Feeding.....

I know its early days but was wondering if anyone had any advice on breast feeding babies.

Teagan only feeds in 5 min bursts, then falls asleep and comes off, if I cuddle her, she will remain sleeping, if I put her down she wakes up 2 mins later and starts rooting, wanting fed again. Therefore at night I seem to be feeding her constantly! Occaisionally get an hour between two of the feeds otherwise max is about 10 mins!

During the day she tends to feed for 5 mins then comes off and sleep for two/three hours before wanting another 5 min feed. I have tried to get her to do the night feeding pattern in the day by putting her down as soon as she has stopped feeding so that she will start rooting again and feed again and again for about an hour before having a proper sleep, however this doesn't seem to make a diff to her feeding pattern at night, still wants little and very often!

The midwife said that she is probably just stretching her tummy, but my milk has been in since sunday, so surely 4 days of proper milk feeds would have stretched her tummy enough to be able to have a proper feed at once?!

Anyway, anyone any advice on how I can encourage her to feed for longer?

Have tried changing her nappy before a feed, stripping her down so she doesn't get too warm and snuggly, tickling her cheeks and feet to wake her up when she falls asleep on the breast but nothing seems to make the slightest bit of difference!

Kat, Avilee (21 months) and 6 day old snacking Teagan

Congratulations kat

and welcome!!

I have to agree with Elizabeth.

I had the exact same with Keegan. Day times no probs but at night it was literally every hour. I was so exhausted one night I fell asleep with him lying flat on my chest!! Scariest ever. Unfortunately though - I didnt have enough milk so had to supplement with formula as Keegan lost over 10 percent body weight in three days so reserved a formula feed for about 12 at night and that would keep him asleep until about three in the morning, he then had a boob and went back to sleep for about 7/8.

When he was about 3 months old, I swapped a day time BF with the night time bottle and we were able to establish a more structured sleeping pattern but that was working around him as he was still majority on the boob.

I am sure, given a little more time Teagan will give you a bit more of a rest.

Haha! we had the opposite problem - Isla would be on for up to an hour nearly every feed then an hour later do the same again!!! I was rooted to the spot those first few months!!!

I'd agree with Elizabeth though, that some are 'grazers' and some will go on for a long sitting! (would also agree about remote control, food and drink within reach, lol!)

You've already tried everything that I was going to suggest (stripping down, tickling, nappy changing etc) so sounds like you've got a little grazer there! Bet she'll move the goalposts soon enough though just when you think you've got her figured!

Love N & Isla (11 months) xx

Hi hun

congrats

quick reply i am afraid...

with breastfeeding it's all about the baby being in control - let her feed as long as she wants to as often as she wants - including cosying - she's probably making sure you have enough milk for her next growth spurt. we had to change siri's nappy half way through to keep her a bit more awake.

she'll start to feed for longer when she is ready just make sure you have everything you need in reach - phone, tv remote, snacks, water etc

hugs
elizabeth & siri
xxxx