2 weeks old--and wants to nurse all the time?

Question

i think now is the time for her 1st major growth spurt (10-14 days) but it seems like the only time she is content is when she is on the "boob". Last night, I was so exhausted...so i gave her formula (she doesnt like bottles too much, so it took her awhile to take 1 ounce) But i got hubby to give her another ounce about an hour later and she seemed to take it better from him ( i guess with me giving her a bottle, she doesnt want it cuz she can smell the breastmilk)
She does take a paci, but not for very long. She seems so fussy lately (even before i supplemented with formula) I am almost thinking just to wean to formula. i have a 23 month old that is striving for attention, too...and with her attached to me all day, it is not helping the attention issue with big brother.

Any suggestions

Answer 1

when babies go through a growth spurt they will want to eat what seems to be an insane amount. This is because breastmilk digests so very fast. It is also less fatty than other milks so she will need to eat more and that is completely normal. It can be tough trying to find that balance when you've got multiple kids but stick with it hon. It won't be like this forever.

All newborns demand a lot of attention. Try getting big brother involved. Sit down on the couch when you nurse and let him wrap his arms around her body as you nurse. My 2 year old loves to stroke baby's legs while I nurse. You can also try laying down on the bed and let brother lay beside baby as you nurse her. Let him hug and cuddle her as she's eating and going to sleep. This gives you a good time to talk to him as well and get some good eye contact time in with your older child.

You can also get him involved in basic care for your baby. Let him pull the diaper tabs and stick it to the diaper. Ask him to throw the diaper away or get him to bring you a diaper when you need one. All of those things get him involved in the tasks that are demanding your attention. It will cut out jealousy, build a relationship between siblings and also involve him so that he doesn't feel left out.

Answer 2

Let her eat she is still so little. She will also seem fussy because she is starting to figure out how the world works. When she is done pump and if she is hungry let your husband feed the breastmilk from the bottle if you need a break. The first weeks are exhausting! Anyone with kids has been there and we all feel for you. Try to do quiet activities with your son while you breast feed. Puzzles, books, and color for example. Also could dad step in and help with your son maybe take him to do a few special things. I also agree with others if you give it a few more weeks and it's still not working for you there's nothing wrong with giving formula. You need to do what's best for your family. Keep trying and you might be amazed! Congrats!

Answer 3

I'm sorry, I don't have an answer for you. I just wanted to mak
e you feel a little bit better knowing you are not alone! I have a 2 week old as well, and we're nursing right now, AGAIN!!!!! My 3 year old is feeling left out, so we started playing daddy's xbox. My son isn't very good, but neither am I. But we play, and it's easy to nurse and hold the controller, alot easier than typing with1 hand, lol..


Hang in there, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Answer 4

I agree with most of the people on here. If you possibly can, just try to hang on for a few more weeks. It WILL get easier. If you still feel it's not working for you, then you can make the decision as to whether or not you want to continue. I'm just afraid that if you make the decision now to stop breastfeeding, you may regret it one day. So if you can, try to hold out a little while longer. Things should start to fall into place. Good luck and congratulations on the new baby!!!

Answer 5

'Nurse perpetually" is she continuously nursing or on the breast continuously yet no longer continuously nursing. enormous distinction. a infant would be on the breast continuously or plenty yet is possibly no longer eating the entire time. it extremely is problem-loose for some toddlers to get right into a habit of nursing for a million-2 minutes and then drowsing 5 minutes and nursing for a couple of minutes and then drowsing for 5 minutes. This cycle persistently lower back would have a infant on the breast continuously and desirous to consume while ever she awakes. a infant who is going to the breast and nurses continuously for 15-half-hour will at that factor come off the breast and not would desire to suck. it is likewise popular at this age for infant to have a good number of cluster feeds. it extremely is the place they p.c.. a definite time of day (often in the night) and choose directly to nurse often for some hours in a row. the final thank you to appreciate while you're making sufficient milk is to have her weighed. maximum scientific expert workplaces have not got any problems with moms and dads coming in for an straight forward weight examine. it extremely is the final weigh to appreciate for specific. (reminded of 'Annie hall' while Woody Allen is asked by utilising his therapist, off digital camera, 'how in lots of cases do you're making love?' and he solutions, glumly, 'rarely ever....possibly two times each week.' a similar question is asked of Diane Keaton by utilising her therapist, and she or he says, exasperatedly, 'continuously! approximately two times each week.' )

Answer 6

Just get through the first 6 weeks THEN make major decisions like using formula. The first 6 weeks are insane no matter what.

I have a 4.5 week old and a 20 month old who both breastfeed, all I do is breastfeed and change diapers but its starting to get better.

Answer 7

Mine was the same at that age. It was constant and draining. Just try and hold out (not weaning to formula yet) another couple of weeks. Usually by around 1 month they have gotten into a bit of a routine and it should be easier for you.

Answer 8

Supplementing will only make it worse- she's building your supply.
Do you have a sling? A lot of moms of two+ find them useful for nursing hands free so they can do other things.
Or have big brother sit next to you and you can read to him or play I spy. 2 year olds love to help. Maybe you can ask him to sweep with a little broom and cheer him on or throw a little ball to him.
Good luck and hang in there Momma

Answer 9

Just hold on. She is still new and not very good at pacing herself. Bottle fed babies are the same at that age, but you have to go to a lot less trouble with a breast fed baby.

Answer 10

you could always pump! I pump after nursing my boy (when he will nurse) and I am still able to get a little out. you can store it or save it for nighttime feedings or when your boobs need a break--now is the best time to save it. you could also get the playtex drop-ins for bottle feeding--they have nipples that have a light flow so that they are not too much different than the boob. as far as switching to formula, i wouldn't do that just yet (although it is your decision) because of the immature digestive system it may cause some tummy aches. tummy aches are my babies major problem right now as he has colic and it is not fun for either of us!