Gulping during cluster feeds

[lulunut]

During the day my DD2 is a great eater and sleeper.  In the evening she clusters.  I have dug out my BW book and am following the 4 week old 3hour routine.  It worked the first time I tried it wonderfully!  Day 2 and 3 not so well!!  With 3 kids its a busy house and things easily get out of order. 

I have fast let down so I have pumped before feeds.  I have given her the bottle but it all seems to happen so fast in the evening.  She starts crying and gets worked up and it begins, pre pumped or bottle.  It doesn't matter she is hungry and gulps and gets gas and the crying starts and so does the cycle.

Any suggestions?

[Erin M]

How about block feeding?  Maybe feed off just one side in the evenings - that should help settle your supply.  Is she super fussy that time of day?  All of mine were and they just wanted to nurse and be carried around.

[lulunut]

That is a good idea. Does it work itself out? And do I just leave her there even if she isn't getting anything for a bit?

Yes, she is super fussy and only wants to feed and be carried around.  My son was like that and became colic because of it.  I am a little anxious that it will happen again with her so any ideas are helpful.  At least being my third I know now it doesn't last forever!

[Erin M]

For my own personal sanity, I would leave mine there just because they'd be happier comfort sucking than not.  And yes, your supply should settle down within a few days from what other ladies have said. 

2 out of my 3 were super cranky at that time of day too until about the 3/4 month mark and I never quite figured out what I could do to make them happier aside from lots of nursing!  Hope it all sorts out soon!

[lulunut]

I did the block feed and it went wonderfully, until 3am!  I think I got to her too late and she was a little too awake by the time I fed her. 

Tonight has also so far been very smooth.  I assume I have to pump the other breast.  I have been.

Thanks for the advice!