Why won't our 2 week old stop eating?

Question

My wife is pumping and bottle feeding our two week old. He seems to eat non-stop and never get full. This can go on for 2-3 hours and he eats only 2-3 ounces during that time. Is this a normal rate or could something be wrong with the nipples that we are using? We tried a stage 2 nipple on the bottle but it was too much for him right now..

Is this slow eating normal?

Answer 1

I have had 4 kids. They all ate slowly for the first month. After that they ate much faster. Hang on for two more weeks. It should get better after that.

Answer 2

I would say no there is no problem with your baby but I would have him checked by the doctor if you are worried. Is there a reason that you are pumping? Maybe he would do better at the breast. remember babies have small stomachs and eat often especially during the first month or two. I used to call it marathon feeding or some call it cluster feeding. He is trying to get the nutrients he needs this is absolutly normal. Remember babies eat every 45 mins-2 hours in the begining and that is timed from the time that they start feeding so if he starts at 10:00 he could be hungry again at 10:45 eveb though he stopped eating at 10:25. This is all very normal My little guy is 4 months old and I remember the endless feedings and always feeling like it would never end it does get better just hang in there as long as he is gaining weight he is fine have the doc weigh him or stand on your scale alone and then on it with him to see how much he weighs. when they leave the hospital they loose weight but by 1 week they should be back up to there birth weight so by now he should have gained a little hope this helps

Answer 3

It sounds like you introduced a bottle too early. It is recommended that you breastfeed exclusively for the first 4-6 weeks so Mom can establish good milk production and the baby develops good sucking and feeding habits.

Basically, he realizes that he doesn't have to work as hard to get milk out of the bottle and so he doesn't suck hard enough to cause your wife to produce more milk. You can correct the problem but it will take hard work and a lot of patience.

First, no more bottles for a while. Every time he eats, put him to the breast. Let him nurse as much as he wants. When he is done nursing, your wife can pump some more to stimulate more milk production. Also, she needs to drink tons of water. Your wife will start producing more milk once the demand is there and your baby will learn to fill up at the breast when he isn't allowed to get lazy and just wait for the easier bottle nipple.

Best of luck to you all and congratulations on your new baby.

Answer 4

My son when he was born had a hard time adapting to the sucking motion, basically he did know how to suck. Two ro three hours of eating and only consuming two to three ounces seems a bit long too me. And since we are talking about a 2 week old I would reccomend asking the doctor. I could give you the same advice they gave me with my son, but I would feel terrible if that was not the proplem and you took me for my word. When you are dealing with babies the best advice I will give you is take him to the doctor. Babies lives are too precious to use the advice of strangers online. Or at least call the doctor if you don't want to go in and ask. Sorry I could'nt help.

Answer 5

Nothing is wrong with your baby. 2 weeks old and ready to start growing! Looking, during the first couple of weeks, the baby is going to gain weight and eat so often. Get used to it. But yeah, don't go to a stage 2 nipple yet, the flow is too fast for him.

Answer 6

I would try preemie nipples if the baby does not seem to latch onto the nipples. Stage two makes the flow more and would provide too much for the baby. I think sucking or grasping the nipple is the issue.

Answer 7

We had that problem with our second daughter. Try a different brand of nipple, it could be that the nipple is collapsing in his mouth and he is having to work 3 times as much to get the few ounces of milk.

Answer 8

For some babies it is very normal, both of my kids ate the same way they're snackers which means they won't eat a full serving at one time they like to savor it so they're always eating every hour on the hour my youngest is 5 months and still eats at night and will more than likely do this until I stop breastfeed. Any how good luck with your new one!!!

Answer 9

You should be taking him to the pediatrician for his check ups. If he's gaining weight he should be fine. One of my children would sleep and not even wake up to eat. I would breast feed him while he was asleep. Then when he would be awake and eat he would throw it up. I had to stop breast feeding him and only give him formula. He was 4 mnths. at the time and I was devistated thinking my milk was hurting him. It wasn't me, he just did better with formula. 2 weeks is awfully young to enlarge nipple size. Plus your question said why won't he stop eating and is this slow eating normal? Aren't those 2 different things?

Answer 10

artificial nipples are hard and very difficult to suck.(try sucking it your self and you will see how difficult it is) why does nt she breast feed,he is after all just 2 weeks. he is also still adjusting to the new environment and feeding etc so it will take some time. dont use a stage 2 nipple ur child will choke.
breast feed till he is 3 months....best of luck to both of u

Answer 11

I have three children, most healthy babies eat like that, you may want to check the nipple some times, when i purchase new ones i notice that nothing is coming out, you may need to punch a hole in it, When the baby doesn't eat is when you should worry.