3 week old constantly feeding

[Suzie1601]

Ds is 3 weeks old, first couple of weeks feeding went great but now he just wants to feed all the time! He's feeding for less than 10 mins and falling asleep only to wake short time later wanting to feed again. Am I just constantly topping him up instead of giving proper feed? If so how do I change this?

He is programmed to do this to increase your supply, so although it's hugely annoying it does have a biological function.

Have you been shown tricks to keep him awake? eg tickling his feet, keeping him slightly cool, blowing in his face, wiggling his ears, prodding him in the face, etc.

If you're worried about his getting too much foremilk, try him on the same side for the next feed.

Good luck, and congratulations on your newborn

That sounds pretty normal to be honest - 10 minutes on one side, little sleep, 10 minutes on the other side. He's still a newborn.

I wouldn't wiggle a baby's ears or prod them in the face to keep them awake!

3 weeks old is a really common age for them to have a growth spurt, it's hard work for about 24 hours while they feed little and often to increase your supply then they settle. Stick with it! make sure you eat and drink plenty. My lo is 3 weeks today and doing the same thing if it's any consolation. I'm not dressed yet

Oh and I do tickle toes/wiggle ears/ blow gently on them if they're sleeping on the job! My eldest is 5 now and his ears are fine!!

Can you bf in bed to get some rest or if you have other children keep things simple and easy as much as possible.

Thanks for all your advice. Will keep at it. First few weeks were great, he fed every 3 hours which was fine but it's now every hour! Have been gently rubbing feet to try and keep him awake....maybe it's my lovely foot massage sending him to sleep haha