Breastfeeding Help! - Miami,FL

Both of my boys fell asleep while breastfeeding, especially that young. I was always afraid that it would not allow my milk supply to increase like it should and would wake them up between breasts. I would do a diaper change, sit them upright, tickle their feet, speak in a loud voice, just about anything I could think of. But keep in mind, they also fall asleep when done when with that breast (or let go).
Good luck

When baby is a newborn don't worry about the nipple=pacifier thing. Feed baby whenever he/she wants it. I breastfed my daughter 3 years. My baby would only take the nipple if she was hungry. I would gently remove the nipple after baby has been asleep five minutes.
I see someone below recommend Babywise. That is an awful book. You'd be better off to follow attachment parenting advice like that of Dr. Sears.

Congrats on your baby. About nursing and how much and pacifiers........... The great thing about nature is you will always get the right combination and amount. There is NOTHING wrong with your 12 day old baby wanting the comfort of your breast. They are so new in this strange world, their mother's love is so calming for them. That's great that your husband is so understanding, and right.......... About pacifiers....a plastic or rubber thing that people shove in a baby's mouth to shut them up is completely different than snuggling up to mama's breast. Pacifiers make crooked teeth and lisps. Breast makes nutrition, love and security.

Hi S.!

My advice is to try your hardest to keep your baby awake during nursing. It is important that she gets a full feeding each time you feed her. Otherwise, she will just be snacking all day and you will end up feeding her every hour. I know it is hard (my first fell asleep while nursing all the time) but tickle her feet, change her diaper, take off her clothes, anything to keep her awake! If she gets full feedings, she will also probably sleep better for you at night. Hope this helps!

I am an ole grandmother but I nursed all three of my boys and the way that worked the best for me is this. I would take the baby out of the crib (don't change diaper or anything elso unless you have to) and let him nurse on the breast that he nursed on last for about 5 minutes only. I would then lay him down, change his diaper which always woke him back up again and then put him on the other breast for as long as he wanted to nurse within reason. I was told that the baby gets the first breast empty in about 5 minutes so that you need to gently wake him up and switch to the other breast. This also keeps the baby happy as you are not struggling to change a diaper when the baby is very hungry and possibly crying. It is ok for him to stay in a wet diaper for 5 more minutes. Just snuggle and keep him warm. Hope this helps. S.

Oh, I so remember those days! My baby seemed to nurse 24/7. She is now 2 1/2 years old (and still nursing - but that is a different subject). Two things to keep in mind - #1 the soreness will end soon - it took mine 4 weeks, but then it didn't hurt anymore, no matter how much I nursed; and #2 this too shall pass. Everything changes over time. Nothing goes on forever as it is now. Your baby will get older, stay awake longer during feedings, feed for shorter times. Please don't stress. Go to a lactation consultant at your hospital if one is available. When I went (concerned about the same thing - baby not getting enough - I think ALL BFing mothers worry about this!), they weighed my baby, had me nurse her, then wieghed her again. They could tell how much she had taken in, and it was plenty for that feeding. So cool! They weighed her after each feeding off each breast. Enjoy your baby. And by the way, you ARE her pacifier and she loves you for it! Talk to your dr about using a real pacifier - we didn't, but there were times I wished I had one (although I was opposed to it - funny, can't really remember why now). Try to relax and take in everything and enjoy your little baby without worrying. They grow so fast... Good luck and congrats!

Listen to your midwife. My son was the same way. If your baby is sleeping when you nurse her she is not hungry. Don't be worried about how much milk you are producing. Your body will make the milk that your baby needs. You may want to get her a pacifier for the times when she just wants to suck. In time you will be able to tell if she is hungry of if she just wants to be pacified. As you will find out, you cannot sit around all day nursing a baby especially if your nipples are sore.

Dear S.,
Good for you for breastfeeding. I have been breastfeeding my twins now for almost 2 years. I won't lie it was hard in the beginning but I am so glad I stuck with it. Like all the others have said and what I did was to nurse on demand. There were days that I think that's all I did. I felt like one big boob. But after a short time they got on a regular feeding schedule and things got so much better. Feed, nurture and bond with your precious little one whenever she wants. You couldn't do anything better for her. Best of luck. Get in contact with a lactation consultant call the hospital and contact the one there that may have helped you they are an abundance of knowledge, help and support. You may try googling LaLeche League and even get some e-mail support from a group stateside if there is none in Germany. Good luck!

I'm shocked that a midwife would tell you to not let her turn you into a pacifier. That is the BEAUTY of breastfeeding, baby gets what she needs when she needs it. Forget what everyone is saying, she is getting way more milk than you realize or could ever pump and is probably so satisfied that she is falling asleep. If you are in a hurry and need her to get a good meal then you can strip her clothes down, stimulate her to get her really awake and nurse her for a bit. Before she falls asleep, stop nursing change positions, play with her and get her awake again, then nurse again. Remember that your milk supply changed constantly, Right now it is rich in calories and she only needs an ounce at a time every hour to two hours. This is normal and only because moms wanted to hurry up and finish their nursing duties to do other things did the idea of big meals and schedules become something moms had to achieve. Take your time, these precious few months will be gone soon forever, take your time and have a nurse-a-thon. She will go through stages where she seems to nurse non stop and will be fussy,seeming to be nursing on an empty breast, this is her way of signaling your body to up your milk supply for her next growth spurt. It's normal and whatever you do, DONT supplement. It may be a hard day or two, but your milk will come in overflowing and she will get what she needs. Many people comment that exclusively breast fed babies are so chunky...gee that's because they ARE getting enough. Don't let your mother or doctor talk you into to anything but trusting your baby to give you cues and your body. Take advantage of cravings and nurse nurse nurse. Join a breast feeding support group and a natural parent group in your area through yahoo or big tent. You will love talking to other moms who have been in your "slippers". In other cultures, moms stay in bed for the first 40 days while all the women rally around her, caring for her other children, cooking cleaning etc, so she can bond and establish a good nursing relationship.

Hey, congrats on your new baby and congrats on your decision to breastfeed. Maybe in Germany it's more common than here, but I'm always thrilled to see a bfing mom. I have breastfed 2 babies into toddlerhood, and it can be a confusing journey sometimes, but you can overcome your obstacles.

Try breast compression to get the milk flowing and keep your baby awake.
http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Breast-compression.asp

This is a fabulous technique that works super well and will help fill her up before she konks out on you.

Also, it's important to ensure you have a good latch. Poor latch can mean baby isn't transferring enough milk and the supply/demand of breastfeeding is not properly triggered, affecting your supply.

Make sure she's not just sucking on the nipple, but has a nice big mouthful of areola. The asymmetrical latch is an excellent way to ensure you have a good latch (it's the only technique I use :) )
Here's a bunch of videos on proper latch:
http://www.drjacknewman.com/video-clips.asp

I wouldn't worry too much about her using you as a pacifier. In these early days, it's all about supply and demand, and the more you nurse, the better your supply will be. Later on she will not need to nurse so much. But if you can get her to drink well at feedings it will spare your nipples some discomfort, so it's worthwhile to try. Many babies want to nurse lots in the evening, and that ok.

If her weight gain is good, per your midwife appts, you do not need to worry about not making enough milk. If you see lots of pees and poos, it's another good sign.

It's true that babies who aren't getting enough can become bored and fall asleep at the breast, but if weight gain and output is good, you can toss that worry aside.

Another good breastfeeding website is www.kellymom.com.

If it turns out you are having trouble with your supply, check out:
http://breastfeeding.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_researc...

this article links to many other on reasons for low milk supply, using at-breast supplementers, etc.

In the meantime, though, work on that latch, use breat compressions, and enjoy your babymoon. the first 6 weeks are the hardest, but before you know it bfing will become second nature to you and your baby.

Good luck and feel free to send me a personal message if you need more help.

You have recieved some great advice, but I want to encourage you - NEVER question your supply or ability to provide for your baby unless they stop having enough wet diapers per day. Your body will do what it was designed to do and provide milk for your LO.
Falling asleep is totally normal at this time and so is very long nursing sessions in the future....its just part of the process - your baby is FAR too young to ever worry about them using you as a pacifier.... at this age it is totally 100% ok if they do. Remember how tiny thier tummys are right now - the smallest amount of breastmilk will fill them up.
Keep with it - it will be one of the best decisions you have ever made for your child - I promise.

S., you can relax and just enjoy this time that your baby is so close and using you for comfort. My lactation speicalist told me that if my son was falling asleep at nursing, he was as full as a tick so there is most likely no worry about whether you are producing enough milk. Also, allow your baby to do what's comfortable right now since she's not even 2 weeks old. Get a good rhythm and get the breastfeeding established really well and then work on breaking her suction before she falls asleep. Note that they may be a couple of months down the road. Don't fret. She's new at this and getting a full belly of milk while being close to mommy is the best feeling ever for her. Your husband is right, go with your instincts. I remember feeling so stressed that I wasn't doing certain things by the book and yet, we have a beautiful, strong healthy 2 year old boy now. Enjoy it please!

It makes sense that you are feel this way. Breastfeeding is still really new to both of you and certainly isn't going to mastered in 12 days. Plus emotionally the first 14-28 days after birth are pretty rough, you always here about baby blues in the first 3 but it can last much longer than that. My daughter nursed NON-STOP at the breast. All of my midwives and lactation consultants here told me to nurse her as much as she would. My daughter would fall asleep everytime she nursed too. My problem was that I would switch sides the next time I nursed. Try staying on the same side for 2-3 nursings, she may not be getting to the hindmilk the first try. Does your nipple look the shape of a pacifier? Babies do use the breast to soothe (non-nutrative sucking) but that is a good thing and helps establish a good milk supply, allow that to happen as much as you can. If your nipples are cracked you can use lanolin as a cream on them that will sooth the pain and won't hurt or taste bad to your baby. The primary reason for pain during nursing is due to a bad latch, not too much nursing. If your nipple really looks like a pacifier after nursing then you need to see a lactation consultant about getting a better latch. The nipple needs to be in the back of the mouth with your baby's lips wrapped around your areola, not just the nipple. Here is a link to La Leche League meetings in Germany http://www.lalecheliga.de/index.php?option=com_content&am... they can help you improve latch technique. Good for you for nursing your baby, this is a learning process for both of you and you will make it through with your level of devotion! It took me almost 12 weeks to get the hang of nursing and really my daughter was 5 months old before I felt like I truly knew what I was doing. It does get easier.

Hi S.,
don't get discouraged. I breastfed all 4 of mine and they all fell asleep while nursing. some would nurse for 15 minutes and some for an hour, (the boys were the little piggies :)
If I was really full of milk and saw that they didn't get much before they fell asleep, I would change their diaper, or take off some of their clothing or blankets, (sometimes if their really warm and cozy, they'll fall asleep faster) and get them to wake up to nurse more.
You're doing fine and I wouldn't worry about turning your nipple into a pacifier. the baby will nurse when she's hungry and you be the judge about that. If she has been nursing for an hour and she's not really drinking, then it's probably time to take her off, but as long as you're hearing her swallow, let her have as much as she wants.
take care and congratulations!
V.

Hi! Congrats!
Don't worry about being a "pacifier with legs" just yet - stick with it! It was frustrating for me, too. My two secrets were undressing the baby and tickling her. Otherwise, I just kept harassing her every hour and a half to make her feed. My baby initially lost more than 12% of her weight, so it was essential to keep her at it. And it worked with persistence. Stay strong!

I wouldn't worry a bit about how much nursing etc right now, as long as she is feeding every couple hours or so.

She will know when she's hungry, full, tired, alert etc. Newborns drift in and out of sleep all day. It's normal. If she's like my baby, she'll feed 12-15 times a day or more.

I also wouldn't fret about the nipple as pacifier thing. My first daughter used me as a pacifier, and sometimes I didn't enjoy it but I knew it was our easiest solution.

My second daughter doesn't have the need to suck nearly as much, so I haven't become the pacifier for her, but I would do it again if need be.

BTW one way to get lots of rest - learn how to nurse while asleep, lying on your side. Babies can eat while you both sleep this way. It saved my sanity and taught me how easy overnight can be. There's lots of info online about being sure of safety in bed with a baby. Once we figured it out, it was smooth sailing.

Try feeding her undressed (her). This will stimulate her more. If she feeds for 5 minutes on each side or 5-10 minutes on one side only then she is done. She could be a very effiecient sucker and able to get everything she needs. What color are her popps will tell you alot. It depends on if she is getting any of the hind milk that takes the baby longer to get to. That is where the high quality fat is located and it changes the color of the poop. DO NOT let her suck on you all day. You are teaching her that you can regulate her. She will become a child who cannot self regulate. Feed her every 2.5 to 3 hours. That is all newborns need to eat. She will eventually put her self on a schedule according to how firm you are about staying within the 2.5-3 hr range. Good luck. This too shall pass and it will be on to the next situation! Also buy a pacifier and use IT!

Babies do sleep ALOT that first couple of months. Be grateful for it because it won't last forever. I had the same problem with my son. He was jaundiced too which also made him sleepier. Let your daughter fully wake up before picking her up to nurse. It will not hurt her to squawk or squeak for a few minutes. If she promptly falls back to sleep once she starts nursing, wake her up by tickling her feet or washing her face with a cold, soft cloth. If she falls asleep, remove her from the breast and lay her down. Chances are she will wake up again. . . Your husband sounds like a wise man. You are blessed. It does get much easier as time goes on. It is great for you personally and your milk supply to let her suckle as much as she wants at this age. You can also increase your milk supply by having a little glass of beer (the real stuff . . .not a light American beer,) right before you nurse. You can also add nutritional yeast to your food. This is available in health food stores and even Publix these days. Check her position on the breast as well. For more info on correct positioning ask your midwife or obtain a copy of the best book on breastfeeding I've ever seen "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding." By La Leche League.

Yes, you can become a pacifier.

One of the guys I work with says his wife is a pacifier to their daughter. His daughter (at the time of convesation) was about 18 months old and waking up several times a night for a "feeding". 18 months olds should be sleeping the whole night, not waking like a newborn. They let her sleep with them at night and he eventually felt disconnected from his wife (i.e. no sex, no sleep). He says he gets the most sleep from staying in hotel rooms while on business travel (sad but true). If you feed her as soon as she wakes up and then try to keep her awake. That worked for me and my daughter. I'm not going to say it will work for your situation, but you might be able to try it out. I did a modified version of Baby Wise... always do what you think is right, but make sure you are not misinformed.

Good luck and congrats!

I think your daughter would be fussy and constanly rooting if she was not well fed. Make sure she has adequate wet diapers (I think it was 10-12 at that age). Your midwife probably told you the number. If you are covered there, she is most likely well fed. My son almost always fell asleep nursing as a new born too. Its very soothing to them. Sometimes, I would even start to nurse him while he was sleeping ("dream feed.") The key is to just make sure she really is nursing. I think I experienced what your midwife warned you about. Although I nursed my son for 19 months, I never took a nursing class or read much about the techniques (only benefits)before having him. Granted it all worked out for us very well, but on his very first night, with me as a first time mom, I held my sleeping son and let him what I thought nurse as long as he wanted. The nurse came in to my room and I said, is it normal for him to be this hungry after nursing straight for almost three hours? She held back a laugh and said, honey, you are being used as a pacifier and you are really going to be sore tomorrow. She was very right. That side was agony every time he latched on for about 2 weeks. I learned then to watch for signs that he really was drinking..not just sucking. I believe your midwife means that when your baby is just sucking but not taking in any milk..you are being treated as a paci. If she is taking in the milk, let her go as long as she wants. It is hard in the beginning to tell when they are actually swallowing milk etc because they are so tiny. It will come with time. I agree with the others, follow your instints. Even with my big mistake I nursed on demand and tried to encourage him to nurse every two hours throughout the day. Eventually he just started to "break away" when he was satisfied...even in his sleep. I will always remember his expression. He was so peaceful and satisfied. Keep it up - your doing something wonderful for your daughter. Congrats on your newborn.

I have never heard of the nipple becoming a pacifier before. I breast fed both of my girls. Usually after they fell asleep I would let them nurse a couple minutes and put them down. Keep in mind that a baby only needs an ounce to two ounces in one feeding. If she wasn't getting enough milk she would for sure let you know. Relax and enjoy her..

With my first, he was a VERY lazy nurser! He would fall asleep almost instatnyl at teh start of nursing. I wondered, like you, how much was 'enough'. I found that he was getting more than I thought as he started his suckling. His weight gain was right on. Don't worry so much about that. We did have to keep him awake during nusing by placing (don't be mad at me!) cold Diet Coke cans on his feet and a wet rag over his forehead and neck areas to keep him stimulated. Also try patting his bare feet. Seemed to work a bit or if he did nod off. All in all, I nursed him for over a year and we both grew to like those quiet "love pats" that were between us. Good luck and hang in there.

Congratulations!

I think I could have written that post when my daughter was newborn! My husband even said the same thing, and I just thought he didn't care---BUT he was one hundred percent right.

A lot of people and books will tell you what you should and shouldn't do. Forget that part! What other people's advice is good for is HOW to do what works for you and your baby.

That being said, my daughter fell asleep everytime she nursed. It's not uncommon. She would nurse very often, especially during the day (like, every two hours at first), and only for 7-10 minutes a side, usually less on the second side. I alternated sides, so that was no problem.

I did try tricks to keep her actively nursing longer, like not wrapping her up too warmly, stroking her cheek, rubbing her palm with my thumb or walking my fingers up her spine. Getting her off the breast when she was asleep was always tricky, but I always laid her down in her crib afterward, so she learned to sleep without the breast. (Unless she was sick or cranky!)But we breastfed for 15 months.

Make sure that you are latching well, with the nipple up and back in her mouth--I always made sure more of the aureole should show above her upper lip. And then listen to your baby! They really don't want unhealthy things at this point.

I really wish I hadn't let my anxiety take over when my daughter was a newborn. It took me a lot longer to just enjoy her. So for what it's worth, this mom who has been there and done that says trust and enjoy your baby!

I would wake my daughter up while breastfeeding by taking her clothes off. Then my husband would tickle her feet. but this was just to re latch to the 2nd side. I would allow her to nurse for 20 minutes at a time every 2 hours ( and the two hours started when the last session began so it was more like an hour and a half.) As she got older and I got more confident in my milk supply I reduced the amount of time nursing on each side to 15, then 10. And she naturally put more time inbetween nursing sessions.I think that helped keep my boob from being a pacifier. I think it is possible for them to to use it like a pacifier, but then your supply would be so high and they are going to get full and want off.
I was very successful with breastfeeding. We lasted 18 months then I weaned her with no problems!

IF she falls asleep and you can't wake her up then she's done for a bit. In the first few weeks it is going to seem like all you do is breastfeed but it does get easier I promise!! You'll LOVE all the money you're saving by not buying formula and the bonding of course!
Feed on demand and they'll become less frequent as she gets older!

A baby can use your nipple as a pacifier! I breastfed all of mine and they all tried. Strip her down and make her stay awake long enough to nurse a little on each side. She will be cranky, but it will keep her nursing like she needs to. She also needs to fall asleep without sucking on something as often as possible. Also, when I let mine fall asleep, I ended up with one full breast and one empty one or neither got emptied all the way and that can be painful. I used to strip mine down to nothing but a diaper, gently play with their feet etc. to wake them back up. Occasionally I even had to wipe them down with a warm washcloth. After awhile, they started nursing around 10-15 per side all on their own before they fell asleep. It was a nurse at the hospital who gave me this advice. I will say though, that when they were sick, or screaming without end in a public place, or getting shots, then I did nurse them just for their comfort.

I had the same problem with my daughter....I think the problem with me was that i have inverted nipples and it was a lot of work for her to breastfeed. My husband used to take a cold coin (a quarter, or euro!) and press it gently against her skin, which would wake her up just enough to drink a little more. That may work, but I'd also recommend calling a lactation consultant if there is one nearby, for some other ideas.What part of Germany are you in? We were there in 2008 for a vacation!

Congratulations!
Your body will meet the needs of your baby. Meaning, if your baby wants more milk, she will feed more and your body will produce more milk. Trust your instincts. I went through the same situation. The first 3 weeks you feel like all you do is nurse and all your baby does is sleep, nurse and even nurse while she sleeps. By the end of 3 weeks you'll see a difference. Your baby will be awake more and you'll feel like you can tell when she's hungry vs tired etc. You are a human pacifier right now, it's just the way it is when you choose to nurse your child. Enjoy these tender moments together as they are precious time together you will always cherish.

Go to a lactation consultant or your pediatrician to make sure your baby is getting enough milk. Does she have enough wet diapers and is she gaining weight? If the answer is yes, then she is getting enough milk.
Falling asleep while breastfeeding is normal and fine, and someday you will be so glad that something gets your baby to sleep. Babies can nurse in their sleep.
My guideline from my OB was 20 minutes per breast and then you move her to the other side. Babies certainly can use you as a pacifier, and they'll do it. And sometimes you will let them and be happy for it, but it's not good to let it become a habit.
If she's going through a growth spurt lots of nursing is normal, but this should last a few days, a week tops.
Seriously, because you are a new mom, you need to put your mind at ease and see a lactation consultant to know how much milk your baby is getting at a feeding. They weigh your baby before and after, and you'll know if she's getting 2 ounces, 5 ounces, or nothing. If she's gaining weight you have nothing to worry about.

If she's still sucking, not eating but sucking, while on the breast then she is pacifying. The danger there is that she will not know how to fall asleep on her own without the breast. That's what happened with my son and we had to go through a whole sleep training, "let him cry it out" phase around 9 months old so he would go to sleep, and go back to sleep upon awakening, without being on the breast. It was stressful and heartbreaking and I would suggest avoiding it!

If she's falling asleep before you think she's done then try to wake her. Gently nudge her, change her diaper, shift her position, change her clothes, etc. If she does not wake up, then she's tired and let her sleep! She will wake up when she's hungry! If she does wake up then try putting her on the breast again and see if she eats. If she's just sucking then take her off and put her in her crib. If she needs to continue sucking then she'll find her thumb or her hand, that's what my daughter does.

Also, if your nipples are sore then you need a better latch. She may be sucking longer or becoming exhausted sooner while feeding if the latch isn't good. Contact the hospital where you had her or any hospital and speak to a lactation consultant. I spoke to a few and it helped a great deal.

Keep breastfeeding if that's what you want to do. I breast fed my son until he was 13 months and now my daughter who is 4 months. It is rewarding and the bonding is wonderful but it is more work than most realize.

Best of luck to you and congratulations on your little one!

you are in miami:
you MUST go to MERCY HOSPITAL LACTATION SERVICES!
Faith Ploude, IBCLC, is THE lactation consultant of all south florida!

in the meantime, call:
The La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline - US began on June 1, 2007. Everyone in the U.S.A. has access to toll free breastfeeding help 24 hours a day. Just call 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324).

If she's sucking she is eating. She is still tiny and learning. As long as she is growing she is getting enough to eat - if she wasn't getting enough to eat she would be really fussy all the time. Babies find comfort in nursing - this doesn't mean she is turning you into a paci. Enjoy the cuddle time while you can - it will be over before you know it. My first child nursed every hour for 45 minutes as a newborn. I was so sore, but she got better as she grew up. She nursed for 10 months. Hang in there!!!

I always got great BF advice from kellymom.com

Congratulations on the new baby and on the decision to breastfeed! If your baby is falling asleep at the breast (and don't worry, at that age they all do), you can try either rubbing her cheek gently to stimulate the sucking reflex or you can undress her a bit. Sometimes they get so warm and cozy, all cuddled up next to mommy, that they go right out. Or, if she is really asleep, insert your pinky into her mouth to break the suction, remove her from the breast, and put her in her crib/bassinet/wherever she sleeps. If she is hungry she will wake up and let you know! Also, it is understandable to get a little sore since you are new to breastfeeding, but if you are really feeling uncomfortable you should seek a lactation consultant to help make sure baby is latched on properly. You shouldn't experience pain or discomfort while nursing. I promise it does get easier! The first few weeks are TOUGH. Good luck to you and congratulations again!

i am the mother of 5 and they are all adults in their 40s now. i breast feed all. yes they will use the breast as a security for a passifier. they will eat until they are full unless there is a medical problem. its also called a bonding period between the mother and the child. dr spock and others need to give birth before they give advice. and remember dr spocks son committed sucide.
follow your instincts and you and the baby will do fine. i dont like passifiers as they have a tendency to mess up the childs teeth as they grow in. also new mommy the baby is only 12 days old and is still trying to figure out this cold cruel world it got thrown into.
i had my first 2 in frankfort germany my husband was in the army, i loved it there. good luck and GOD BLESS
if your husband is in the military please thank him for me for serving. my son in the army just came home from there. J.

feed ur little one as aften as possible . And babies don't us itas a pacifier. I havea 3mo old and breast feed and pacifier too. Just wait give him a chance and he wil get on a scheldule and won't fall alsleep.

Both your midwife and the things you have read, in my opinion, are correct. You can become a "pacifier" in that the baby is not sucking because it is hungry. New babies have a sucking instinct, they NEED to suck. The decision you need to make is if it is okay for your baby to suck on your nipple just for that need or if you want your baby only to suck when it is hungry. Also, my advice is to wait until the baby is VERY hungry. Then she will be more likely to finish a feeding. I believe that sometimes babies are fussy because they just want to be held or are gassy, tired, or, as I mentioned before, need to suck. Maybe if you are feeding her before she is hungry but just needing something else she tends to doze off. I think your midwife's caution is valid in that perhaps as baby gets older her habit will be to turn to your breast for that sucking comfort. That could extend into the months and also make it more difficult for her to sleep through the night on her own. Good luck and most of all, as your husband said, listen to your instincts. It will serve you well especially during motherhood!

I am a 33 year old mother of 6 kids and HAPPILY married for almost 15 years!

Hi S.,
It's totally normal for them to fall asleep, especially newborns. My daughter is 10 months old and still falls asleep at times when she nurses. The fact that she falls asleep at the breast means she's satisfied. Otherwise she would be fussing. Good luck and don't give up!

I understand your worry that she's not getting enough to eat. I delt with the same thing, and it didn't help that my husbands family were very pro formula. Don't worry just stick with it. You're doing the right thing for you and your baby. Your body will make enough food for her. That's what we're made to do. It's amazing! My son turns 7months today. I'm still breastfeeding and LOVE it. The first 3months were not easy, but if you stick with it everything changes. And nothing beats the first time he stops eating and looks up to smile at you as if to say, "thanks mommy." You just melt!

Hello S.,
My daughter (now 13 yrs) did the same thing when she was born. My lactation consultant told me that if she wakes up when you pull away then it is a pacifier mode, however if she is content and still sleeps then you are satisfying her hunger. Also, to keep up with your milk reproducing take a few moments and pump milk to store for later (keeps in the fridge for up to 18 hours or I froze excess in freezer zip lock bags so that when I went back to work @ 6 weeks my daughter still had mommy's milk 'til she was about 6 months. Also gave Dad and Grandparents the opportunity to feed but with Mommy Milk. I am a believer of breast milk in the beginning and my children I think are proof of it son (18 years today) is 6'2" and my daughter is 13 yrs & 5'7"

If she is asleep and still sucking then she is getting milk. My son would do the same thing as a newborn. You will be sore at the beginning but after 4-6 weeks you will be fine. Get Lansinoh cream and apply after each feeding at first then after you are no longer sore just maybe once or twice a day. It was a life saver for me. Also, don't ask me why but cabbage leaves....yes I did say cabbage leaves. Put one on each boob inside your nursing bra until they get wilted. It is a big relief and the doula who taught my breastfeeding class suggested it and I coulda kissed her! As for the pacifier thing...Do NOT worry about that. Babies nurse for nourishment and comfort and you are providing BOTH at all times when you nurse. there will be times when you have a Dr.s apt or that your little one is teething and it seems all they want is Mama milk. do yourself a favor..give in its only for a short while and creates an amazing bond of trust. one more thing...in the interest of sleep. When your little one has been nursing 20 minutes if they are asleep go ahead and break suction and lay her down. 20 minutes is plenty of time for a meal. And if she's gaining weight and sleeping good for you she's getting enough. Good luck and God bless you both.

Follow your instincts!!! Babies do fall asleep A LOT at the breast when they're so little, but it will get better around 6 weeks or so. For the first 2 months at least, it does feel like you're feeding ALL OF THE TIME, but it does get better!! Don't give up--you're doing great!!!!!!

Don't worry, babies fall asleep while eating. In general that's what happens whether nursing or bottle feeding. One of my children never fell unsleep unless nursing before. Not a problem. Your child will get the food she needs. Enjoy her.

Ok, I have been breastfeeding my son for 2 years now. It was the best and worst decision I have ever made. First the best because breastfeeding is great. Try letting your baby take a 20-30 minute nap in between feeding her. If you have to break 1 feeding up into 2 then do it, it is so worth it. Now the worst decision because my son uses me as a pacifier. Her does not suck hard enough to get milk, but he loves to suck. Just keep trying.

FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCS. Every child has different feeding schedules and appetites according to their needs. Don't let the advice of one parent cause you to neglect your childs needs. If your child needs to be fed, hugged, loved, whatever, especially at this age, do it. Your child is far too young to be spoiled or develop bad habits.

yes she will get enough, my daughter did the same thingbut i would pull it away and she would start sucking again. now i put her on all the time(i.e. every time she would cry,fuss, whatever!) and i now do feel like her pacifier.don't worry about her falling asleep very normal and if she is hungry she will let you know! or you can unwrap her so she is not all cozy and that will wake here up!!!

I am breastfeeding now too and it's comforting for the baby. It is also work for them to nurse. As others have said, if the baby isn't fussing, he's had enough. The first 15 mins of nursing is good enough time to get food/milk. The other time is probably pacifier and comfort. I love breastfeeding. It's wonderful for both baby and M.. My baby sleep all the time with me nursing him. When I can pull my nipples out without him continuing to "tug" at it, I know he has had enough. PS: I don't know if you know this, but the breastmilk forms a curdle in their tummies and becomes a solid that fills them up, so it's not still liquid per se when they digest it and their tummies are small too.

Suckling is what babies do my daughter is 9 mos and she would look like she was still nursing while she was sleeping even after I removed my nipple from her mouth. This is so normal for them to do everyone is gonna tell you what you should do, you do what you want to do! Babies know what they need and what they want at this early age so don't worry too much. I was you 9 mos ago, you have to nurse if feels like all the time be glad she is sleeping so much, my daughter wanted to nurse every 30 mins at times she was always trying to help my milk production stay at her level. So if she is sleeping good I would not worry about not having enough milk, a baby won't go to sleep hungry... that's for sure. Good Luck! P.S. Relaxation and deep breathing is good for you let down.