Questions re breastfeeding 8 day old

[beancounting]

I really need some advice re breastfeeding our 8 day old DD - I struggled initially with getting the latch right so it didn't hurt (it didn't seem to be a problem in terms of her feeding effectively) but now this seems to be more or less sorted (still hurts sometimes on the one side). She was weighed at 4 days and had regained her birth weight and she seems to be producing plenty of wet and dirty nappies. So the logical part of me says she's probably doing ok!

However, the irrational sleep deprived hormonal part of me is worried because over the last day or two she has stopped seeming sleepy and satisfied after a feed (she is ok initially then is really fussy and grumpy afterwards), plus she's started only feeding for 10 minutes at a time - I then try burping her (with little effect other than to make her scream) and putting her back on but she's usually not interested in any more. She's feeding roughly every 2 hours but has barely slept at all today (which means I haven't had a nap either so am particularly dreading tonight) and screams whenever she's put down.

How long should she feed for each time in order to get what she needs? She looks pretty busy on there with lots of gulping noises but does start to doze off after a while. Is 10 minutes enough at this age, as I've read it should be more like 30 (which it was in the first couple of days I think)?

And how do I know if she's emptied a breast? They do feel softer after a feed but if I squeeze the nipple there still seems to be plenty of milk. So I'm not offering both breasts at each feed because it doesn't seem necessary - but should I?

Also when she does go back on, how can I tell if she's actuaaly suckling and not just comfort sucking - does it feel different?

In terms of positions, I'm tending to use the cross-cradle hold in the day and the laid back position at night (I can't crack this in the daytime as I seem to need to be topless!) - she often gets really agitated in the laid back position, bobbing all over the place - and often bobs off and then screams because she can't find the nipple again. How much "assistance" should I provide?

Sorry for all the questions but I feel totally clueless! Any advice would be much appreciated (I'll be asking my MW but not seeing her till Tuesday and not sure can wait until then!)

Some babies feed very quickly. My first was like this - never more than 10 minutes- and it is honestly fine.

When you first start BF I think I am right in saying there is a lot of the hormone oxytocin in your milk which makes the baby sleepy. After a bit that reduces, which is when they tend to be able to stay awake after a feed. Maybe that is what is happening here.

Re sucking v comfort sucking - you may be able to hear your baby swallowing when she's feeding. If she's comfort sucking then I guess it probably wouldn't last long before she nodded off and came off the breast.

Re positions - if she is getting frustrated then help her out. Anything for a peaceful life IMO.

Congratulations on having your baby - it sounds like you are doing great.

If she seems settled and has wet nappies listen to your rational self. She is probably doing just fine. With regards to how long she feeds for, every baby is different so dont worry too much about how long the book says. I'm sure you'll get some expert advice here soon, good luck with tonight. Midwifes dont usually mind a phone call or ring one of the bf advice lines eg nct if you want to talk it through.

I'd say if she was back to birth weight at 4 days then she must be feeding well.

If she starts dozing when feeding give her face or feet a tickle to keep her awake. My DS was a nightmare for feeding and nodding off, every time I went to put him down thinking he'd had enough as he was asleep he'd wake up and cry.

You should be able to see her earlobes move if shes feeding and not if shes comfort sucking.

Congratulations xx

it all sounds fine for me. just be aware of what you are eating, for instance my hv prescribed me lactulose for my constipation after the birth (tmi ) and it had a really bad effect on my baby.

other things that can affect are coffee, garlic, spices.

comfort sucking is just as important as feeding. it is the comfort sucking that helps the bones of the head go into the correct position after being squashed inside the birth canal.

Congratulations on your new DD.

You have had lots of good advice here already, just wanted to say that your breasts will never get empty, they just keep on making milk as long as the baby is sucking. Someone on here said that it is not like a bucket that can be emptied, but like a river that keeps flowing (except they said it more elegantly than that, but you get my drift).

Sounds like you are doing really well- try not to worry too much!

I would probably try offering the other breast when she comes off,just to see if that settles her a bit more.

Wrt knowing how much she is getting, are you feeling let-downs when she feeds? Like a tingly sensation, you might also feel it when she's not feeding and you leak (sorry if tmi). It's a sign I used to look out for because it means the milk is flowing quite fast, so definitely some drinking going on and not just sucking!

Good luck tonight, I hope you manage to get some sleep, and remember it does get easier.

My DD would feed in 10 mins and she gained lots of weight. I often sat there with the TV volume down so I could hear her swallowing as I tend to worry a lot.

How did you get on last night beancounting? I had another thought, its normal for babies to have a growth spurt at around ten days old so just when you think you've cracked it they suddenly want to feed more! Hang on in there it does get easier.

beancounting - all sounds basically ok, but yes, you should offer the second breast to see if the baby wants it. The breasts never 'empty'- there will always be milk there.

Comfort sucking is important, and it does not really matter if you can't tell the difference

thanks all for your replies - this is really reassuring. We had a really good night, she fed for 10 mins every 2 hours but settled well afterwards so I think we all feel a bit better today. She also seems to have had a bit more sleep during the day today.

I will try offering the second breast tiktok and pozzling and see if she wants it. I'm not sure I'm feeling the let down but I noticed last night when I went to pick her up to feed her I was leaking all over the place and she had a wet face before I managed to get her into position!

Thanks again.