How can I encourage my 6 week baby to drink more when breastfeeding

[Jazzy4545]

My baby does mainly drink for 15 minutes but sometimes she only drinks for 5 minutes so I'm not sure if she's getting to the fatty milk. She also falls asleep after a 15 minute feed. I'm also keen to make sure she drinks from both breasts during each feed. Changing her nappy mid way helps to keep her awake. Any other suggestions? Thanks :)

[PinkFondantFancy]

I find stripping them off down to just a nappy helps if they're falling asleep. Also lactation consultant told me wiping their hands, feet and body with icy water can help keep them awake long enough to take a decent feed. I haven't had to do either of those things this time around but do need to change nappy half way.

[BabyStone]

Hi, you could try tickling her? This helps to wake up my ds if he's falling asleep during feeding.
I can't advise about the feeding from both breasts as I bottle feed but you could always repost in Breast and Bottle feeding. There is probably more traffic in there for this subject and other breast feeding mums should be able to help :)

[BrienneOfTarth]

Try not to worry so much is my only advice.

So long as your baby is drinking as much as she wants (even if for only 5 minutes) and so long as she is continuing to put on weight (you don't mention whether this is an issue, but don't forget that it's normal for this to be a little slower for BF babies, so so long as the weight is going up it doesn't matter much if it's slow) then really you don't need to worry.

I know I worried way too much when my DC was 6 weeks, it is completely natural to do so, but it's generally unnecessary. Your baby is fine.

[JeremyPiven]

It's normal for some feeds to be long ones, some to be snacks, unless there is something else wrong health wise then your baby knows what she needs. Both my DSs fed very quickly compared to some other babies, and I was told that this could be because I had a fast letdown.

As long as weight gain is good and baby produces lots of wet nappies, then everything sounds fine.

If you do feel you need to wake her up a bit, tickling under the chin can help, and also manual breast compressions can speed up milk transfer a bit.

Feeding then falling asleep all milk-drunk and cuddly is a beautiful part of being a tiny baby and completely normal whatever the so-called parenting guru books say

[Alexa007]

Open a window to let a slight breeze in. Works for me!

[atrcts]

The timing of a feed isn't as important as the flow! You can't see but you might be a jet-stream feeder, so I'd concentrate more on baby's weight ( which CAN be measured)

[CreatureRetorts]

Seems fine to me! Leave her be.