She spits up like normal through the day occasionally, but is always content when it happens. He typically falls asleep for a bit and then is wide awake. My infant daughter fell asleep a lot during nursing in the first few days. For example if I start this routine at 3 and finish at 4:30, I start the next feeding at 5 or 5:30 the latest. Depends how efficiently they are feeding - our nurses said output is the best indication that they're getting enough. Pp its up to you. Our lactation consultant suggested that we undress the baby down to the diaper for feedings. Meet other parents of December 2017 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow. Be safe. Sleep feeding, sometimes called dream feeding, occurs when a baby feeds while drowsy or asleep. A short nap is OK, but dont let themsleep there overnight. How do I know if baby is getting enough milk and how can I keep him awake to drink from both breasts? She only does if she falls asleep, that too deep sleep otherwise, she would be happy to stay there all day long if I let her! My 7 week old is awake more and more as he gets older- and he is particularly fussy in the mornings. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. I feel very concerned all the time and that's making our breastfeeding relationship difficult. In my book,Your babys Bottle-feeding Aversion, I have described physical and behavioral reasons for babies to develop an aversion to bottle-feeding. Does anyone have experience with this? Providing a sleep feed or two at nightmightincrease your babys total daily milk intake. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. The frequency of swallowing decreases during sleep compared to awake. Bottle Feeding Problems - Baby Care Advice Newborns babies are susceptible to overfeeding because they have an active sucking reflex. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. If theyalways seemtired and irritableand your schedule is packed, consider cutting back or rearrange your schedule. He was 3 weeks early and we had some trouble at the start but at about 2 weeks in we were exclusively breastfeeding! Im so upset I dont want to quit nursing. Studies show that babies who sleep feed are at increased risk of developing respiratory infections. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Ive been trying to pump in the mornings when I have the most milk to prep for when I go back to work, but its difficult now that I have a fussy baby. We finally figured out that what we needed to do was put her down--alone. Because she is only feeding 4 times a day I want to get as much into her as possible but if I try to wake her up and make her take more, she vomits the whole lot back out. You might want to put your child back in the crib to go to sleep again. They will measure your baby before and after feedings (mine has a scale that measures down to grams) so you can understand how much your baby is consuming at each feeding. I could really do with some advice or anybodys experience if they have been through the same thing. I had imagined it to be something more like baby feeds for 10 mins, sleep for 30-60min and then wants to feed again..but my baby has only ever stayed on the breast for about 10 mins. She lost more than 10% of bw, kept losing with supplementation (eventually to 13%), and we switched to replacement feeding (exclusive pumping) to get her weight up and increase my supply. I dont want to quit nursing, but it seems like she hates it now? Rub baby's cheek Rub baby's hands or feet in circular motions However. She is sleeping through the night 10-7/8 (she is gaining plenty of weight-in the 98% for growth) so in the morning I am very full and leaky. Any advice as to how we can have calm feeding sessions again? Don't let this be the reason you switch to bottle feeding your baby! Keep in mind that I am encouraging you to not worry about the occasional feeding that doesnt go as planned. Updated on September 10, 2006 R. asks from Morrisville, PA on August 16, 2006 15 answers My baby always falls asleep when nursing. But I still do a long power-pumping session after he goes to sleep to keep up my supply. And I feel like the latch gets poorer and poorer as the day continues and baby gets upset. She says premature and jaundiced babies are also likely to fall asleep while eating. What to do if your baby falls asleep while nursing : hi baby feeds for like 10-15 mins one side then falls asleep. For babies 9 - 12 months (when solids are becoming increasingly more . How to tell if baby is eating or sleeping: Since many babies like to eat with their eyes closed and many babies will suck while they sleep it can be a bit confusing to tell if baby is eating or sleeping. When I pump after she eats, I generally get between 1-2oz but when she doesnt breastfeed, Im still only getting 1.5-2.5oz per pump. (The GI symptoms associated withoverfeedingare commonly mistakenly blamed on reflux, milk allergy or intolerance. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. She had some trouble latching right away and one of the hospital nurses pushed us to use a nippleshield, which was unfortunately the wrong size for me. In The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems, Hogg states that bottle-fed babies are less likely to fall asleep while eating once baby is 6.5 pounds (page 99). That way even if she latches on a shorter period on the second side, you are stimulating both breasts to help w milk production. I just need help and support with all of this Ive woken her up lots to try and get her to nurse, but she just falls asleep again. Start a calming pre-nap routine. The health visitor suggested laid back feeding, it helps a small amount but we still get the fussiness Baby is about 44hrs old - she was fed colostrum via syringes for the first while. Baby might be awake at the start, then fall asleep while feeding and continue eating during light sleep. Expert Answer by Jenny Leach | Medically reviewed by Clare Littler, Midwife | September 2021 Yes. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. As long as she was in my arms--even when being actively washed with a damp rag, for instance--she felt safe and stayed asleep. Our pediatrician said it's completely normal and good. The first thing that parents usually try is switching formula, often multiple times. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. Providing your baby with a feed while asleep, before he wakes to demand one, may enable him to continue sleeping. I know everyone is different, so I know no one can say for sure, Im more speaking on general terms. Get your baby falling asleep . Pushes away or resists latch-on . My baby breastfeeds for only a few minutes at a time. Is this normal? If he has not burped within 2 minutes, give up. Baby feeds for 10-15 mins on one side then falls asleep!! Any guiadance on when trying that would be a good idea or if it seems to be the problem? Might as well start building up a stash, right?! 2-month-old only naps while in motion. If a baby only takes a few sucks and maybe 1 or 2 swallows, comes off, screams or falls asleep, and then you put her back on - is that cluster feeding? However, regardless of whether it is something that is initiated by a parent or baby, there arepotentialproblems linked with sleep feeding. A feeding-sleep association means a baby will seek to feed (by rooting, sucking his fist, fussing or crying) whenever he is tired and ready to sleep, irrespective of whether hes hungry at the time or not, because past experiences have taught him that this is how he goes to sleep. But even then when he's on me n I'm holding him even then sumtyms he won't go to sleep. I had imagined it to be something more like baby feeds for 10 mins, sleep for 30-60min and then wants to feed again.but my baby has only ever stayed on the breast for about 10 mins. I'm Ready! But I can tell she doesnt actually feed for that long because she stops swallowing and she doesnt get to the subsequent letdowns. Sometimes it seems like she feeds very well and falls asleep at the breast to which I will set her down and begin to pump with her to only wake halfway through hungry. You'll be teaching your little one how to fall asleep on theirown and not need to be held, rocked, or fed. I am losing my mind. Oh, also I want to mention that when she takes a full feed with the bottle, she will fall asleep during that as well and towards the end milk is dribbling out everywhere. A feeding-sleep association means a baby will seek to feed (by rooting, sucking his fist, fussing or crying) whenever he is tired and ready to sleep, irrespective of whether hes hungry at the time or not, because past experiences have taught him that this is how he goes to sleep. 5) Creatas Creatas What to Expect supports Group Black Opens a new window and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. However, regardless of whether it is something that is initiated by a parent or baby, there are, Six time-saving modules to help your family enjoy feeding again, Module 1: Understanding feeding aversions, Module 4: How to resolve your baby's bottle-feeding aversion, Sleep Feeding - Why Your Baby Only Feeds While Drowsy Or Asleep. Remember that Hogg warns against three in a row. A long nap is one that's 60 minutes or more. He has on a few occasions brought up milk in the night while in his crib, I'm worried this could be a choking hazard? Also trust your body to make what the baby needs. Tickling/stimulating the foot also helps. Occasional exceptions are inevitable, of course, and won't harm your baby. Childrens Hospital Boston, Pediatric Views: "Dr. Ferber Updates his Landmark Sleep Book." That's the only way really to understand if she's getting enough. Constant fussiness and distress when feeding, Please help with any experience or advise. He seems fine in the night. Shes normally a calm quiet baby (shes never been very fussy, Im lucky I think) but at the end of the month I saw she only gained 0.1 kg!!! But don't worry if theydon't: each baby is different. Pediatrician also suggested to wait until shes very very hungry to bottle her large amounts so that she downs it all at once. Actually really amazing in terms of weight gain! All of my babies have fallen asleep during feedings. Because of his decent weight gain, I think there is just about enough milk, it's just that the delivery method is very problematic. Baby breastfeeds for only 5 mins before sleeping again If your baby falls asleep and stops feeding (it's possible for babies to continue feeding while they are sleeping), gently stroking their hands and feet can stimulate them to stay awake for longer. Thanks for the responses! And in some cases, it has unintended and unwanted consequences; for example: Babies tend to spend longer periods of time in deep sleep during the first half of the night. By her 3rd feed of the day Im much softer and she eats from both breast, but at that point she starts to get very gassy and fussy. My two-month old son sleeps very well at night (in a co-sleeper or our bed), but will only sleep during the day while in motion (Ergo, stroller or, grudgingly, the swing). June 9, 2020 by valplowman What do you do when baby just won't wake up to eat when it is time for a feeding? I try to wake her up by undressing her, burping, changing her diaper, switching breasts, etc. I think he is an impatient eater because when my husband tries to pace the bottle-feeding to mimic the breastfeeding, he also gets frustrated and cries. Is this normal? She has been helping parents with their parenting concerns since 2007 and loves helping others absolutely love being a parent. Then all of a sudden Ill hear gulping and she will pull off and milk sprays everywhere and I have to cover it with whatever I can lol sometimes thats my shirt or the nursing pads and Then Ill have to change same thing happened with DS.must be why I feel like I stink all the time. I obviously have to do a lot of formula (whish I hate) would like some advice please, sorry for the length of this post. LC thinks that she just needs more time to mature and it going to evaluate latch this coming week. Im wondering if hes actually getting anything from the first boob. The stress associated with hours trying to ensure baby gets enough to eat, exhaustion from providing multiple night feeds, numerous health visits and the associated financial strain, can take a significant toll on parents physical and emotional health. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Tired of my SIL coming by unexpectedly!!! My husband is a smoker and a very heavy sleeper so I am not comfortable bed sharing when he is in the bed. Hi my baby is 3.5 weeks old and seems to fall asleep at the breast a lot- usually after about 8-10 min. Thanks!! Also after she finishes on one breast you should burp her and change her diaper if needed, which should wake her up a bit, then offer her the other breast. In your child's case she is definitely getting enough to eat. My son is the same, thankfully! The benefit is you dont need to settle him back to sleep. I'm concerned she's not drinking enough. My son is the same way! It will change.. If shes gaining weight well then might not be. Most newborns have a strong desire to suck at times in addition to feeding. From about 3-5 pm until 9 she eats what seems like every hour, and with each feeding is super fussy, cries, pulls on and off the breast and screams when I burp her (but then is super content once the burp comes out) Around 930 she finally calms down, nurses herself to sleep from both sides and is down to sleep by 10 and is totally calm and content. Hes also still hungry afterwards and can drink 3oz of milk from the bottle. Or put her down then when she wakes back up try again? How often do you have to nurse him? She sleeps for a good bit after nursing and has good amount of wet/dirty diapers. She is very young and she's working hard to get your supply established. The same thing happens to me. Her weight is in normal range now but we are worried about of her not getting enough. Although its pretty funny watching his face when hes passed out cold while I burp him! If a feed is denied, he becomes progressively more distressed. Cry It Out for Naps - The Baby Sleep Trainer If medications fail to improve the situation, which they will if the source of the problem is behavioral, next baby may be diagnosed with suspectedmilk allergy or intoleranceand switched to a hypoallergenic formula. (SeeRefluxfor more). You are concerned about ruining her for life. Dispite this inhumane schedule day in and day out, I bearly produce enough to feed him without taping into the formula. He either continues to fuss like that for the whole time at the breast or resigns and falls asleep. Learn more about, Formula-Feeding Your Baby? And seems to becoming every feed. Any idea of what might be happening? My girl eats for a short time when my letdown is fast. We all made it out okay. Some babies take longer or need both breasts. I get a lot from my haaka as well! Note: I pump at lease 1 time betewing 1 and 5 am while I'm entertaining him since he has chosen to be awake during this time and sleep during the day. Once or twice a day little one may start crying and husband offers bottle (pumped milk 3.5 oz or sometimes formula 4 oz) and our baby will eat the entire bottle after just feeding him. My lo has the recommended amount of wet and dirty diapers a day. Could she be trying to comfort her upset tummy by eating constantly? So when you add it all up, it amounts to a longer feed. He fed this afternoon for maybe 5 or 10 minutes and then pulled off the breast and fell asleep. I had a sleep consultant help me for my second baby because unlike my first she had to be fed to sleep ALLL night, waking every 2-3hrs. I know this because when he lets go its pouring out.. he seems content and has 7-9 wet diapers a daily. If your baby is not waking to demand a feed around the time you dream feed him, then how do you know he actually needs feeding at that time? You might choose to sleep feed your baby in the late evening for one of the following reasons. Tomorrows Child: "Safe Sleep Brochure." In general, if your baby has enough dirty and wet diapers (usually four to six wet diapers and three to four poopy diapers per day) and is putting on weight at a healthy pace, there's nothing. With Katilyn, I often had feedings where I couldnt even get her to start eating, much less finish. A chronically sleep-deprived baby might fall asleep before completing the feed. Sometimes he feeds for a little longer, then suckles and then falls asleep. During the day she always wants to feed and taking only cat naps during the feed. I don't mind nursing all day, but I am just wondering if anyone else's baby does this, and how you determine if they've nursed long enough? I'm considering exclusively pumping although I know is a tough thing to do long-term. Your baby will get the most out of daytime naps if he or she takes them at the same time each day and for about the same length of time. My baby girl is 3 n half months old I am EBF her. Set a good nap routine and stick to it, when possible. They are therefore unableto advise parents on how to encourage theirbaby to return to willingly feeding while awake. I feel like Ive tried everything, as well as the LC thinks Ive done everything I can and that we just need to be patient for her to get stronger and catch up. If he begins to awaken at any time, try making a shushing sound to soothe him back to sleep. Some babies fall asleep faster when they are swaddled. Has anyone ever gotten through this and gone back to normal feeds? He would nurse. Try to separate nursing from naps even by just a few minutes. Frequency and length of breastfeeding sessions - please help!