My 4-week-old is eating every 2 hours (or less) during the day and it is becoming exhausting. Luckily, at night she goes 3-5 hour stretches, but during the day I feel like she is a permanent attacment and I have a 2yo to run after as well. If the answer is that I just need to wait her out, then
I would love some words of encouragement or "light at the end of the tunnel" stories because I'm losing my resolve. I had to bottlefeed my son (ebm for the 1st 5 months and then formula) and I remember it being so much easier to space out his feedings. Also, how can I tell the difference between nutritive and non-nutritive sucking? TIA!

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Suzanne

I had the same problem with my daughter. her cluster feedings were making me crazy and i had a 3 1/2 year old to deal with and trek aroud town all thetime.

Yes, it will get better and space out in time. Give it a few weeks and you will see. I would suggest try offering both breasts even if she isnt takig much of the second one. I would also try to stop the slow sucking (which i found is more for comfort at the end of a nursing session) by pulling her off and switch side or giving her a quick break before offering it again. Its kinda to wake her up.

My doc suggested to try playing with her and keep her interest to hold off an extra 1/2 hour or whatever. Sing, walk around, have your 2 year old help sing and talk to her.

Thats all i can think of what i would do. I hope you can stick it out and it will get easier. We are here for you.

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