Comfort feeding vs actual feeding

I had a similar situation with birth weight, he lost 14% and my milk only came in on that day (day 3). We had to combi feed as we had latching/nipple shape issues (and eventually tongue tie referral). So basically he would only be on my boob for comfort because wasn't really getting any milk! Cluster feeding is very normal for EBF babies and you have to decide how you do it.. if it's getting to much for you consider pumping or combi feeding to take the pressure off. I personally can't really pump enough and it takes me days to get 1 feed (120ml for my 16 week old). Just be open to all ways of feeding! But I'm so glad she's putting on weight again and you are doing brilliantly 👏

In the first few weeks it us quite hard I won't lie. My first would cluster feed for hours on end and I never thought it would end. I used to fight and fight to put him down and in the end gave up. Would make sure I had a big drink, lots of snacks and just binge watched some tele whilst he fed and slept on me but it was lockdown so also didn't really have a choice as we weren't allowed out and no one could come and help me. Could you maybe go for some walks with the pram after your baby has had a feed just to try and break the cluster feeding a little so you can have a break? Or have you got a wrap/sling? I would feed my boys then put them in the sling so they could still smell me and my milk but my hands were free so I could do a bit of housework and have a bit more freedom. Breastfeeding is hard and demanding but time goes by so quick. I'm almost a year into my second breastfeeding journey and it will get easier x

My lil guy is almost 5 months and did the same thing. He lost a ton of weight and then gained it back slowly but was on me constantly. I let him nurse whenever he wanted for as long as he wanted to avoid having to supplement. Sometimes he would not give me a break & other times he learned to be content on his own but I've always let him pick the schedule. Since about 3 months I think (I've lost track of time) he started to let me get breaks now and can be entertained by his toys, dad, me, and his sisters without wanting to nurse. You got it, just hang in there & enjoy it while you can. They get big fast. 🥰 I tried pumping but didn't respond well to it so maybe it will work for you! My baby also doesn't like bottles or binkies but maybe yours will. I feel like that would help with breaks for you maybe. Hope you can get some relief soon!

@Sarah there’s hypoallergenic formula out there, but also it’s completely normal to spend most of the day breastfeeding your baby in the early days.

Hi lovely, I would say my son cluster fed quite intensely for the first 2 months which was hard but I do have a good supply now as a result. I did give in and give him a dummy though against advice. It didn’t affect feeding for us but I know it can cause issues so it’s not always advised but he was always on me too and not even feeding sometimes! Xx

Heyy, how do you know the difference between wanting to feed and wanting to smooth? I suspect my little one is doing the same as no sooner as she come off she is crying to go back on, she then falls asleep on the boob but I can still see her jaw going and feel her sucking (although suction not as strong) so suspect she is just using me as a dummy. Would you just keep putting them on when they ask? I am worried r she will become too reliant on the comfort as she is really fussy already unless she is on at 4.5 weeks old :/

Reading this helped me a little https://breastfeeding.support/flutter-sucking-and-comfort-nursing/#:~:text=What%20is%20comfort%20nursing%20or,because%20they%20love%20to%20suck.

I’m just letting her but have started to pump too to see if that can give me any relief - to just use the loo lol