question for breastfeeding moms....?

Question

My daughter is 7 days old and i have been breastfeeding her since day one. Lately it seems like she wants to feed constantly. She usually has her eyes closed and will nurse for a while, then stop but still be latched and then start nursing again. Is this something normal? And for how long do you normally nurse them on each breast at a time? and about how long do you go between feedings? She was born at 6 lbs 8 ozs but has dropped down to 5 lbs 15 ozs. I know i am producing pleanty of milk as the doctors had me pump for a while and measure the cc's that she was drinking and her urine and feces out put. Also she wont take a pacifier and i was wondering if you have any suggestions for this as i think some of the time she just wants something to suck on and is not really hungry. Thank you for any advice!

she also has a hard time regulating her body temperature, she doesnt keep it up to the normal temp on her own, so we have to watch it closely, so i was wondering if maybe thats also a reason she wants to be cuddled up to my breasts all the time, for the warmth?

Answer 1

Some babies are what my husband calls "hostage-takers" they seem to hold mom hostage. What you describe is rather normal for very young babies. All babies lose weight after birth and will usually be back at their birth weight before you know it. Babies are born having never felt hunger. They don't like it and don't know how to deal with it or fix it. Some babies quickly figure out that if they just graze and nurse all the time, they are never hungry. As a parent, you will find that you spend a lot of time not being in charge. This is one of those times. You need to rest so just take it in stride and settle into a comfy chair and cuddle cuddle cuddle. You milk comes in two stages, the first is a sugary high carbohydrate milk. The second is a high fat milk. Letting the baby nurse on one breast until it is empty (which may take 30-45 minutes) can help baby get that nice fatty milk and help baby feel full. Babies have trouble keeping themselves warm at first, but they can tolerate being a little cool. Before you nurse, unwrap the baby and make sure she is good and awake. While she is nursing, mess with her; tickle her feet, rub her head, mess with her hair, fidget with her clothes. Keep her awake for a good 20 minutes (nursing all the while). Then let her fall asleep nursing. After she falls asleep. Put the breast away (back into the bra etc) but let her sleep next to your skin. As it is summer, you can try keeping the house a little warmer (convince dad to turn the temperature up to near 72 or above) and let the baby cuddle with you naked. Don't bother with a shirt, just let the baby cuddle against your skin and put a blanket over her. If you do absolutely nothing at all but just try to nurse and survive, she will eventually go for longer and longer times between nursing. Helping her stay awake for awhile and sleep for awhile will help you rest and get a little more sleep. This is all normal, tiring and sometimes trying, but normal. She can't say it but I will, thanks for breastfeeding her, you are giving her the very best food, and you are helping her physical development, her emotional development and her intelligence. Keep it up. If you need help, email me. My third baby is 6 wks old and is just now getting himself into a routine and not nursing ALL THE TIME.

Answer 2

Sounds like you are doing great!
Babies go through growth spurts where they need to nurse more to get some extra calories. It is completely normal. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand system. Sometimes is seems like newborns want to nurse all the time, but that's just their way of sending your body the message of how much milk to make.
As she grows you will find that she goes through periods where she wants to nurse more or less.
I never timed the feedings. I just nursed on demand... when he seemed hungry, was sucking on his hands, fussy, etc. I put him to the breast. A newborn baby shouldn't go much longer than 2 hours between nursing during the day or 4 hours at nighttime.

I'd spend about 15 min on the first side and then however long he wanted to nurse on the second side. Don't worry about timing it though. I don't think the exact amount of time matters much.

I was shocked to learn that some babies just don't like pacifiers! Lord knows I tried with my DS, but he wouldn't have it. She just might be a baby that doesn't like it and that's ok. You can keep trying to give it to her or try a couple different kinds to see if she likes a different shape paci better. (Though if I were you I'd wait until she is at least 3 weeks old to start with the paci so as not to have any nipple confusion.)
And if she never takes to it at least you won't have to worry about taking it away from her later on. : )

Answer 3

well hello:) confrats on your baby:)
It's normal for your baby to want your warmth. they were neltled inside you for nine months so now that they are out the world is big and scary. Most babies can't regulate their body temps, but as you said keep an eye on her.
My daughter was born in the afternoon and for about 3 weeks she planted herself on the breast they feed ON DEMAND at that age and really should even after they start solids at 6 mo... whenever she is hungry let her nurse it will help keep up your milk supply and provide for a much happier baby:). they use you as a human paci for a while but it's comfort. this stage won't last long try and relax:) and enjoy your baby:) let her know that you are there for her and let her bf as long as she wants/needs, usually atleast 20 min on each breast when they are that young and don't have the professional latching skills of an older baby LOL Good Luck and Congrats again

Answer 4

My son would stop and go too. They are just resting a min. because sucking to get the milk out is a handful, harder than a bottle. Usually I would do 15 min. on each breast, then it went to 30 min on each breast. If she doesn't want a pacifier, don't force it either. I don't have a suggestion, but trying differnt types of pacifiers.

Answer 5

babies should be nursing for at least 15 min on each breast, and about 2-3 hours between feedings. pacifiers? your baby shouldnt be using those until 3 months old thats why she does what she does

Answer 6

first of all....she will probably feed constantly...she will be putting weight on like crazy....may be going through a growth spurt.
yes it's normal for here to start and stop during a feeding...she may be napping briefly or just catching her breath.
At first begin with nursing 10 minutes one breast....switch breast and continue to feed as long as baby wants....good to offer both breasts at a feeding.
newborns may go 1-3 hours between feeds...just feed on demand....some wake their child's in the middle of night to feed...depends on what you're comfortable with.
Not too surprising she's dropped weight...it happens...just see you're pediatrician as long as he/she recommends weight checks...baby will put weight on soon enough.
She may not take a paci...too young...some recommend not give a BF baby a paci until 2+ weeks to avoid nipple confusion....as far as other things to suckle on...she probably just needs mom!!!
Sounds like you're doing great...just relax and congrats!!

Answer 7

my son is 7 days old as well and does the same exact thing. its good she dont want the passey dont give it to her bc she may not take the breast later their pretty bad. my son was 8 lbs and he dropped too but every baby does its normal.

Answer 8

my baby does this too. She is 3 weeks. her dr said alot of times its a growth spurt but others is that they like the comfort of the suckling. perfectly normal.