2 Week Old Crying and Eating More Frequently than Before

They go through cluster feeding, seems like it was about 2 weeks and then again at 6 weeks... He will settle back into a routine, just feed on demand for now. Do watch that cough though... That's the only thing that worries me. Hang in there!

Updated

They go through cluster feeding, seems like it was about 2 weeks and then again at 6 weeks... He will settle back into a routine, just feed on demand for now. Do watch that cough though... That's the only thing that worries me. Hang in there!

Could be a growth spurt.
From birth to about 8 weeks our son seemed to cry almost constantly.
I'm sure he slept but I was so sleep deprived my memory isn't great about that time.
At any rate - at 8 weeks things seems to settle down a whole lot.
Hang in there.

Babies are still half asleep for the first week or so, and then they wake up and start to grow. When this happens, they can start to act differently than they did at first. This is totally normal. While it's always good to check in with your pediatrician and I think that's a good idea, I would also suggest that you read the Kellymom website. It is the best resource for breastfeeding moms. Here is a link to get you started: http://kellymom.com/hot-topics/newborn-nursing/

For what it's worth, it's highly highly unlikely that your supply is diminishing already. Kellymom can help you judge your supply based on how many wet diapers he's having per day. But most likely, he's going through a growth spurt. Growth spurts can cause babies to be uncomfortable (fussy) AND tired AND constantly hungry all at the same time.

At 2 weeks he doesn't have a routine yet. Neither do you. You are both learning about each other. Nurse as much and as often as he wants and don't pay attention to the clock right now. Your milk is basically supply and demand so as long as he's nursing well you will produce. Make sure you get as much rest and fluids as possible to help with milk production.

Babies are often changing rapidly and can be very fussy at first. This is because their nervous system and neurological systems are still developing. It's believed that this is a primary cause of what we typically think of as colic: the baby's brain is either understimulated (and the child cries because it is creating its own stimulation to meet that need) or overstimulated, in which the child cries because it is overwhelmed with all of the new input outside of the womb.

Be prepared that your baby will change a lot in the next few weeks and this can throw you for a loop. Even the most attentive, best parents have fussy babies.

With my son, in his first few weeks, I would often have to take off his pants or socks when nursing him so he was cool enough to stay awake. Being warm, full of warm milk, is a pretty cozy way to be but yes, he may need more milk to get a better sleep. Or it could be that there are neurodevelopmental changes happening which are interrupting the sleep. This is pretty common. It's good that you are going to see your doctor and do bring it up, but don't be surprised if they shrug and say "that's just how some babies are"..... and then, week, it will likely be something different that's throwing you off. :) Do get the cough checked out and ask them to listen to his lungs. Can't hurt, you know?

welcome to mamapedia!

Congratulations on your new boy!!

The first year is the hardest - babies do the most growing in their first year than any other year. The first 6 to 8 weeks they sleep 20 hours a day - at least mine did.

If he has wet diapers and mustard yellow poops? You're doing fine.

He doesn't have a routine. Work on getting him into a routine. Find out if he prefers belly sleeping. Both of my boys were tummy sleepers. I know it's scary to hear but that's what they were and still are.

If you're nervous? He'll pick up on it and be nervous too. Remember to BREATHE.

You can pump after each feeding to get the hind milk if he doesn't get on long enough. You can freeze your breast milk too.

Make a list of questions you want to ask your pediatrician. Take them with you to the appointment and make sure your questions get answered.

I know the first year is tough. The first three months at home are nerve racking too!! You've got this mama!!

growth spurt.. feed him as often as he will eat... if you don't feel as though hes emptying the breast then pump. (this will help your supply too)
baby is new and growing rapidly so keep feeding and talk to your chids dr about the cough.

well, stop tickling him. it's agony for a lot of babies, and i've never heard of tickling doing anything to promote hunger or feelings of peace and relaxation.
2 week olds haven't had time to settle into a routine, and when he is older the phases will still change rapidly.
it's unlikely that your milk supply is decreasing, although i guess it's possible. but it's more likely that he's going through a phase, and infants' phases often include restlessness and fussiness.
i'd continue to feed on demand, sleep when he sleeps, and snuggle and rock him when he's fussy (if he refuses to eat, that is.)
this too shall pass.
khairete
S.

The first couple of months are really, really hard on the parents. Some babies eat every couple of hours, and you wonder if you are ever going to sleep for more than an hour yourself!

Right now it is very possible that your little one is having a growth spurt. Babies will cluster feed (which means eat and eat and eat and eat) when they are about to hit a growth spurt. It's their body's way of preparing them for the fuel they will need to grow.

The best thing you can do is feed him. Try not to think about how much he's eating or whether or not you are producing enough. You are, by the way. Just feed him and try not to stress. As he grows, he will be able to eat more and eat faster.

Remember, he's only been outside the womb for a couple of weeks. It's going to take him awhile to adjust.

You just keep feeding him and keep loving him and ask all the questions you want at his doctor's appointment. Sounds like he's doing great.

He must feed for a sufficient length of time on the breast or he will only get the watery milk which satisfies thirst. The latter part is more concentrated with more good stuff and more calories. My niece was only feeding short feedings and her daughter never got the hindmilk. She was diagnosed with failure to thrive because of it. I suggest a lactation consultant. No tickling. There are other ways to rouse a baby that aren't so traumatic. Do not let him fall asleep feeding. He needs burped and he needs more than he is getting.

Thank you all so much for your tips, advice, and reassurance! Also, a big thanks for such a kind welcoming into mamapedia. 😍 the website link I received was a wonderful additional outlet that contains amazing information and motivational stories. I am so glad I found this webpage!! I now feel more confident in my breastfeeding abilities and am less stressed over his frequent upsets. I will check back in after the doctors and again once he gets out of his possible growth spurt and feedings become more regular as a timeline guide for any other new mommies out there ☺️