3 week old constantly hungry

by heather
(west columbia, tx)

I want to start out by saying i think breastfeeding is one of the best things a mother can do for her child. I am the mother of a 3 week old, i would like to feed her for 6 months but due to the frustration as of late I am considering formula already.

At my daughters 2 week check up the dr advised she was doing great and gaining weight well ( 8.11 oz at birth, and an even 9 pounds at 2 weeks). So this leads me to believe I am producing enough milk. The real problem is that the past week and a half she will nurse for 2 hrs straight. I switch breasts and pause to burp her. She will then fall asleep on my chest after burping, so i will lay her down and let her sleep. 15 min later she will be hungry again! (routeing aroung, sucking on her fists).

I just do not understand this and am very discouraged. I know for a fact i do not consume enough water (and am working on that). ALso i do not remember to take my pre natal vitamins every night. But if the dr. advised she is gaining weight well then what could be the reason for her to want milk so frequently?

More info: lately for the past 4 days i have been giving her 4 oz of formula before bed so that i can get some rest. I know this is not good but im not sure what else to do. Also she latches on just fine.

ps: i do have an electric medela breast pump but dont ever have the time to use it becuase of frequent feedings. when i have used it it takes 2 sittings to fill a 4 oz bottle. Also i am a stay at home mom.

Comment from the lactation consultant

Sounds like she is comfort nursing, not nursing for food.
A feeding should last no longer than 30 minutes at this stage. If she fed good and you heard gulping for at least 15 minutes, take her off.
Put her in a swing or go for a car ride. In other words distract her. Sounds like everytime she wakes she wants to suckle to go back to sleep.
You can also try a pacifier. Most lactation consultants are against them, but I am not. If the baby is feeding well but using you to self soothe (and this bothers you as you have stated) then you can try a pacifier.
On the flip side, you there is really nothing "wrong" with her using you to self soothe. Both my kids did it and I altered nothing. I let them feed as often as they wanted, even if it meant 20+ feeds a day. It does not last forever, she will stop it sooner or later and it helps you have great supply.
But if it bothers you, then you are going to have to train her to eat at the breast, then self soothe some other way.
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC