3 week old and going crazy

They go through phases of cluster feeding to help your body know it needs to produce more milk.

It can be difficult, but it doesn’t last forever 🧡 make sure to stay hydrated and have some snacks

Hi, it definitely sounds like cluster feeding. They tend to be on and off the boob a lot, mainly in the evenings. You are doing an amazing job. You don't have to top up with formula unless you want to. Have a look at Lucy Webber IBCLC on social media, she has lots of great resources x

https://www.facebook.com/share/19mdAwRi6S/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hi, I second the comments around cluster feeding and this leading to the baby upping your supply for their future needs.

The cluster feeding stages are hard you do feel like your stuck to the sofa. Please know though that this is totally normal and expected. This isn't a sign of not having enough milk like a log if mums are led to believe.

Your doing an amazing job keep with it and I promise it will get easier is time 🩷

I think it’s normal for baby to be hungry under 3 hours, especially at just 3 weeks. I’d expect little feeds here and there and all over the place. There’s this cool infographic I wish I could show you that illustrates how irregular times between breastfeeding can be. Breastmilk is broken down quite quickly in babies gut whereas formula does pack them out. The only way you can know if she’s getting enough is by the weigh-ins, the health visitor can help reassure you. You could consult a lactation consultant also. I planned to breastfeed but had c-section and baby wouldn’t latch 😢 I had to go formula. But I wanted baby to have BM, so I pumped and kept my supply. Baby still wouldn’t latch until a consultant told me I had flat nipples. I bought nipple shields and voila! He latched perfectly. We happily combi feed and actually, at night - we’ve become exclusively breast (he’s just turned 3 months). Woohoo! Mine has been a journey. Be kind to yourself & flexible X

https://www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com/blog/low-milk-supply-101

I had this with my baby. I just went off her weight gain and nappies to reassure me that she was getting enough.
I think the reason so many people stop breastfeeding is there’s just not the awareness or education about what the reality can be like. I had no idea as no one in my family had breastfed. I think the main reason I kept going is just because I’m just a really chilled out person naturally, so I didn’t stress too much. Also, I was soooo lucky to make some good breastfeeding mum friends through my local library baby group, having others that are going through the same thing makes it so much easier. X

Thank you so much everyone! I just thought cluster feeding comes and goes but she’s been like this ever since she was 5 days old but yes her nappies output is spot on so I’ll persevere and soon it will be ok♥️