She'll be 6 days old in a few hours and she literally wants to nurse all the time. she isn't eating the whole time but when I put her down she cries. I don't know what to do, I can't even sleep without her on me.
Any advice?
2007-12-20 18:53:33 · 10 answers · asked by Olivia's Mama 7 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
she doesnt want anyone elseto hold her, she'll scream and cry until I take her. and she'll only take a pacifier for about 2 minutes
2007-12-20 19:06:54 · update #1
i know it will get easier (hopefully) im just getting frustrated. I cant definitly understand why people choose to formula feed
2007-12-20 19:43:53 · update #2
Newborns need constant attention. They need to feel safe and secure and that you are meeting their needs. She is just comfort nursing, which is fine, but once your milk comes in she may over-eat while comfort nursing. It is scary when milk suddenly comes back up!
When I first brought my daughter home from the hospital, she was the same way. She loved to be held, and if we put her down in her crib to sleep, she would wake up within 5 min and scream. I ended up sleeping on the recliner for a few nights with her laying on my chest.
What worked for us was letting her fall asleep, then wrapping her in a very tight swaddle. She would sleep happily for hours. Regular recieving blankets were too loose and she would escape and wake up. Toys'r'us sells swaddleme blankets for $10. They work great. If your little one enjoys being swaddled, I would suggest investing in a miracle blanket. They are $30, but worth every penny. They keep your child very tightly swaddled.
Good luck :) It gets easier.
Edit: She wants to be held by you because you smell like milk. Even as she gets older, she will be calmer when held by you just because you are her primary caregiver. If you need a break, have someone put on one of your shirts that you have worn for a long period. You can even express a bit of milk on an old t-shirt to help add to that calming smell. Good luck!
2007-12-20 19:14:41 · answer #1 · answered by Alyssa and Chloe's Mommy 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hey,
in answer to this question, Is it normal for my newborn to want to nurse 24/7?, I can tell you that this site http://asknursingonline.com might help you in your situation
As you asked; "She'll be 6 days old in a few hours and she literally wants to nurse all the time. she isn't eating the whole time but when I put her down she cries. I don't know what to do, I can't even sleep without her on me. Any advice?" I hope it may help you.
Best of Luck :)
2014-10-22 13:02:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you. I've been there. First, stop giving her the pacifier. Pacifiers should not be introduced to babies (or bottles either) until at least 3 weeks of breastfeeding. They need to learn how to properly suck milk from a breast and sucking on a pacifier can mess that up.
She's establishing your milk supply for now. This is how the first couple weeks to the first month are. It gets better... promise. Then you'll be so glad you stuck it out. The first month is pretty exhausitng but you really have no idea how easy nursing will make your life in 2 -3 months and beyond.
Babies this age want to and NEED to be held by mommy... A LOT. My son was the same way. This is why women wear their babies in slings in other countries. It's getting more popular in America and westernized societies again because of the emotional and psychological benfits to a baby... plus physical benefits... it's better then tummy time.
A book I recommend, strongly, is 'The Baby Book' by Dr. Sears. It saved my life during those first months. And it has advice for up to 2 years. Great book!
Hang in there, mama.
2007-12-20 20:16:23 · answer #3 · answered by Adeline 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My boys were terrible for this!!!
I used to have them attached to me from 3pm to 7pm until the went to bed!!! It was terrible. I was so exhausted.
My man was the best help I ever had. He would hold the boys and rock them to sleep one by on. I know it sounds really stupid.
The thing is newborns can smell milk on you. No matter if you have just showered or not. That is their life for those first few months. It really helps to feed say once an hour, then play or keep her distracted. If she cries out and Dad or someone else is there. Get them to pick her up. She wouldn't smell your milk.
EDIT-
Yes she will cry for awhile, but eventually she will settle honey. No child has ever died from crying, just remember that.
Because of my 2 boys, I am so used to hearing kids cry. Unfortunately I was only blessed with one set of arms. She will soon settle out of this stage. My kids finished with it at about 8-10 weeks old.
Please don't think I am being nasty!!
xxxxxx
2007-12-20 18:59:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i fed my son on demand and there were times especially very early on when demand seemed almost none stop first of all i suggest you check the milk you have coming through before she latches on express a small amount of milk into a clear glass or container your first milk should be milk that is designed to provide her with her 'meal' later on in the feed this should change to provide her with the hydration she needs if in doubt show this to your health visitor although dont get too hung up on this it is more aimed to be a guide to reasure but as nursing mothers we dont always keep things in perspective
I take it you will be using breast pads try attaching these in a safe manor as you would a comforter so that when she is away from the breast she can still smell you changing these very frequently so that bacteria can not build up try using these to comfort her and gradually get her used to feeling secure without the need to be latched on progressing to allow other people to settle her so that she does not depend on you as her only way of settling. there will be times when nothing else will do but hopefully using this should ensure that it dosn't become the norm try to ensure that she does not get into a habit of falling asleep on the breast its going to happen but try not to encourage it thinking it will make life easier good luck stay strong and keep asking for help early on like you have just done
2007-12-20 19:34:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well she is going to want to eat often every 2-3 hrs..but she also wants to comfort suck..its her way of comforting herself. this is why most resort to a pacifier..or the baby goes to the thumb...keep her close cause all she knows is you right now..this is her most fragile time..all they are gonna do is eat sleep and want u right now...oh and i forgot..poo and pee..hope this helps....:)......
just wait and go with it..she is only 6 days old..she doesnt even know what she wants...besides u that is..she has been only with u for 9 months. she knows ur every sound and that is comfort..
2007-12-20 19:00:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
At least for you, picking her up calms her. I wasn't even that fortunate. But if she's literally wanting to nurse constantly, that suggests that she might not be getting enough to eat. Sorry for the possibly bad news there.... but it's a common problem, especially early on. It takes time for your breasts to produce enough milk... and some moms never do. Keep doing your best, and talk with the doctor about it at her next check-up.
2007-12-20 19:11:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Great Posts Alyssa's Mommy! and Crafty Lady, couldn't have said it better myself
sorry busemomme, but supplementing at this early would doom breastfeeding before this new mom even has gotten used to it.
2007-12-20 19:44:22 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She is just adjusting to being out of the womb. Be patient with her. It's ok to let her cry but just watch her.
If she is really hungry all the time, you may want to check with her doctor. You may have to supplement some formula if she is not getting enough but honestly it sounds like she is just having a little hard time adjusting to her new world.
Hang in there mommy!
2007-12-20 19:44:04 · answer #9 · answered by busemomme 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I know a lot of grown men that want to nurse 24/7! LOL
Seriously though, that doesn't sound normal and I certainly would not indulge her in this. It sounds more like an attachment issue than a feeding issue. You might have to buckle down with some tough love and let her cry it out from time to time to ween her off your attention. When you give in you are providing positive reinforcement for the behavior you want to avoid. I'm not saying to "ignore" her all the time, but if you just fed her and she has a clean diaper, you can safely let her cry it out. You might want to invest in some high Db earplugs though...just to help you keep your sanity.
2007-12-20 19:04:16 · answer #10 · answered by ®PsychologyGuy 6 · 1⤊ 10⤋