sleepy newborn Breastfeeding Message Board

3Princes · 01-15-10, 09:48 AM

I have had this problem all 3 times, and all 3 times I've let myself get all worked up over it.

Probably because my boobs are huge and I use the football hold, Brady can't stay awake while we nurse. He only stays on for 5 minutes tops. I probably should say that that was plenty for the other 2 boys once they got going... but my milk isn't in yet. At night he's starving and I'm dry, and now I'm ok and he's sleeping. I already gave him a bath. At the next feeding I stripped him naked and put lotion on him. He's still not having it.

savannah33 · 01-15-10, 09:57 AM

Those first couple of weeks adjusting are tough no matter if it's #1 or #3 IMO. He'll wake up and eat soon. I hope you are successful at keeping him awake a bit later.

Dopey406 · 01-15-10, 11:07 AM

I was in the same boat--I always stressed over how much they slept in the beginning. Just keep at it--put him to the breast as often as you can and he'll get what he needs. Very soon he'll be staying awake for longer periods.

All three of my kiddos had jaundice (all needed phototherapy) so they were EXTRA sleepy. It sounds cruel but several nurses and doc told us to strip Baby down and put a cool (not freezing cold) wash cloth on his belly.

But it did help keep Baby from falling into a deep sleep.

Just keep at it!! You can do it!!

3Princes · 01-15-10, 11:48 AM

I have been stripping him naked and putting on lotion. He just nursed a bit more so that's good. I had to call and give the doctor an update so I'll feel better hearing what he has to say. Brady has the "tan" but his billirubin level was ok. Ihave to admit, I was also really exhausted the past day and coudl have worked harder at it. I was up at 5am today ready to really start and get him going on nursing. I think my milk is starting to come in so that's good too.

teddybear1082 · 01-15-10, 12:34 PM

Oh-the stress I am not looking forward to next week! Erin was that way too we moved her around a lot when she would sleep. (They called it baby sit-ups in the hospital!) I also tried getting her back on after a diaper change, a quick dousing with lotion or a full body rub down with cool/wet washcloths. They also suggested flicking her feet while nursing-seemed cruel at the time but it usually helped.

GOOD LUCK!!