My baby girl is 9 days old and I'm having some trouble with breastfeeding her. She gets hungry so I feed her, but she'll only nurse for 5 minutes or so and then she falls asleep. Then she's hungry again 30 minutes to an hour and a half later. I've tried touching her face and feet and moving her arms around to keep her awake, but that only works for a couple of minutes.
I'm getting frustrated because I have a 2 year old and it's becoming difficult to have to drop everything every half hour and nurse the baby. I'm also exhausted from waking up every hour at night to nurse her. If I get really lucky she'll sleep for 2 hours at a stretch, but it's usually more like an hour. She's in great shape; gaining weight normally and making lots of dirty diapers, but I'm losing my mind.
My son was not at all like this so I'm not sure what to do. How do I keep my baby awake long enough to fill her tummy? Should I just accept that this is her feeding schedule? Help?
2007-12-31 06:07:59 · 17 answers · asked by Rachael 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Breastfeeding is a lot of hard work. You have to be consistent with it. If you are getting frustrated, your baby will soon be frustrated. Do what some of the others have said....different positions, movement, no clothing. My doctor also had me put a cool cloth on the baby to wake her up. My daughter eventually figured out how to eat in her sleep. She would doze almost immediately after latching on, but she was still sucking away. There are just some babies that are 'lazy eaters'. Get in touch with your local La Leche League. They are great. Also, there should be a lactation consultant affiliated with your doctor. Mid-wives and Doula's are great to talk to also. One of the other things I dealt with while nursing was 'cluster feeding' and that is normal with some children also. Your schedule will straighten out. If she's gaining weight and is happy, you are doing your job. Surround yourself with people that will support you. Best wishes.
2007-12-31 06:27:17 · answer #1 · answered by TKA0427 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is much I can add here. I have breastfed all 3 of my kids. My first was by the book. Woke him to feed him ..on schedule ..treid to do same time on each breast each session. I had clocks everywhere. By the time I had my 3rd I just went with it. She also sounds like your baby. By then I had a 4 and 2 yr old. I found it easier because if I fed her a little and she fell asleep I did things around the house or with the kids until she wanted the rest. I never got engorged and she never spit up..my son was like the exorcist! I understand how the night thing can get to you..I know it's not popular but I had to sleep with her in my bed. It got to me I just couldn't get up.If she woke I put her on and nursed her down. My daughter had ear issues and did the 2-3 hr thing until she was 9mo and got tubes. If it helps I always nursed my daughter to the same lullaby cd. I think it helped her to get down during the day. The added bonus if you start now as she grows and if you travel she'll have the familiar songs with her.
But relax mostly. 9 days old is brand new. Hit some friends up to take your 2 year old for a while, enjoy your baby. Go with it for a while. Don't expect things to get done..you've been through this before. The first year will be tough so make sure to get rest and ask others to help out.
2007-12-31 13:07:38 · answer #2 · answered by monkey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's some good advice here; let me add one thing -- try nursing in the bathtub.
She will likely (your baby may vary...) stay awake, and nurse very efficiently in the warm water.
Be prepared to be pooped on a couple of times, but pfft; it's baby poop, breastfed baby poop, not much of a big deal...
Good luck, and hang in there.
2007-12-31 06:37:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
oh i feel for you, thats a really hard situation. my son would feed for 45 minutes and want more an hour later ouch! i just put up with it until he was a bit older. he slept poorly too, i felt like i slept in when i had 3 hours of sleep in a row. he usually only slept for an hour or 2 at a stretch. i can't imagine what your going through with a toddler to look after too!!! if i were you i would consult a lactation consultant to see if they have humane advice for you. get your mom or friend too look after your babe for a couple of hours. buy yourself a breast pump and they can use a spoon or a children's medicine syringe to feed your baby while your taking a break. the spoon and medicine syringe will not cause nipple confusion. good luck and i hope this helps...get a little break!!!
2007-12-31 06:19:31 · answer #4 · answered by carol anne 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is really normal for a newborn, and wont last long. Does your baby have jaundice? My daughter did, and she constantly fell asleep while eating. I had to strip her down and constantly rub and tickle her. One feeding would take at least an hour, and then she'd be hungry again soon after.
I know how hard it is during the first few weeks of nursing, but after that it will be much easier.
Hang in there! Just imagine if you couldnt just put her to your breast, but instead had to sterilize bottles, heat water, and mix formula while your hungry baby screams her head off.
Try using a baby carrier, like a wrap style. This way, you can feed her hands free! Check out the www.mybabynest.com carrier. Its got a great nursing position. The ring slings are also handy for nursing.
Good luck, and you should be past this stage within just a couple weeks or so. Until then, take any help that is offered to you by friends or family.
Good luck :)
2007-12-31 06:18:27 · answer #5 · answered by Bomb_chele 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
my girl was the exact same but it really only lasts for the first couple of weeks, and its really hard but it will get easier i promise. good luck and happy new year! x
2007-12-31 06:17:32 · answer #6 · answered by - 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This might just be her feeding schedule for a while. The first 6wks are the hardest, it should get better after that. Have you tried using a damp wash cloth on her? Just brush her face or feet with a cool damp wash cloth to get her going again. You also might try undressing her to eat or stopping and changing her diaper.
Another idea is to get your milk to let down before you start feeding her. This way she gets more out of her 5min awake rather than wasting some time working at getting your milk going.
Good luck and hang in there!!
2007-12-31 06:15:20 · answer #7 · answered by Melissa S 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
just except her feeding schedule it will pass eventually- my son was the exact same way- its the sacrifice we maek of having babies- she will eventually stay awake longer for feeds and go longer in between them- dont worry it wont be like this forever
may i suggest getting a sling- they help a lot so you can wear and breastfeed your baby while you dont other things- they are life savers- dont let anyone tell you that you're not making enough- if you're baby is gain weight then you're def making enough
2007-12-31 06:12:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Get her completely undressed for nursing. The cold air will keep her awake. Keep stroking her face so she won't fall asleep. She's only 9 days so hopefully she's still just getting used to nursing. Try different holds - football hold worked best for me - when breastfeeding so she isn't too relaxed and will focus on breastfeeding. Good luck!
2007-12-31 06:12:08 · answer #9 · answered by Precious 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
IT WILL GET BETTER SHE IS STILL NEWBORN.
2007-12-31 06:12:04 · answer #10 · answered by Ginger 6 · 7⤊ 1⤋