To ask for your help with my newborn baby

[BumbleNova]

Beautiful DS was born 2 am yesterday after a very long 3 day labour. I've had around 3 hours broken sleep since. And now, he is attached to me cluster feeding since 2pm. He will not settle for my husband at all. Or sleep anywhere but on me.

I know it will pass and it's normal but im so tired I keep falling asleep while he is feeding. I need your survival tips!

Have you tried wrapping baby in a t shirt you've worn so your scent is present and then giving baby to Daddy.

Im sure I don't need to tell you that you need to get better sleep otherwise you're going to be fit for nothing, specially after such a long labour.

Congratulations on your new son. Is his latch ok? Is he actually drawing or just using you as a comfort?

Feed him lying down, tuck the pillows along the edge of the bed behind him. Then of you fall asleep it's ok. He won't settle for anybody else because he wants to feed. Soon enough he'll have a little time when he isn't hungry and somebody else can cuddle him while you nap.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! I always found with my 2 that they always cluster fed until my milk came through.
I would suggest your dh cuddle the baby for a few hours whilst you have a bit of a kip.

I fully agree?! Hence posting here.

Yes - his latch is great. Had my midwife check and my post natal doula who is helping us.

He will be with dad for a bit but then starts frantically rooting.

Congratulations OP! It will get easier honestly! My DD is 4 weeks tomorrow and she cluster fed for 2 weeks and then things improved dramatically. Whilst the advice was not to express I BF and expressed as I found bottle feeding easier when I wanted to go out and about.

Congratulations on the birth of your baby ! Don't worry about falling asleep when he is feeding - you've had a long few days so it's all natural. Nothing bad will happen if you fall asleep. Just make sure he is securely next to you with pillows behind him.

And don't worry that he won't settle for your husband - you are the only one with boobs and that is what he wants at the moment ! He was inside your body until yesterday so he needs time to get used to the outside world. And don't stress about him not sleeping - just put him down on his cot / basket/ anywhere safe and go and have a shower or whatever you like. You don't have to be with him every minute.

Best wishes to you and your new family.

I remember that bit.Iwas still in hospital and the midwives eventually tucked dd in bed with me.Not ideal in a single bed but I couldn't feed her sitting up as I was scared if dropping het but I couldn't stay awake.
It gets easier once your milk comes in and all thus cluster feeding does just that.

Congratulations!!! Enjoy the newborn snuggles. I know that not particularly helpful, but as a parent to a 7 week old that will still only sleep on me or my husband I've not got much else to offer, other than accept any help you can. I wish I could be more accepting of help!

Oh, but a sports water bottle for squash, handy for drinking from lying down, its also good for keeping close by when stuck BF someplace not near a table! Also, keep snacks stored around the place, I was fine for the first 4 weeks, but after that I got absolutely ravenous. Like so hungry I'm actually a little embarrassed at him much I can pack away. It's not stopping me doing it mind!

Congratulations. Nothing much to add really: the first few days will sort themselves out. I know this sounds daft, but try to remember these moments. They're special, but all too often get lost.

I fed laying down and slept with him, after the nurse recommended it. It was lovely.

Chocolate buttons. The big posh ones from M&S. Only way I survived those endless night feeds in the early days!!

I also found a sleepyhead a bit of a lifesaver. I didn’t have one with DC1 and putting her down after feeds was a bloody nightmare. I have one for DC2 and it’s made the world of difference. Still many night feeds, but can actually put him down easily.