I am having a nightmare feeding DS3 (normal delivery on Sat night).
I started feeding him about an hour after the birth and until this morning he wanted to constantly feed. He would start off sucking for about 5 mins then fall asleep and just intermittently suck like I was a dummy. I usually left him on for about 30 mins and then dislodged him as I am in agony from cracked and bleeding nipples which is obviously because I have been constantly feeding and he has a tremendous suck! Literally within 15-30 mins he would then scream to get back on the breast so I had that for 2 and a half days straight with both him and I hardly getting any sleep.
Anyway this morning, a lovely midwife showed me a feeding position which was much easier and slightly less painful and DS had a really good 30 mins feed and seemed the most contented he's ever been (finished at 12.50pm). Since then he has been asleep. I have tried to waken him several times as I do not want him to go more than 4 hours without a feed but he has literally tried to fight his way off the breast (gagging, choking and screaming) and was really upset. He then immediately went back to sleep. I'm sure he's just catching up on his sleep and as he's been feeding so much over the last few days, he may just not be hungry?
Do I just leave it until he's ready to feed again? How long is it safe to leave him? I did read that newborns don't need much feeding until your milk comes in anyway (mine has'nt yet), just sleep so probably should not worry?? Boobs are grateful for the break anyway!!