Constant nursing for 4+ hours???

chocolatechippy · November 2014

My baby is 3 days old. Tonight we have been up from midnight until present (it's 4:20) with near constant nursing. Everytime he falls asleep (I unlatch), or he unlatches himself I try to put him down and the rooting and screaming starts. I don't hear him swallowing,but he has had 3 poop and 1 pee diaper during this time. It seems he will latch,suck a few times, and is asleep. It seems like maybe it is all comfort sucking?? Any suggestions???

LunaBug924 · November 2014

First, congrats mama!

I had this exact experience with DD when she was 3 days old. That night was hell! The next morning, my milk came in, and it got better (until the growth spurts kicked in).

Has your milk come in yet? This marathon nursing is the best way to start building your supply. BFing is all about supply and demand. LO is telling your body to make more, probably in preparation for his first growth spurt. So it is normal, and healthy, for him to be at the breast for long periods of time.

Try to get comfy and the couch, or safely in bed if you can. I found that if I absolutely needed a break I would have DH take her and I would leave the room. If she could smell me, she wanted to nurse, but I could sneak in a little nap if I was in a different part of the house.

You're doing good, mama! The first few weeks are haaard! Good luck!

chocolatechippy · November 2014

Thanks! That sooo makes me feel better. DH took him for an hour so I could get a little rest, but we are back at it again. I was able to put him down long enough to use the bathroom! Poor thing seems like he is really tired too. I think my milk started coming in yesterday, I think it is now in, so hopefully we both can rest.

opheliainwaders · November 2014

Congratulations!! I agree with PP - this is normal (and it's actually great that your LO is so gung-ho about nursing!), and I found that these marathon nursing sessions (you'll see people here refer to them as "cluster-feeds") were very common in the first 3 months, particularly during growth spurts. At this point with a teeny baby, "comfort sucking" is also driving your milk supply, so although it's a pain, it's also really useful. A few suggestions:
- Are you nursing in bed? If so, Google safe bed-sharing and side-lying nursing - you may be able to snooze a bit while LO nurses.
- do you have a wrap or ring sling? If LO won't sleep alone right now, nurse, and then give him to DH to wear for a bit so he is snuggled, and you can nap.
Hang in there!

TheBorg7of9 · November 2014

Honestly, I would try a pacifier after about an hour of nursing. Both my kids were exclusively breastfed. Sometimes they just need to suck!

1sttimemomma2013 · November 2014

Day 3 was a marathon night for me too! I remember thinking that I didn't have enough milk or something. Next morning I woke up completely engorged! Plus newborns are programmed to eat more during the night because while inutero you provided food at night (we digest food at night). It takes a little time for them to get days and nights straight.

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Constant nursing for 4+ hours???

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