please remind me how much a newborn sleeps for?

[muslimah28]

Dd is 12do and I'm on strong painkillers for some post natal complications with my tear. One of the side effects is sleepiness, in me and in ebf dd. I'm having to wake to feed most times bc she is very sleepy. But I also can't remember how much she would be sleeping anyway at this age, dc1 never slept like this but then again he didn't feed as well at this stage as she is. I'm worried that she's so sleepy but I also dont know if I'm overly worrying bc she would be sleepy at this stage anyway. Please can someone reassure me!

Hi, didn't want your post to go unanswered but I think those first few weeks are such a haze for everyone it's really hard to remember! Isn't it at least 16 hours in 24? I might be wrong. Or, pretty much all the time, except when you want them to. I'm sure the pills you're on are safe for the baby but if you have concerns go and see your GP for reassurance and a second opinion. They won't think you're overreacting. I had to take DD at two weeks old because she had a cold and I felt like the worst mother in the world! Looking back I'm sure it was the antibiotics that I was on due to my stitches tearing and them telling me it's fine to go around with an open wound! Ha. Still bitter. My point is, if you need reassurance about ANYTHING when they're that young, they'll more than understand. Congrats and good luck! x

All the time except at night

You shouldn't have to wake for feeds really so I'd suspect the painkillers. Try and offer every couple of hours while you both lounge in bed

As far as I remember DS slept pretty much all the time for his first few weeks. I can remember being desperate for him to wake up so I could interact with him at least a bit. I think they are all different though, and there is no normal amount of sleep!

In my experience: pretty much always asleep for the first two weeks then pretty much always awake and crying for the next ten weeks.

thank you everyone, i'm probably worrying about nothing then...:)

babydollsmum sounds like you had what's happened to me with my tear :(

Ooh ouch! Try not to get too down about it and focus on your beautiful little girl. It really is amazing how the body heals itself in the end. I was convinced I'd have to have my stitches redone but it was fine in the end. x

Not Blardy enough, imho. :)

Thanks babydolls mum :)

I was wondering this today as DD is 10
days old and seems be constantly asleep it is à struggle to wake her up for feed and keep her awake, except at night of course!!

How long is a piece of string? DS was awake through the day at that age, DD3 slept most of the time and the other two somewhere in between. Ask your midwife or HV if you've been discharged how often roughly you should be feeding and maybe consider noting down when you feed each time just to be on the safe side so she doesn't go too long without feeding. Easy to forget when you've tons of other things to do.

Thanks both. Dd is starting to have short spells of more awake time now which is lovely :) and she's smiling now too i dont care what they say about it being just wind

Ah, it's lovely when they start to interact more. For subsequent children you feel really glad when they're asleep though! Remember to rest when she's asleep, to give your body time to heal. Congratulations again.