Getting to sleep after a feed

[monstergoose]

I'm not sure if i'm posting in the right place here but anyway... My dd is 3 wks old and we're ebf, at night she can vary between sleeping for 3-4 hrs at a time and going down well, to cluster feeding til 1-2am before finally sleeping. Is this variation normal? How can I get her to sleep better or is that not going to happen yet?! I don't think we're soon anything different between the nights. Also after a feed should I put her down whilst she's awake or rock her to sleep, I've been rocking her to sleep then putting her down but I'm really struggling to stay awake and it can take a good half hour for her to fall asleep and even then she will sometimes wake up a few minutes after going in her crib
Thanks in advance

Hi, yep variation sounds perfectly normal to me. But don't fear they gradually get into a 'routune' of sorts (until a growth spurt!). You will find in a few weeks or so that she feeds at similar times give or take an hour.

With regards to sleeping. If she will get herself to sleep when putting her down awake without crying LUCKY you! Then as long as she is not destressed go for it. I am not so lucky and have to rock my DS to sleep. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' and you will get lots of different views on what to do. Unfortunately it is a case of finding out what works best for you and baby.

If you are falling asleep the best thing to do is find out about SAFER ways to co sleep. As falling asleep just holding is more risky. those night feeds are a bastard, but don't last forever.

Oh also sounds perfectly normal infuriating for baby to wake up again. Unfortunately it is a case of resettling but if she dies not need food get DP to do this, do not be fooled to believe that you have to do it. I find my DS dometomes goes down better with my DH. No boob you see!

Good luck, it's early days and does get easier.

Bloody typos, baby in arms.

Totally agree with Hellobear. A routine will gradually emerge. If you want more structure you could try The Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg.