BF Question

ichamommy

I've had to supplement with my LO. Now that he's getting stronger and starting to take to the breast (FINALLY!), I'm noticing a huge difference in his eating habits.

When he's on the bottle, he's wide awake, alert and eats very purposefully. When he's at the breast (and I mean from the very start), he's comatose, eyes closed and seems sleepy. He still sucks pretty well, but it's hard for momma to be convinced he's getting as much of a meal at the breast when his eyes are closed and it seems he's casually sleeping for the full feed.

Any advice or thoughts?

Artistmom30

Babies tend to fall asleep at the boob. Mama's milk makes them sleepy. I usually change my LO's diaper or undress him to wake him back up so he'll feed again. And as long as your LO is gaining weight, he's probably eating enough.

ichamommy

Great input, I guess the reason I ask is because after a BF session (about 45 mins, both sides) he is usually asleep, however he wakes up fussy and hungry within 30 minutes. By then I've usually pumped and have nothing left to give him unless I just want to sit and pacify him for another hour. Just curious.

iris427

That all sounds normal. Breast milk makes babies pass out like little drunks. Are you offering the second breast after he finishes on the first? Are you burping him after he finishes the first side?

What makes you say you have nothing left after you have pumped? There is usually still milk in your breast all the time, and babies tend to be more efficient at getting it out than a pump.

ichamommy

See, ok, I was curious about that. I pump and then, honestly, I just didn't know if there was anything else because the pump can't get anything else and I didn't want to piss LO off by offering an empty boob. Probably silly, but idk.