your other kids have been?

[YouKnowMe]

We've had a couple of spurts of that. It lasts for a couple days. I am just so happy to be succeeding at BFing this time, that I just pop a boob in his mouth. Although I am starting to question if he is just a sucker - I'm hoping he will start sucking his fingers, which he seems interested in.

[lanielayne]

Been there many times! It is so hard to sit when you know there are things that need to be done. Hang in there!

[dividedsky]

can you nurse in the sling? for me it has been a huge help! i can unload the dishwasher and someone can be eating...

[*~Danielle~*]

Good news. The nursing every hour has slowed down the last couple of days. I have a renewed sense of determination to keep going. :

[SaraC]

Keep it up mama!!! :

[vanessab23]

When my sons do this, I say "they are putting in their order for tomorrow's meal(s)"

Because don't you notice that the next day your supply has GROWN?!?!?

Good luck, mama-- we all (including me) need to remember that in good times or bad, THIS TOO SHALL PASS

hugs!

[baileyandmikey]

ds still nurses all the time, which gets to be a pain, but we don't do schedules around here.

[*~Danielle~*]

We feed on demand as well. That's why when it is very demanding I get discouraged...but things are going well all in all.

Yes, I did notice that the next day there is more milk.