Breastfeeding Woes?

Question

I have one week and I'm trying to stick to breastfeeding. I need some help. She won't nurse very long, then she falls asleep. But when she wakes up to feed for hours on end. Is this normal? I'm exhausted any suggestutions I would greatly appericate.

Answer 1

Please try to get help from a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding advocate (not a doctor or nurse). Call 800-LALECHE to get a referral or a local contact person. Or look here: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/bfhelp-find.html
Then you can talk in depth about your problems.

This may be a normal situation but it will help if you can talk it all out with someone and you can hash out the details. It is very hard at the beginning but breastfeeding was worth it for me. I had a sleepy baby too. You have to keep waking them up...

Here is a link about realistic expectations for newborn breastfeeding infants that I really like:
http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/expectation.htm

Answer 2

It is really hard the first few weeks, but stay strong. breastfeeding is great for your baby and it is very convenient for night time feedings. =) At her age, her sleep/wake cycles are all jumbled up and since breastfeeding is comforting to her, it cues her to fall asleep. Switch sides to wake her up and if that doesn't work undress her and/or change her diaper. After a little while she will realize that she needs to stay awake until her belly is full. If you keep at her, she will establish a good pattern. It will help as she gets bigger too because her belly grows and will stay full longer. When she is nursing endlessly it might help to give her your finger (clean of course) or a pacifier. Some parents don't want to allow pacifiers because is can cause nipple confusion but babies LIKE to suck. It calms them and it is natural to them so unless you want to be the human binkie, it might be worth a try.

Answer 3

My baby, for the first two weeks, ate every 45 minutes all day long, even at night. It was so exhausting! I stuck with it through the pain and everything. It will get easier, I promise! Keep her awake, if you can, by switching breasts frequently, and maybe(I know this sounds horrible), touch her feet with a wet rag when she falls asleep. Try lying down and breastfeeding her. That will help you to get some rest even if you don't sleep. Good Luck and please don't give up. You Can Do It!!!

Answer 4

I had a heard time breastfeeding my daughter at that age. They are just soooo sleepy - it's almost impossible to keep them awake. And you baby will eat when hungry. I eventually just went with her flow. If she fell asleep I let her. If she wanted to suck for an "endless" amount of time I let her. It was very time consuming but worth it now. Plus what a great time to bond! And relax!
She is 3 months old now & a very efficient eater. Breastfeeding takes about 15 minutes and she is satisfied. Give it time it will get better - in the meantime just go with your baby's cues on this one.

Answer 5

Babies will often suck for comfort, too. Try to keep her awake during a feeding by gently pulling on her leg, tickling her feet, or stroking her hair. If she still falls asleep, chances are she's not that hungry. When she nurses for hours at a time, it's likely for comfort. When she falls asleep, gently unlatch her from your breast by slipping your pinky in the corner of her mouth and pulling at her cheek a little - this will release suction, and is usually not enough to wake a baby up. Best of luck to you - and keep in mind, it does get a *lot* easier!

Answer 6

i've got breastfed 4...my suggestion to all mothers that want to breastfeed is to maintain attempting! try different positions to work out if which will help her latch on. additionally, prepare whilst she isn't rather hungry (examine: once you the two one among you're actually not frantic). Latching on feels like it could be the main organic element in the international, yet some babies have a greater durable time getting it. 2 of mine have been trouble-free & 2 have been annoying. My final new child develop into incredibly annoying to nurse the full time, yet I nursed her till she develop into twelve months old & develop into unhappy to offer up! My sister in regulation fed her son expressed milk from a bottle till he develop right into a twelve months, nonetheless, so don't get discouraged. in case you only can not make it artwork, your infant remains getting some great reward of breastmilk. i does not look down on that, look at what a sacrifice you're keen to make on your new child. Having to pump and bottle feed is doing double time! attempt to discover a help team for breastfeeding mothers or examine to work out in the adventure that your well being midsection has a lactation representative. good success!

Answer 7

If you have been able to breastfeed for a week, than I say you have already done a wonderful job! Breastfeeding is very exhausting for a mother who recently gave birth. You should be proud of yourself for sticking with it as hard as it was been. Its a learning process, not only for you, but your baby too, so be patient, and stick with it. You wont regret it.

Answer 8

i agree that the first weeks are exhausting...and this is normal

a newborn will feed contantly and for comfort....but i advise against offering a pacifier as this could sabotage her sucking at the best knowledge and your supply

her constant nursing is establishing supply and is good practice for her.....try to lay down and let her nurse while you get some sleep

good luck honey and know this newborn stage doesn't last forever....it goes by quick

Answer 9

my only suggestion would be to just stick to it. it is soooo hard at first and i know a lot of people who give up, but i know if you stick to it, it WILL get easier. your baby will get into a better routine of eating and wont always want to nurse for hours. you could try pacifiers, because she probably isnt actually eating for hours, she just has the sucking reflex and a pacifier would soothe that.
and if you are having pain, bleeding on your nipples, just rest assured that your nipples DO toughen up eventually
good luck! and you can also get a lot of support from you local la leche league--check with your hospital for info.

Answer 10

My lactation consultant told me to strip the baby to just her diaper, the reason being she will get cold and hence wake up and nurse. It works wonders. When they have all their clothes on they are too comfortable, and when they have Mommy to console them they have no reason to stay up. So try it. Hopefully it will work for u too.
Good Luck.