New Mum needs help!

[MJ]

Hi, My son is 8 weeks old on Monday and has just started (last 2 weeks) needing feeding almost every 2 hours day a night. Before now he would feed (breast only) 2 - 3 hourly during the day but go 6 hours at night, then need a feed and then sleep another 4 hours. I am so sleep deprived and at my wits end .. any suggestions???

[maddysmama]

Hi there

Maybe he is going through a growth spurt? Thats pretty common around the 6 week mark. Apart from that I'm sorry I don't have much advice...perhaps you could post a thread in the breast feeding section. There are some breast feeding mamas who give great advice on here.

Sleep deprivation is awful isn't it...I share your pain there :hugs: Does your bub take a bottle of express milk? Perhaps your partner or a friend could give you a break for a few feeds and let you catch up with some snooze?

Good luck:)

[rynosmum]

You poor thing, you must be exhausted.

I found that at that age, my bub's requirements for feeing changed every fortnight and yes, there was a major growth spurt around that time.

Have you considered co-sleeping just for the short term so you can feed without having to get up? It may make it much easier to handle that way.:hugs:

[Manxie]

:hugs: I really, really sympathise. Its horrible when you are so tired.

Are you doing a dream feed? Perhaps if you could top him up before you go to bed he may last a little longer than the two hours. Get to him before he wakes.

It probably is a growth spurt, all I can suggest is that you try and get as much rest during the day. It will get easier, promise:hugs:

[stellarella]

My bub is 7 weeks on monday :thumbsup: and has been feeding every 2 hours since day dot. I find having him in bed with me brilliant.
I just feed him in bed and its got the point now that I dont even know how many times he feeds at night, i hardly even wake up. the last couple of nights he has only fed twice, cross fingers this is set to continue.

[MJ]

Hey All,

Thanks so much for your comments .. I feel so lost sometimes as have little support and none of my friends have kids yet so really appreciate your tips!

I do express and get my hubby to do the dream feed at 10.30 each night but bub still wakes at 1.00am, 2.30, 5.00 and then again at 6.00am .. it's so exhausting!

When I go back to bed I have trouble falling asleep again and pretty much just lay there till his next feed - any suggestions on 'settling' me!!!???

[Goosie22]

any suggestions on 'settling' me!!!???
Hi,

Some exercise throughout the day or night;) . Just a walk for 30 min is enough.

Or if you dont like that suggestion maybe some Valerian from the healthfood shop with camomile tea.

[MJ]

Yer I already walk for about 2 hours a day - that way I can guarentee that bub sleeps. The last week he will only sleep for 1 hour at a time and thats only about 2wice a day - the rest of the time he plays on his gym thing, eats or I play peek-a-boo etc ...

I will try the valerium though .. thanks