Newborn not eating enough?

Question

FTM, my son was born on the 8th and I feel like he's not eating enough or at all because when I nurse him he latches on and sucks but will stop and then start again every single time for very short periods and just fall asleep. He's not constant sucker and I'm also scared to death that I'm not somehow not doing enough for him. I've already got the baby blues bad and currently crying because  of everything. Support please!

Answer

Keep in mind breastfed babies have a natural rythm. They don't constantly suck until they're full. They do little sucks that encourage your milk to let down, then big "I'm drinking" sucks, then a pause and then they start it over. Each suck, drink, pause cycle lasts maybe 20-30 seconds.

As for baby being sleepy, do breast compressions, look it up on YouTube. Basically just grab your boob with a cupped c-shape hand & give it a light/medium squeeze. This will help baby get more milk with less effort and will keep them awake better.

I personally don't believe in making baby miserable just to eat. People say "tickle their feet, pinch their leg, flick the back of their neck, rub ice on their feet, strip them down to a diaper".... literally, I've heard all of these and it's unnecessary. Just master breast compressions & it'll help your baby get what they need without pissing them off.

Before you start a nursing session, massage your breasts with small circular motions with your finger tips. If you happen to feel a lump, massage that part especially. That's a full milk duct. Massages will help losen up all your milk ducts to make baby's sucks and your breast compressions more productive

P.S. breast compressions don't have to be super hard. Trust me, I didn't know this when first doing them and after a couple days my boobs were super sore. Light/medium pressure is fine.

Answer

Try to do things to keep him awake during feedings..and if you're still concerned, talk with your pediatrician about baby's weight gain. They will let you know if he's not getting enough. Seek guidance from a lactation consultant. Good luck mama.

Newborn not eating enough?

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