SLOW BREASTFEEDER I N NEWBORN

[FINTONFOOD]

MY WEEK OLD DAUGHTER ONLY WAKES EVERY 3/4 HRS FEEDS 5 MINS AND GOES TO SLEEP,I,VE TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET HER TO WAKE UP NOTHING WORKSAND SHES LOST 8OZ THIS WEEK

babies lose weight in their first week or 2 then go to put it on the following week

will she dream feed? how about picking her up every 2 hours and putting her to the breast

do you burp her after first 5 minutes, you could also change her nappy to wake her up a little more

I wouldn't worry unduly at this stage

(oh and please don't type in caps, round here its considered shouting)

Finton - it is normal for breastfed babies of this age to lose up to 10% of their birthweight and also to be very sleepy. If you are concerned I would speak to your health visitor, but your baby is very young still and I'm sure will become more wakeful and feed more as she gets older.
I am assuming that as you know she has lost 8oz, you have seen your midwife or health visitor - if they are not worried then you shouldn't be either, but please speak to them if you have concerns and hopefully they should be able to reassure you.

Week old babies are like that - it will get better with time. My midwives used to get me to tickle dd's feet, or flap her arm up and down like a chicken to try and keep her awake; it didn't work though! Eventually she will stay awake during feeds and will feed for longer.

And Twiglett's right - newborns do lose weight in their first couple of weeks; she'll gain it again over the next few.

It is normal to lose some of their initial body weight in the early days and regain it between 10 days and 3 weeks. To wake her up to fed more frequently (perhaps 2 hourly to begin with) try changing her nappy, blowing gently on her cheek and neck, and tickling behind her ears. She doesn't need to be fully awake to feed and the more she just suckles the greater your supply will be so that when she does feed she'll gradually take more faster and become mroe alert.

Have you consulted a breastfeeding counsellor (rather than just your community midwife) as it may help your confidence if you and your baby could be observed during a feed and have positioning checked.

Good luck

what weight was she when she was born. my dd went 3 days eating practically nothing i gave up breastfeeding as she wouldnt even latch on (btw im NOT sugesting you do this as she was same with bottle) she just had no interest in food now she cant get enough (wish id persavired with breast but know for the next one )

also have you tried giveing her a bath then feeding straight after when she will be more awake

totally forgot

I used to stroke my babies cheeks as it starts the sucking reflex again

My dd was like this for the first week or so. I nly let her go a maximum of 3 hours between feeds and yes it was a real struggle to keep her awake, but I used to tickle her under her chin, gently squeeze her arms and legs, stroke her cheeks, blow gently on her face and also occasionaly gently wipe her face with cotton wool wet with cool water (on the advice of my HV). It used to take ages to feed her, I was breastfeeding, so couldn't tell how much she was taking, but used to persevere for at least 20 to 30 mins each time. Was worth it though as once she woke up a bit more, she became a champion feeder!

Good luck!