quick question re falling asleep whilst breastfeeding

[Lemonfizzypop]

Dd is 1 week old today, breastfeeding going well but I just wonder if I should keep waking her up when she falls asleep whilst feeding to see if she wants anymore. Sometimes I'll put her down in her cot after she dozes off but she'll wake up shortly after wanting more. Should I wake her up after she's fallen asleep and try and offer her more before putting her down in her cot in the hope that it might get me a better stretch of sleep?

Also when she nods off on the boob she intermittently sucks but I'm pretty sure it's just comfort sucking and not drinking- should I unlatch her?

I realise it's early days but just want to make sure I'm doing everything effectively.

[TheWordOfBagheera]

No right/wrong answer, so do what you feel works best for you and dd. I undo clothing so the baby is cooler and gently tickle feet (both on advice of midwife) for a very sleepy feeder - helped keep them awake a little longer.

I think the sleepy intermittent sucks are just reflexive. I unlatch as the alternative is sitting there for hours!

Sounds like you're doing great. Congratulations

[TakesTwoToTango]

Advice I found helpful was to change their nappy to wake them up and then offer the other side.

[FifiFerusha]

I agree with takestwototango. I had a really sleepy feeder at that stage and used to change nappy at mid feed. Also used to unlatch as you kind of know when they aren't feeding anymore. I found that also a smooth shh or blow to DS's face sometimes got the feeding going. .but if he is sleepy unlatch and put down for a snooze x

[Sandsnake]

Hello Lemon! My DS (first baby) was also one week old yesterday and I could have written your post to the letter! I've taken to waking him mid feed by winding and often changing him half way through. This really seems to help. Sometimes when he is really sleepy he will need to come off for winding / wake up 3 - 4 times per feed. Makes things longer but has the added advantage of making sure that he is regularly winded at least. Hope you and your DD are doing well!