Will we get any better at bf?

[sheba1]

My DS is nearly 4 weeks old and we are having some problems with bf. The main one is that he finds it very difficult to stay awake for more than 5 minutes once he is latched on. I have tried all of the tricks recommended that I have found on the internet and in books, but once he's unconscious, rubbing his feet or back are just not rousing him.

He obviously isn't getting enough milk - because 15 minutes after he's finished, even if he's been on for 45 minutes he's hungry again. Having just recovered from very damaged nipples and two bouts of mastitis, I'm keen to avoid constant bf with multiple latchings on. We're definitely much better at latching on than we were (after 2 sessions with breast feeding nurse) but it's still a work in progress.

I have resorted to giving him EBM once a day or so, just so that we can do something else other than bf. Is this likely to get better? Will he be more likely to stay awake as he gets older? Any advice gratefully received!

He will def wake up as he gets older. All mine have been sleepy feeders at the start, now DS2 is 20 weeks, and even if he is tired and I want him to sleep I can't feed him to sleep. My DD was the most sleepy though, had to feed her in a nappy only and stroke toes/jaw and change nappy halfway through. Alternatively just put him down on a blanket on the floor and he'll soon wake up!

Have you had help from an expert? Has anyone ruled out tongue tie? Is there a support group near you that you could get along to?

The National breastfeeding helpline is on 0300 100 0212 and open until 9.30 every day.

Thanks - we have seen our local breast feeding midwife a couple of times. I think the trip to the hospital and being in a strange place must have kept him awake because he did a textbook feed. He even spat the nipple out at the end, which he never does at home.

I'm reasonably happy with things at the moment - definitely better than a week ago, when I was beginning to think bf wasn't going to work for us. I'm just hoping that he'll get a bit less dozy during feeds.

As far as the mastitis goes, I've got 3 more days of a 10 day course of antibiotics to go. I have my fingers crossed that I don't get it again, but if I do then I may have to reconsider bf. The GP has given me a spare course of antibiotics if it does come back, but it makes me really pretty ropy for 24 hours before they kick in.

Mastitis is miserable :( But it sounds like things are improving which is great. You're still in the earlish stages but getting to the point where things will come together in the next couple of weeks - it will get better.

Have you tried stripping him down to his nappy for feeds? I had to do this with mine until he was about 8 weeks and it woke him a bit - enough anyway. He's fine now.

You're doing brilliantly!

Yes he will be more alert, get better at feeding and you will continue to learn the best ways/tricks to position him and get him latched on. This will be a gradual learning curve over the coming weeks. (Well this is my experience anyway).

Was he an early baby? They are sometimes known for being sleepy heads.