Will This Ruin Breastfeeding?

[Anonymous]

You probably don’t want to hear this but switch to formula. I switched to formula and things were easier. I didn’t have to worry about feeding schedules, engorgement, waking up even though my baby slept long stretches, etc. I didn’t have to worry about leaving the house and having to be back at a certain time to breastfeed or pump. There was more freedom with formula feeding. My husband and others were able to feed my baby and that helped a lot. My baby was an early sleeper and was sleeping 8 hours by 8 weeks when I decided to quit because I couldn’t sleep that long without breastfeeding. He now is 4 months old and sleeps 11 hours. Formula is so much easier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For more sleep during the day can you nurse side lying on the bed? Clear all blankets off, and when baby is done dad (or another helper) can take baby to burp him and you can go back to sleep.

Full disclosure, I co-slept like this from day 4 or so because I got zero sleep if I didn’t (and my ex flat refused to do any feedings even day or night when I was still healing from birth and I needed some sleep). My son was big though, and had head control from day 1 (so without blankets I felt comfortable - I know many don’t and that’s OK but mine is now 13).

OP here. I know many others do but I would never be okay with co-sleeping. There are too many babe things that can happen when a mom is sleep deprived and I don’t think I would get any rest because I would be worried about rolling over. I’m a heavy sleeper when I do fall asleep and it would make me worry too much. I have many friends/family in healthcare who advise against it and my husband would never be okay with it. I’m glad it worked for you but I feel it’s dangerous and I wouldn’t do it.

You can sidecar the snoo. Put it right next to bed. It’s not bedsharing, will work same as cosleeping to conserve sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For more sleep during the day can you nurse side lying on the bed? Clear all blankets off, and when baby is done dad (or another helper) can take baby to burp him and you can go back to sleep.

Full disclosure, I co-slept like this from day 4 or so because I got zero sleep if I didn’t (and my ex flat refused to do any feedings even day or night when I was still healing from birth and I needed some sleep). My son was big though, and had head control from day 1 (so without blankets I felt comfortable - I know many don’t and that’s OK but mine is now 13).

OP here. I know many others do but I would never be okay with co-sleeping. There are too many babe things that can happen when a mom is sleep deprived and I don’t think I would get any rest because I would be worried about rolling over. I’m a heavy sleeper when I do fall asleep and it would make me worry too much. I have many friends/family in healthcare who advise against it and my husband would never be okay with it. I’m glad it worked for you but I feel it’s dangerous and I wouldn’t do it.

You can sidecar the snoo. Put it right next to bed. It’s not bedsharing, will work same as cosleeping to conserve sleep.

OP here. We do that. He sleeps in the Snoo right next to the bed.

[Anonymous]

OP if you have enough supply to pump for an extra night feed that someone else can do, your body will absolutely adjust to a 4-5 hour stretch! As long as your supply is established (which it sounds like yours is), and you nurse during the day, evening and morning, this will be totally fine. Sleep is just as important for milk supply btw.

Singed,
Breastfed first for 18 and second for 32 months with all kinds of frequencies (i don't recommend the 32 months by the way... it was the pandemic and I got lazy about weaning)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends on what your need goal is. If you want to EBF, I wouldn’t do it. If you’re okay with possibly losing some of your supply and supplementing, do it. I did it at two weeks similar to yours. I did two 4 hour stretches. I about 4oz of my supply but I was fine with supplementing. I preferred sleep and being able to function and enjoy the newborn phase over an extra 4oz of breastmilk.

Third time around, I discovered Haakaa ladybug silicone milk collectors.
Rather than waste excess milk in a towel/pad/sink, keep these around to put in your bra to collect the extra milk. You can gently create suction to encourage the milk to flow.