Breastfeeding day 4 milk there but baby not settled, Help

[buterflies]

My baby is breast feeding for well over an hour at a time, latest feed two hours, (he falls asleep for a moment comes off the breast but then goes straight back on when moved.)

I am understandably tired and even though he is my second baby I cant remember if this is normal? I feel like I am running on empty. I know it gets easier but am really very tired.

Any help / advice is welcome

Normal for some babies, in my experience. My first was just like that for days 3-4-5 - there were 12 hour periods where she wasn't off the boob for more than 10 minutes at a time. My second not like that at all.

No real advice except it will pass, and please don't worry that it's because it's not 'working' properly - it is, your baby is just trying to get your supply up, I think.

Hello

I am currently feeding dc2, who has been completely different to dc1 in every possible way. He feeds more frequently than dd used too, refuses to go to sleep by himself, and after 6 months still wakes 3-4 times a night.

Every baby is different. And no sleep is a fucking killer.

Congratulations on your new baby. Yes, my DD2 (now 6 wks) fed for 1 or 2 hrs at that stage, getting the supply up. So yes, normal. Worth getting a mw (if you have a good one) or bf counsellor to check the latch to be sure it is as efficient as possible and won't shred your nipples (eg baby is opening mouth wide not just sucking nipple etc). But basically, I was told 'unrestricted access to the breast' is the way to go in the early days, and some babies make the most of it!
You remember of course that day 4 is the day mothers go bonkers from hormones?! And that passes too!

Ooooh day 4 is a toughie. Yes, normal for a lot of babies. My first 2 were just like this. In fact my 2nd born was born, latched on, and didn't seem to unlatch for the best part of a year.

Completely normal I'm afraid. It is just your baby telling your boobs what they want to eat and when. Glass of water, cushions, sofa & full uninterrupted use of remote control. Get comfy, you may spend the majority of the next 6 weeks there however I absolutely promise you it's worth it!

Normal, just grit your teeth and keep going for ten more days and it will all be fine. He's still learning to suckle and he's shattered from all the growing he's doing. It's hard work being four days old.

Yes, perfectly normal, yes, it will pass, and I agree, work with a lactation advisor to perfect the latch.

I was going a bit mad with the hours spent nursing, not so much the sitting, but the clawing and frustration from his side, and the unbelievably painful latch or let down or something. I was ready to throw in the towel, but went on a big google mission to see if there was anything to help me, and got the advice that turned it around for me. Now he can feed so efficiently he can be done in 5 minutes! Your baby will get stronger, and get more skilled, and so will you.

Thanks everyone. He seems a lot more settled today. Think he wants more at night but not a problem as I can sleep during day. He latches on really well and my milk has well and truely arrived. Will let u know how we go x

It does sound like pretty normal newborn behaviour ... BUT at this stage you do also need to make sure that he is latched on effectively and transferring milk - you don't want any nasty surprises at his 10-day weigh in.

So what you need to look for is:

Effective latch - he should have a big mouthful of breast and be doing slow deep sucks, at least some of the time. Can you hear him swallowing? Good videos at the bottom of this article showing what to look for

Pooing - at this stage he should be doing several poos a day, changing to a lighter greeny-yellow colour. Helpful leaflet here

Good luck - I remember how nerve-racking these first few days are ...

sorry butterflies, x-posted - that's great to hear.

Doing better now, am expressing to increase milk supply, (storing expressed milk for when he is a little older) seems to be settling into a routine now.

Nice one! Keep posting if you need more support.

Yay had a fantastic day with him. Day 7 today and he is now feeding around 15 mins on each side, followed by sleep or staying awake looking around for a while then sleep. He is such a chilled out baby, cant believe my luck at the mo. My first DS was a nightmare, lactose intolerant and severe reflux on top!

Hope anyone who reads this who may be struggling with breast feeding can take heart and know it does get easier. Until the next growth spurt anyway lol x

So glad to hear. I was just saying to my partner how glad I am I stuck at it, and now look forward to feeds!

All I can say is wow. Day 9 now and he is feeding for only around 15 mins then he sleeps for a good 2 and a half hours. I feel so lucky to have such a chilled out lil boy