DS not staying awake to eat

broomy

It has been nearly four hours since LO's last real feeding. He started rooting two hours ago and I've been trying to feed him since then, but he'll eat for about 3 minutes and then pass out. I put him on my chest or shoulder and burp him, which wakes him up and then he starts rooting like crazy again. So I put him back on the boob, and three minutes later...he's asleep again. I've tried everything to keep him awake (changing diaper, undressing, rubbing palms, tickling feet, etc.). It's time for bed now and I feel awful putting him down with an empty stomach. Should I put him down and just try again when he wakes up, or is there some way I can get him to stay awake and eat now?? ANY suggestions? And should I be worried about my milk supply? TIA!

KaitlynDC6

I use a cold washcloth as a last resort. I put it on her face or neck, or bare back if I'm desperate. She doesn't cry or anything so I don't feel THAT mean , it just jolts her awake. :-)

This situation is so frustrating. Personally, I wouldn't worry about putting him down with an empty stomach; he'll wake up and let you know if he's starving. But, I totally get why you are stressing.

MrsJJC

First, i wouldnt worry about your supply but it would be a good idea to pump if he skips a feeding.  The more you breastfeed/pump, the more milk your body will produce.  

If hes lethargic, the fact that he's not eating is probably keeping him sleepy so its a never-ending cycle.  but at 2 weeks ds was going 4 hours at night and they say that many babies start sleeping longer chunks - it just may not always be at night.  Has his weight gain been ok? regular wet & poopy diapers?  if yes, hes prob ok - just be ready to feed on demand when he's ready.  

MrsHT

DS does this all the time.  I have come to the realization that I need to just put him down and know that in about 20 minutes he will wake back up wanting to eat.  There are times that no matter what I do he won't stay awake.  I wish I knew the secret to keeping them awake.  My milk supply has not suffered at all.

Blessed8/21/04

My DD 2 is the same way. I've now gotten to the point where I mainly pump and give it to her in a bottle.  From a bottle, we have diaper changed, fed, and back asleep in 20 minutes.  On the breast, it could take well over an hour, we would put her to sleep and then she would want to eat again in 30 minutes- 1 hour.  Giving her the bottle, she is sleeping for 3 hour increments.  I don't know if it is the right answer for you, but I'm so grateful for the extra feeding help, and it makes it easier for our family. I'm just on the pump A LOT.