Torn..with breastfeeding. HELP!!?

Question

My daughter is one week old today! I've been breastfeeding her, which has been going well, EXCEPT for the fact that she's constantly needing to eat. I can't get anything done, and it's hard to even leave the house. Let alone having a 4 year old too. I feel horrible even thinking about formula feeding her, like I'm giving up, and being selfish. Have any of you mother's went through this? I'm so torn. Maybe I could supplement, and formula feed her too, like when we're out, and about..I'm not one to breastfeed out in public either.

Answer 1

Yep, totally normal. It's rough when they want to eat the often, but it's what they have to do! It'll get easier I promise!

Answer 2

This is normal, my son needed to eat every hour for the first few weeks.  She's only one week old, give her body a chance to regulate.  What are you needing to leave the house for?  Just bring a shawl and feed in your car or something, or pump and let someone else feed her once in a while.  Trust me, give it another week or two and it will get easier and she'll need to eat less often.

Answer 3

I went through it with all four of my kids.  I know exactly what your going through and its ok to give your baby formula.  At least then you will know how much they are getting.  Your baby has already received the most important part of your breast milk.  And breast feeding can be painful.  Don't let anyone tell you that you are wrong for not breastfeeding.  You are the mom and that is your baby.  All four of my kids are grown and healthy.  You need to be a little selfish, because you have many more years with your new baby.  Congratulations!

Answer 4

It's normal for her to eat a lot the first 4-6wks. After that she will slow down and things get easier. She will also start to eat faster, by 3 months my son was down to eating in 10min or less. Keep up the good work. I suggest sticking it out for a while longer then you can pump and give a bottle in public if she will take it or you can have dad feed some to take some pressure off of you.

Right now if you supplement with formula it will reduce your milk production and you are likely to dry up early, your milk isn't fully established yet.

I got this nursing cover and it makes nursing in public so easy. I found blankets hard to keep on and they would always end up covering my sons face. Most stores with dressing rooms are more than happy to let you use them as well.

http://www.bebeaulait.com/

Answer 5

I breastfeed both of my children. It can get  frustrating at times, but I would keep trying. If you have to go out I would pump some breast milk into some bottles. That is what I did. If my husband was home with the baby, they could still have the milk. They do seem like they are eating a lot. I would just make sure your daughter is getting enough to eat. I prefered not to breastfeed in public either.  (Only two times for an emergency) I also would feed them in the car before going into a store.Best of Luck!! Don't give up!!  

Answer 6

Yes.  That sounds about what most moms go thru.  Especially with another child.  And it most likely wears you out, and you feel guilty about less time with the other child.  But a couple things to consider,

It will get better.

It will keep your baby healthier.  And sickness could put an even bigger strain on you.

Just having a newborn, and a 4 year old - is draining too!  Plus with formula, now you also need to wash bottles, put bottles away, and worst of all, buy formula - its expensive.  Think of the college savings that $$ could go to.

And work out - if you want to burn the baby weight.  

Id rather lose the 40 cal per ounce breastfeeding.

Answer 7

if breastfeeding is important to you stick with it. i have been through this with all three of mine with four year age gaps. it does get a lot easier over time and it is still very early days. when you get beyond this point you will hardly remember and it will seem like it has all flashed by. my youngest is ten months and i feed her 4-5 times during a day so in the early days it was constant feeding. i fully understand how you feel about feeling guilty as its exactly how i felt . i did continue and am pleased i did now. i just wanted you to know that it does get better if you decide to carry on if breastfeeding is very important to you. if you feel you cannot carry on just remember there are thousands of mothers who don't breastfeed and you will still be an excellent mum. its well done for breastfeeding for how ever long. good luck

Answer 8

I'm glad to hear the BF is going well!  Congrats.  It's hard!

I'm doing both.  I bottle feed with formula at night and at times during the day.  I also BF when I can to be sure he's getting some of the 'good' stuff!  I was never able to BF full time due to all sorts of issues, but this works for us.

When you bottle feed, I'd suggest you get a nipple that is slow flowing and large to mimic you.  A lactation consultant recommended the Nuk Slow Flow silicone nipple.  

It is extra difficult to BF when you have a toddler as well.  Feeding your baby is a personal decision and really no one else's business.

Answer 9

This is very normal!!! Don't give up though, breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby!!! Breastfed babies feed alot more often than formula fed babies, as the milk is digested quicker!!!

It is hard in the beginning, but trust me... it is very beneficial for you and your baby to continue :-)

Answer 10

I've known several mothers who wanted to breastfeed(including myself) but were unable to. And we all tried but  was unable.  Some women are able to  and others were not.  My milk didn't come in for 2 weeks. So if formula wasn't available my child would have starved. Even when it came in hardly anything came out. the most i got was 1 oz.  I knew breastfeeding wasn't for me and used formula. And I didnt feel bad about it, and you shouldn't either.

Answer 11

It gets better, I promise!  I have 4 kids, and I breast fed all but my oldest (who is adopted).  Formula, IMO is MUCH harder and consumes much more time (preparation, washing bottles, going to the store at 3am because you are out).  Right now I have a 12 yr old, a 10 yr old, a 3 yr old and I am nursing my 3 month old.  My midwife told me that breastfeeding is natures way of ensuring you slow down and let your body heal; once you are ready to get up and do a lot, your baby will stretch out her feedings.

Breastfeeding in public is hard at first, but with a little practice, no one will know you are feeding your baby except you and your baby.

Below are 101 benefits of breastfeeding.

Answer 12

I would supplement then, its best to keep you and baby happy just pump and store the milk.  that's the best thing for you right now

congrats on your new baby !

Don't feel bad eaither

Answer 13

My baby was the same way for the first few weeks and I am also not a public nurser.  Luckily it was cold out and I didn't want to go out anyway!  I would not start supplementing this early on, as that could make for an inadequate milk supply.  Ride it out for a few weeks, you'll be happy you did.  Your baby will get more efficient at nursing, so it will not take her as long and her stomach will get larger, so she won't need to nurse as often.  To anyone that is struggling with any aspect of breastfeeding, I say wait until your baby is 6 weeks old before deciding to continue or not...by then things are usually going pretty smooth.