2 Week Old Falls Asleep After 3-5 Minutes

[@llli*estelas.mama]

I have a 2 week old who falls asleep, or at least dozes off, after nursing for only 3-5 minutes. I try to keep her awake, and sucking continuously, but it's difficult! She does suck on and off for at least 10 minutes on each side, but isn't gaining as much weight as our pediatrician would like. We have another weight check appointment with the doctor this Tuesday, and if she hasn't gained enough, I'm afraid they will ask me to supplement with formula again. (Something I had to do in her first week of life because my milk didn't come in until day 6.)
Is she not getting enought hindmilk? What can I do to make sure she gets a full nursing of both foremilk and hindmilk? Her latch is great - no problems there.
Also - she does nurse (on average) every 1 1/2 to 2 hours, and has about 6 wet diapers per day and 4-6 BMs (though small ones) per day.
Thanks!

[mpoulson]

I'm sure some others will have suggestions on how to keep baby awake and nursing. Here are mine (you may have already tried these):

- Sing or talk to her or to someone else. Baby might have eyes closed but is listening!
- Turn up lights during daytime feedings
- Change diaper
- Wipe a damp cloth on her head
- Rub back or feet

If your doctor does think the baby needs supplements, you might want to talk to him/her about breastfeeding options. Some moms have been able to pump and supplement with breastmilk. Or, some moms pump and supplement only the hind milk.

With my babies, I was able to nurse for a long, long time. They seemed asleep, but would wake up when my milk would let down - every 15 or 20 minutes or so. The side-lying position was particularly useful.

Your baby's diaper counts seem great! Keep it up, nursing whenever baby is fussy -- it doesn't matter if it seems like you just nursed, you can do it again! Listen for baby's gulps signaling a let-down. That always gave me encouragement that my breasts were being "emptied".

You're doing great!

[@llli*jcdandfamily]

You might try breast compressions. Here's a pretty comprehensive article with links to videos. http://www.kellymom.com/newman/15bre...mpression.html

[@llli*babygurl]

How is the lo's diaper output. I know some lo's are just slow gainers.

[@llli*anne.ferguson]

I dealt with a sleepy baby in the early days but they do eventually 'wake up'!! Hang in there!

Normal weight gain should be 5-7 ounces per week... so that is your target. And make sure you are measuring from her lowest weight. It sounds like your wet and poopy diapers are on track. If you will share her various weights with us that is helpful.

One way to ensure she gets enough hindmilk is nursing on only one breast per feeding, and breast compressions. If you do switch breasts, make sure you do it after she comes off on her own and has fully emptied the first breast.

If your doctor is talking formula you might want to consider finding a new doctor. Formula supplementation is one of the quickest ways to destroy your supply. Unless you are going to pump every time your baby gets formula, your body will be missing the message to make more milk. And even then the pump is not as effective as your baby. If you don't have a pump you can rent a good hospital-grade one from a local hospital or pharmacy for a month for about $30 to get you started. Then you could supplement with breastmilk. Other moms use hand expression which I personally have never tried. Martha Sears (see "The Breastfeeding Book") swears by hand expression.

Keep up the great work and keep us posted.

[Give Peas A Chance]

Breast compressions! Studies show that breast compressions help babies take in more milk by volume.

[@llli*estelas.mama]

Hi! Thanks for all of the speedy replies! I've been doing breast compressions today, and it's helping. I think my little girl is definately taking more in at each feeding, and I'm trying to stretch out the time on each side to ensure she is getting the hindmilk.
As for her weights:
on 8/31 (the day she was born) she was 7 lbs. 8 oz.
on 9/2 she was 6 lbs. 8 oz.
on 9/4 she was 6 lbs. 13 oz
on 9/11 she was 7 lbs. 2.5 oz
We have another doctor's appt. on Tuesday (9/18) - if she hasn't gotten up to, or above, her birthweight I think the doctor might suggest we try formula. We absolutely do not want to do that, but don't want to compromise our LO's health. I will try to discuss pumping and bottle feeding breastmilk, if the doctor thinks we need to use a bottle.
Thanks again for everyone's help. This isn't easy!!

[@llli*jcdandfamily]

You might also tell you dr you want to try breast compressions for closer to a week before making any decisions. Pumping and bottle feeding is a lot of work and introducing a bottle this early could cause bfing problems. Maybe if the dr isn't happy with weight gain, you could ask for another weight check on Friday before making any decisions.

And you're right. BFing in the beginning isn't easy, and neither is being a new mom. The great news is that your persistence and effort will pay off and it does get easier as time goes on. Hang in there!

[momofthreegirls]

As for her weights:
on 8/31 (the day she was born) she was 7 lbs. 8 oz.
on 9/2 she was 6 lbs. 8 oz.
on 9/4 she was 6 lbs. 13 oz
on 9/11 she was 7 lbs. 2.5 oz

she is gaining better than the standard of an ounce a day... she's doing well... Don't worry :-)

[@llli*estelas.mama]

Hi!
Our LO had her dr. appt. this am - she weighs 7lbs 7oz, so no talk of formula!
Thanks for everyone's input. Between the breast compressions and the other suggestions to help keep her awake, I feel like I'm on the right track.
Thanks again!