Does anyone have a baby that wants to nurse frequently? I'm talking every hour? Kayden likes to "sleep on the boob," so she will nurse for 5 to 10 minutes, sleep for 5 to 10, nurse for 5 to 10, sleep, etc. This continues for close to an hour before she's satisfied, and then 30 minutes later she is ready to nurse again. I feel like I'm nursing her around the clock! I have an LC that I consult with regularly, and we seem to have addressed a possible foremilk/hindmilk issue. The LC says she's just a rester and that I should try to wake her to keep her going. Of course, this is easier said than done. And, even as we address these little "issues" related to breastfeeding itself, I am finding that my own wellbeing is being overlooked. Last night, I really had a meltdown. I had been feeding her with only small breaks for about 12 hours, and when she began crying and rooting again, I started to cry with her. I found myself not wanting to feed her! How awful is that?!? I just don't know how long this feeding pattern can continue and how much more I can take of it. She's resting now, but I know the frequent feedings are coming! I've tried taking some "me time," but with only 30 minutes between feedings, that usually means posting on this board or less! Help!

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She sounds like a cluster feeder. Ana is the same. except that she feeds every hour, sometimes more often, but at night she feeds every 2-3 hours. Maybe try waking her when you notice her dropping off...a light tickle to the chin or feet, or a jiggle of the boob can get her going again and hopefully get the feeding done faster. My first was a on the booby forever boy and it can really wear you out. I have done the crying with baby before and it makes bf'ing so stressful, that you can't enjoy it bc there is no breaks. Best of luck, sounds like you need it!

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Yes! Aspen has really been attached lately. It definitely wears me out because I also have my 3 year ds to worry about and try to keep up with. I'm hoping she starts eating more regularly with more time between each feeding. I have no idea how to get her to eat more at each feeding either. If anyone has any good ideas I would love to hear them!

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Dylan has been nursing alot too. I think he's going through a growth spurt. He only wakes up to eat and then he's back to sleep. During the day it's every 1-2 hours and at night its every 2-3 hours.

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From 3-7pm daily, I feel like I am feeding him constantly. He also likes to fall asleep. I just annoy him. Taking away my boob seems to work best. He gets mad and starts going again. Falling asleep during feedings (bottle and boob) were our biggest issues getting out of the hospital. The LCs kept insisting that I only let him eat for 30-45 minutes because after that he was basically using me as a pacifier. I really hope she starts spreading her feedings out for you soon!

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Sounds like a growth spurt... usually a cluster feeding is a period in the evening where they nurse constantly, and then sleep for a longer stretch (3-5 hrs), whereas a growth spurt may be a few days of basically constant nursing to boost your supply to meet growing demand. It usually slows down after a few days because baby and boobs both get more effective. This is the point where some moms may be tempted to give a bottle, which unfortunately is a really good way to stop this crucial supply-building and start on the downward spiral to low supply or weaning.

I know it's frustrating... especially with a younger one... but this too shall pass. Even if he's just "using you as a pacifier", it's boosting your milk supply and it will space out significantly once your supply catches up with his demand.

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Olivia did the same thing about a week afater she was born for a few nights. I too was crying right along with her when she was feeding every hour or sooner. I really felt like I couldn't make enough milk and was so tired and wanting to sleep, but the only thing that made her not cry (some of the time) was falling asleep on my boob and I was scared I'd drop her if I slept. I'm expecting another growth spurt soon, and to go through it again, just know it will pass.

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We seem to be having a long stretch each day wher he eats every 40 min. I am trying to be thankful when it happens in the day or evening w/ the hope of getting a few 2+ hours of sleep....
It's exhausting. Hang in there- it will get better.

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I agree with the other ladies, it won't last forever--it's such a newborn thing! Is this your first? Nursing my first was so frustrating for the same reason, I remember crying along with DS all the time and not wanting to feed him either. *sigh* newborns!

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Our constant nursing started yesterday afternoon. She's pretty much been non-stop except for my 5 hr stetch lasst night. It'sm amazing how much I've learned that I can get done with a baby attached to my boob:-) Good luck. I'm sure things will settle down soon wither it is cluster feeding or a growth spurt. Like the rest said, it too shall pass and you will be back on track again.

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Well, I too feel your pain...and I can take comfort in knowing I'm not alone here I guess! Allison is doing this very same thing. She is not my 1st but the 1st one I have been able to keep up the bf'ing with so this is new (and frustrating!) to me. Sunny even hit the nail on the head- I have been ever so tempted to give the bottle the past couple of days because I feel so very over the constant feedings! Ugh...

I'm hanging in there with ya though!

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Derek (DH), Derek II (DS), Sammy (DS)

Allison Rene
May 13th 2008
7 lbs 6 oz & 20 in long