Need help with feedings, gas and E.A.S.Y routine

[mikiweiser]

Hi,
I'm new to the message board.
Just had my second son on Dec 14th. (he is almost 4 weeks old)
I heard about Tracy Hogg with my first child, but didn't read the book and as a result I had a lot of difficulty with feeding, sleeping and routine.
Now with my 2nd son I would like to learn from my mistakes and do it right,but I am afraid I am falling into the same bad habits.

So, here's the help that I need and I don't really know on which message boards to post all this problems.
1. I am breastfeeding and fear that I may not have enough milk for my baby - otherwise I cannot understand why he eats every hour, every 2 hours. I feed on one side for around 20 minutes - until he lets go. I sometimes give formula when I feel drained and my nipples hurt - on times such as these he sleeps for 2.5 hours before waking again.

2. My baby is suffering from gas. As a result I am trying to sooth him with a pacifier and not always popping the nipple in his mouth - I think this may be a reason for the constant feedings and I am hoping to fix that problem. For the gas - I am watching my diet, massaging his tummy, folding his knees and giving baths - but it does not seem to be helping.

3. He also falls asleep right after breast feeding - so this has become the routine. I do not put him down to sleep awake, And i am only now starting to try and implement the EASY routine, as well as the SLOW - since I do not know what he is saying and the answer for everything until now has been feeding. It also goes to say that he will not fall asleep on his own, or in his crib - only in our hands.

4. Lastly, my 2.10 year old son is very attached to the baby and wants to hold, hug, kiss, bite, sleep  - on the baby. Is there any advice on how to handle this behavior, since he gets very mad when I limit his actions and stop him. I find as lenient as I am I do not want to put the baby in danger.

I know these are a lot of questions.
In general I think that I have a very well mannered child and I am instilling in him the wrong behavior. I would appreciate some direction here.

Thanks
Miki - Mother of 2 and getting scared...

[Ennypen]

Hi there Miki

Welcome to BW xxx

I am going to pop your post over to the Breast Feeding board to see if the ladies there can give you some advice.

Have a hug from me xxxx

Helen xx

[Livvy's Mum]

I've posted something very similar on the EASY board.  Because I am experiencing almost the exact same problems with my baby I can't offer you any advice, I can only offer a big HUG and tell you I know how you feel.

I too am so worried about inflicting the same 'bad habits' on this LO as I did my first child.  It took me soooo long to undo all the accidental parenting an as such, I hardly dare hold this baby too much.  I've had a terrible day today that's why I've come on here because it always makes me feel a little better speaking to others in the same position as me.  I've spent all day trying to get DD to sleep and she has projectile vomitted two of her feeds today.  And as hard as I try, I just can't understand what her cries mean!

So again, just to say hang in there.  Like everyone keeps saying to me, it will get better.  If you ever need to vent, chat or just compare 'notes' please feel free to email/PM me.

Sam x

[mikiweiser]

Thanks!