Newborn CONSTANT feeding - reassurance needed!

[Featherbag]

As the title suggests really! Had DS2 via CS 2 and a half days ago, all went well and he latched on immediately in recovery. Getting plenty of wet and dirty nappies and I've seen milk in his mouth so I'm not concerned about supply, although my milk hasn't come in properly yet. He's been feeding every 2 hours or so, and seemed content in between, but for the last 5 hours or so he literally wants to be fed constantly - I've been swopping him from one to the other each time he comes off (every 8-20 minutes), and he seems to nod off but within minutes he's sucking fingers/blanket or crying and rooting! DS1 was prem and tube-fed until he was 3wo so this is my first experience of having a newborn, please tell me this is normal!

Perfectly normal, once DD got going she barely stopped for the first 4 weeks! I just got comfy, made DH bring me food and drink regularly, and perfected the art of eating one-handed.

Yes it does sound normal, ds2 did that for the first few days until the milk came in as it's the way they activate the supply. If you're 2.5 days in then hopefully your milk will come in today. Just try and grab some rest whenever you can as it is knackering.

I'm no expert but up feeding ds2 (18mo - he really shouldn't need it) and didn't want you to go unanswered. Good luck!

Thanks to both of you, it always helps to hear others have had the same experience x

Completely normal.

Make sure all you are doing is feeding, eating and drinking. Your milk should be in properly in the next day or so and I noticed a difference straight away with dd.

You must take care of yourself too. Take your painkillers, make sure you arw on sofa or in bed and take it very, very easy.

Still weljel of your snuggles!

It does sound normal. How are your nipples feeling? It's important to be super-careful about the latch now, as constant feeding with even a slightly off latch, will make your nipples very sore.

From your title I thought, 'I wonder if she's about 3 days in?' so yes- at 2.5-3 days this is completely normal! They suddenly start feeding constantly which helps to bring your milk in. I wish someone had warned me!
Congratulations on your new baby!

Yes this is completely normal and it may well get more intensive before it starts to ease off. As someone up thread has said, this is how your baby stimulates your milk supply. You can expect short periods (days rather than hours) of increased nursing activity as baby goes through the early growth spurts as well. It's easy to lose confidence but don't! Keep on posting and we'll cheer you on through it!

Yes, completely normal. Be prepared for another feeding frenzy in a couple of weeks time.
The only thing I'd question is whether you're swapping boobs too soon. If it's just been 8 or 15mins, I'd put him back on the same boob to make sure he's getting all if the hind milk.

Just got a whole hour of sleep! Nipples are ok, a bit sore but I'm using breast pads with Lansinoh on which are helping. I am finding it sore, especially just after latching, but it isn't unbearable and my nipples aren't cracked, blistered or bleeding. I'm waiting to find out if he has a TT, as DS1 did. Was told by the doctor who did his newborn screening that he has a high palate, I understand that can make things more painful.

Definitely.

It's hard. But find something good to watch. Any series you've been meaning to check out? Now's the time!

Congratulations and hope all goes well with TT!

Very normal. However, be aware that it can take a little longer than 2-3 days for your milk to come in after a c section. It took 5 days for me and that's perfectly normal.

Thanks for the reassurance everyone, I'm obviously doing something right as DS has just been weighed at the post-natal clinic and has only dropped 6% of his birth weight, well within normal! And... (drum roll) I just bf in public for the first time! Not just in public, but in a packed 'family' pub where we stopped for Sunday lunch on the way back from the hospital! No big deal I know, but I've never done it before and I'm very proud of myself :)

Way to go OP!

It's very liberating isn't it?

Glad your son is doing well too!

Well done!

Why did you have to bring the baby to a clinic on a Sunday especially after having c/s?

Keep up the good work!

It's 'the rules' that ebf babies have to be weighed at 3do so they can keep a close eye on those that are losing too much weight. I had the choice of staying another night or going home and returning to have him weighed, as they don't do home visits on a Sunday.