8 day old feeding all the time and not sleeping

[fibrecruncher]

I have a lovely 8 day old boy and for the past couple of days all he has done is feed - I have hardly got any sleep at all. He falls asleep at the breast and as soon as i put him down in his crib he wakes up crying and asking for the breast i.e. sucking, hands in mouth etc and only stops crying when I put him back on the breast. What can I do -
i'm knackered and worried I will fall asleep while we're feeding.

Congrats! In my experience sounds totally normal. They just want to be near you all the time. With DD I co slept and fed lying down for much of the day - wasn't planning it that way but it was the only way we could both rest. Kellymom has a good overview of co sleeping safely
kellymom.com/parenting/nighttime/familybed/

You might also consider a stretchy wrap sling to wear him in the day - he will quite possibly sleep there.

I second rootypigs words. My 3 week old is similar at the moment; writing this on phone, in bed, with him glugging like he is half starved (he isn't...packing on weight despite reflux, and my supply is hilariously high...) Him sleeping next to me in bed is the only way I get sleep!

Thanks for your replies, I will try feeding in bed at a later date. Unfortunately my natural birth didn't go as planned and ended up having an emergency c-section. As he was so far down, when they took him out the incision tore down through the womb towards my kidneys. Can't lie in my side just yet. Its reassuring to hear this is probably normal though. :)

Oh you poor thing. I hope healing happens quickly. Had an emcs without complication and that was tough enough.

EMCS here too albeit a brilliant one. Just wanted to say it does get better.. DS2 is 8 weeks now and I am greedy...wanting more than 2 hours a time which of course you'd grab with both hands!! I remember feeling it was impossible to go on (very dramatic) but it does get better. And if that doesn't help in the least then in practical terms I second the sling and safe co sleeping. I still can't feed on my side but that's down to technique. Big breastfeeding pillow around me helped. Being in pain didn't.

Congratulations on your new baby. He's doing the right thing clever boy, and it will feel so much more manageable soon in my experience.

thanks sunflower and briemonster, a little bit of empathy goes a long was to keeping you sane. He just slept in the crib for 3 hours, yay!! He must just be having a growth spurt.

You must be in agony, hope you start to heal soon and quickly.
It is totally normal for them to feed a lot this young and as you say plenty of reasons including growth spurts. They also are very wise in knowing if they are feeding you are right there next to them which is how they feel happiest and safest. It will improve, but take it as a compliment that you are much loved and needed.

Glad you've had some respite!

Can you use a sling? Sometimes if my DS2 has been feeding constantly and not settling, I try popping him in the sling. Often he settles immediately and will sleep for a couple of hours. Doesn't help me catch up on sleep but gives me a break from feeding & lets me get other stuff done.

My 3day old is feeding all the time!!!! Will I ever sleep??

Hope it gets better.