New mom, baby always wants breast

mrst9 · February 2014

My daughter is a little over two weeks old. Lately she's been doing this thing where she breastfeeds, falls asleep for a bit, wakes and wants to feed again. She seems satisfied after each feeding, but still wants to go from breast to breast, back and forth, pretty much non-stop unless she falls into a deeper sleep. Basically, my question is, how normal is this? I'm a first-timer, and I want to make sure I'm reading her cues correctly.

CNYBride05 · February 2014

Totally normal

mrst9 · February 2014

Thank you. My other concern is that her desire to nurse so frequently means she isn't getting enough sleep. If I move her after a BF nap, she tends to wake up right away. Yes, she does sleep longer stretches here and there, but in order to keep her asleep, I usually have to keep her in my lap or on my chest. Any ideas for how to make sure she gets proper rest?

linzeek44 · February 2014

For the first few months (the "fourth trimester") babies prefer to snuggle and sleep on you. You're her comfort and your smell and sounds can help her sleep. Pretty normal.

It doesn't mean she isn't getting good rest though. So I wouldn't worry too much.

For us, the Happiest Baby on the Block book was very helpful to help us get him to sleep successfully.

Littlemama01 · February 2014

It's normal for them To nurse constantly. She may be growing right now and soon she will be able to take in more milk at once so she doesn't need to nurse as frequently. As for the sleep thing, have you tried to get her to nurse longer before falling asleep?? If she is really full she should sleep better and be able to be moved. Make sure if you notice her sucking slowing you stimulate (I tickle under the ear) and that gets my LO going again. Or I might rub his head, or talk to him..the longer I can keep him awake and sucking the better he sleeps. Try moving your LO to a warm place, like a bassinet that had a heating pad warming it while you feed (take it out before putting lo in though) or lots of people use a swing for sleep for the first little while.

Littlemama01 · February 2014

Sorry, another thought- it's also ok to just let baby sleep on you though if nothing works..you can try a wrap or sling carrier too if she just wants to be close and you want to try getting something done.

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sarahandeddiejune212008 · February 2014

100% normal. This cluster feeding phase will probably last a few more weeks. It will be normal for lo to have a certain time of day, usually evening, that she will cluster feed for awhile. Good luck! Keep feeding on demand.

mrst9 · February 2014

Thank you, ladies. This was all extremely helpful and reassuring. I'm in a situation where there aren't any female family members I can talk to. TheBump is such a blessing.

Lindsaym5! · February 2014

It's hard at this stage when all they want to do is nurse non-stop, but try to enjoy it as much as possible because it's a precious time and it doesn't last long!

RootBeer29 · February 2014

mrst9 said:

Thank you. My other concern is that her desire to nurse so frequently means she isn't getting enough sleep. If I move her after a BF nap, she tends to wake up right away. Yes, she does sleep longer stretches here and there, but in order to keep her asleep, I usually have to keep her in my lap or on my chest. Any ideas for how to make sure she gets proper rest?

We mostly held both of my daughters for all of their naps for the first 3 months. It's a tough stage, just try to enjoy the cuddles while you can.

Beth.1212 · February 2014

Swaddling very tightly on the torso is great advice! Just make sure not to tightly swaddle the legs. That can impede proper hip development. See here for more info and a video showing a recommended technique.

Some mothers learn how to BF using a sling/wrap/carrier, and when their LO falls asleep they can move about the house with LO still resting on their chest/torso. Something to consider!

GL, and I'm sure you've heard it often, but try to enjoy the good things about these early days. I got caught up in BF struggles (and other things) and didn't really relish them enough. How I'd love to have LO snuggle with me like he did in the beginning!

Momto1goofball · February 2014

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm also new here and my LO is the same age as yours. We are going through the exact same thing.

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