My week old son nurses for 5 mins and then falls asleep. I've tried naked, wet wash cloth, rocking him back and forth to wake him up. He seems content to nurse for 5 mins, fall asleep and then nurse again within the hour. Has many wet and poopy diapers so I know he is getting milk. Do I need to be worried? I can see him visibly filling out in the cheeks. And he had gained back 2 oz at his check up after we left the hospital. I've been trying to.follow his cues which usually involve screaming until he is nursed.
I agree with the rest, this sounds pretty normal for that age, but screaming is a VERY late sign of hunger. Some women find that offering when he is more alert but content helps. The first few weeks of breastfeeding are so difficult!
K.
For the first few weeks he will nurse very often for shorter times. His little tummy is so tiny! In a few weeks he should start taking longer feedings with more time in between.
I am sure he will be fine in the long run but it sounds like he isn't actually hungry when he first wakes up. Maybe try playing with him for a bit before you first nurse after waking.
He will get more alert just with time, but the problem that can occur with this is that the breast isn't getting drained enough and then your supply may not be as full as you'd want. Alternatively, if you have an overly abundant supply and he does this he gets less of the fatty milk, more of the carb rich milk, which isn't ideal.
You could try using breast compression when he starts to look like he is about to fall asleep. Here is a link about it. http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=.... There's nothing at all complicated about it. It's useful when the baby is falling asleep once the milk flow is trickling leading up to another let down. It can keep him nursing, then the next letdown happens, milk is flowing fully again and he stays engaged, gets a better feed and your breasts get emptied this way which supports good milk supply.
Skin to skin contact is also good for increasing alertness in newborns so you could try adding a bunch of that. Screaming is a late feeding cue and it can tire him out, so if you can catch the earlier feeding cues and offer then it may go more smoothly. Congratulations on your new baby.
This is perfectly normal and you need not worry especially since he regained his weight and has normal diapers. My daughter was the same way. She'd nurse herself into a "milk-induced" coma and then come up for more ;-) I think it's called cluster feeding. Shorter, more frequent intervals.
Congrats on your new baby! Totally normal. Both of my sons were the same way in the beginning. They sleep sooo much at that age! I wouldn't worry one little bit. He'll start to stay awake for longer stretches and nurse longer once he's a little bit older. :)
when he dozes off take a finger and massage lightly under his chin it will start the reflex of his tongue back up. My daughter did the same as your son. She is a very efficient nurser has been. I can nurse her on both sides within 10-15minutes. She is 22+lbs at 7.5 months.
He will start to become more alert while nursing as he gets older too. All the little ones do are sleep, eat, sleep, poop/pee and sleep some more. As long as you are getting enough wet diapers you are doing great. Keep up the breastfeeding. It is so worth the sore nipples and waking often at night. :)
My daughter used to do this too. Try switching sides when he's starting to doze. Having to relatch and start nursing again should rouse him. Plus, that way, both breasts get a shot at being emptied. Just keep switching until you get a decent feeding session in with him. This is such a comforting time for your little guy, no wonder he falls asleep! Good luck and congrats!
Hilary
That is so frustrating! Have you tried nursing on one side then changing his diaper before you nurse on the other side? That seemed to help with both my kids. Also, is he screaming before he starts nursing? That alone may tire him out so maybe try nursing him before he gives you that cue, if you haven't already. Good luck!
