Help. My 3 Week Old Won't Stop Eating.

I am in the same situation. I am ready to give up on breastfeeding, I feel I am not able to keep up with my little guy who is 4 weeks old.

Completely normal. I have three children, and around that time and sometimes beyond, I have felt like a milk-machine. Read a good book maybe! I have another on the way, so I know that's what it will be for me again. The worst really is feeling like you can't do anything else. It too will pass.

this is a tough phase, I know. With all 3 of my kids, I found that when they were gearing up for a growth spurt, they'd go on a total nurse-a-thon. It's exhausting, but there's a logical function to it...preparing your body to make enough food to get him through the next phase. It will probably ease off after your breasts catch up and you'll get a bit of a break until it's time to gear up again. By then, you'll probably be a bit better rested and have an easier time adjusting to it. Good luck!

My son will be 4 weeks on Sunday and I couldn't figure out last week what was going on. I thought I had a colicky child as he'd eat and w/in an hour and a half he was crying. I figured he wasn't hungry b/c he just ate so I tried to soothe him and play, but it just wasn't working. My mom was here w/me and said something about how quickly he finished his three ounce bottle (feeding him expressed breast milk), so at the next feeding I gave him 4 ounces and that seemed to be the trick = didn't think about the growth spurt factor until the next day!!!!!!!! For the past couple of days he's seemed more relaxed and sleeping better (crossing my fingers that stays) - so, hopefully both of us will be back on track soon! Good luck and best wishes!

Sounds normal. I felt like that was all I did for weeks on end. Like the others said, it will get better. I know it seems like a long way away for you now, but at 3 months it does get much easier. Just hang in there. If your nipples are really sore, there are things that can help. Ask your Dr. or another bf mom. Meanwhile, enjoy your baby. I read many books while nursing my first one (can't do that when the second one comes along.) My babies just liked to be held and carried. Try a sling or snugli. Sleep, drink alot and eat well. As hard as it is, try to take a shower every day (you will feel like a new woman!) In a couple of weeks, when you look at your chubby, healthy son, you will know you did something good and will be very proud of yourself. Good Luck!

First of all congratulations for nursing! It is great thing that you are doing for your son. You are giving him a wonderful head start in life. The best advice I can give you is to go to www.lalecheleague.org for help. It is fully staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who really can give you assistance.

What your son is doing is totally normal. He's going through a growth spurt. Most 3-week-old babies don't sleep that well. You are his main source of comfort, of food, of security! What an important job. The good news is it will taper off and he'll get into a more regular nursing schedule. I know it's difficult but you must be patient and know that he's just getting used to being 'on the outside.'

Good Job, A.!!! You are doing it just right. You WILL get your rest.
From another A. S.

Hi A.! First of all, dont worry, your breasts wont fall off, LOL! Anyhow, I am sure he is getting milk, because the more he eats the more your body will make. He is a hungry little guy huh? He might be doing it for comfort as well. And the comfort he wants right now, only you can give him ya know? If you are really getting worn out, what about getting a couple bottles ready so that your husband or someone else can feed him a couple times. I am sure all is well. It is a good sign that he is eating like that. He is taking what he needs.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

I feel your pain! But like the others have said, it definitely sounds like a growth spurt. My daughter went through it at around 3 weeks too. I watched a whole "Cops" marathon while feeding her during that time. :-) It sounds like you have a good sense of humor so just keep on smiling and know that it DOES get better.

Yep, I have to agree with the others....growth spurt. I have a 4 month old and a 3 year old right now. The growth spurts seemed to be much more pronounced with my 3 year old. They didn't seem as bad with my 4 month old. I guess each child is different. However, my 3 year old is very tall. With each child, it seemed like they came in 3's (like one mom said)....3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 months, and so on. With my 3 year old, I swear, there was always something in her mouth. The first three months are tough, so hang in there, it gets much better after that!! Good luck!

Two Words that seem to explain most every sudden change in infant eating or sleep patterns: GROWTH SPURT.

Hang in there sister. Won't last long. Sounds like a growth spurt, lucky you. It'll happen several times during the first year. If I remember right, it's 3 weeks, 6 weeks,, 9 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months or something like that. I knew it was all 3's, either in weeks or months. Don't quote me, I'm going off of memory (and that can be pretty shabby!)...

I just wanted to jump in and agree with everyone else. Definately sounds like a growth spurt. I have a 2 1/2 month old and I seem to remember feeling the same way when he was about 3 weeks. And like the other mom said, those dates of growth spurts sound about right - I don't remember exactly, but what she said sounds good (and I definately have a case of the mommy dum-dums).

It WILL get better. I think my mom said that if you can make it through the first month, you can make it through anything.
Soon he will give you a 4 hour stretch at night and you will feel like a new woman!

Use the lanolin and rest while you can. ALso, to get some rest, try laying with him and nursing, that way you can doze a little while he grazes!

I think around 3 weeks we introduced a paci, because my son just wanted to suck, not necessarily to eat, just wanted something in his mouth (such a man, huh?). I know not everyone is an advocate for pacifiers, but that definately gave me some relief and it was around 3 weeks that we started that.

Just a thought. I will be thinking of you!
B.

I agree, it's a growth spurt most likely. It will last about a week and then things will be back to normal. Whatever normal is with a newborn anyway. Unless he has colic, then you are in for a long road.

As far as your boobs go, make sure you put lanolin on your nipples to keep them as pain-free as possible. Soon your boobs will adjust too.

Good luck with your new baby!

L.

yes my son was like that, but don't worry it eventually slows down, and then during a growth spurt will be like this again. Those first few months that's all they want to do. As long as you ok go with it!

A.,

Unfortunately, this type of feeding continues for about 6 weeks to 2 months. It gets much better and regular after that. They feed this much so it builds up your milk supply. Your milk supply is dictated by how much you feed, and once your body knows it needs more, it should start producing more, and then eventually the baby will feed in more regular feedings. The same thing happened to me with both of my kids, and I felt like I was always feeding them. They would sleep, and then they would want to eat again. It was really frustrating, and you feel like that is all you do. I kept thinking it shouldn't be like this, but I did a bunch of research, and found it was completely normal, and necessary to build your milk supply. Mother's that don't have babies that feed like this find they have to pump too to build up their supply. Just be patient, and know it will change soon.

Jenni

A.:

If you are concerned call a Board Certified Lactation Consultant and talk to them or set up an appointment/ it will be worth it to put your mind at rest and have them help you understand what is going on.

The International website is: www.ilca.org

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
800 LACATATE

hi my name is A. if you talk to your babys doctor and the doctor thinks your son is eating too much there are tips they can give you too help you out

It sounds normal to me... newborn, a boy and a growth spurt. Like others said... expect another growth spurt at 6 weeks and so forth. Also, the longer you breasfeed the more your breasts/nipples will adjust (and it won't hurt as much) :)Congrats!