Newborn feeding question for anyone up

[GlennRheeismyfavourite]

Hi all, looking for words of wisdom!
My newborn is just 2 days old so everything's very uncertain at the moment! Up until 2am this morning she would feed for 10-25 mins then stop. Since 2 she has sucked constantly - anytime I try and stop she fusses, sucking madly at her hands or my shoulder then starts crying. I've put her back on the boob again. I don't think she can be eating as I don't think there's anything left in there! Is she just sucking for comfort? Is this supposed to happen to make my milk come in? If she's drinking I'm happy for her to carry on but if it's just for comfort I'd rather stop as my nipples are getting pretty sore. I think the latch is fine (but it is hard to tell in the semi dark!). Is this normal?

[lauramcd86]

Anything goes those first few days! They're trying desperately to get the milk in but the colostrum they're getting in the beginning is so necessary and important. The pain will go in a few days/weeks (if it's really unbearable-nipple shields 👌🏻) xxx hang in there (currently awake feeding my 12 week old who is insatiable!) those first few nights are rough but even more so for your little one. It may be for comfort too-everything in the world is so brand new for them. And they're used to being fed on tap (if you remember that it makes the cluster feeds that bit easier) xxx you're doing great

[ScarletBegonia1234]

Sounds normal to me! My second baby is 5 weeks old... we had the constant feeding night 2 and 3 (10-4am non stop on night 3) then it calmed down once my milk cane in. Your doing brilliantly... the sucking stimulates hormones for milk production so isn't just for comfort. It won't be like this for long though so stick with it. And use plenty of lansinoh!

[GlennRheeismyfavourite]

Thank you so so much for answering!! It's pretty lonely at 4am when things are all so new. You've made me feel so much better! My dh sleeps like a log (he'll wake up straight away if I want him) I figure it's sensible that one of us sleeps!

[lauramcd86]

You make sure you sleep during the day when daddy has baby!!! Sleep deprivation is no joke!! Same goes for hormones. It's all normal. So so tough and nothing can prepare you. But so worth it when baby smiles and coos at you :) there's multi mum compresses you can get? For nipple pain. Promise you will be pain free before you know it. The start is a hard slog. Take ALL the help. Feeding is really really tough. But gets easier with time. Middle of the night feeds are lovely. Listen to podcasts? If that's an option? (Online shop :) treat yourself!!) xxx hope you get some sleep soon

[lauramcd86]

thediaryofarealhousewife.com/surviving-first-weeks-of-breastfeeding/
Just came across this! Hope it helps :) maybe join any local breast feeding support groups in your area (on Facebook if you're on it? Until you feel upto going in person with baby. They're a great source of support (and good to meet mammies in a similar situation).

[FlipperSkipper]

Night 3 was horrific for me, my baby just would not leave me alone, as you describe. I've since found out its normal, and helps bring your milk in. Rest as much as you can, and make sure you eat and stay hydrated.

[Jenijena]

This time of the day is the loneliest for the all night, will they ever stop, breastfeeding marathons, but they do stop (promise!)

[Cupcakegirl13]

All totally normal OP and it will feel
Soooo much better when your milk comes in but right now that's not much use i know. I found my kindle or a good box set helped with the loneliness and helped pass the time in the early days. Although it doesn't seem like it this to shall pass .

[GlennRheeismyfavourite]

I don't know how people coped in the days before mobile phones to look at the internet and message people in the night!!! She's snoozing really soundly on my shoulder now (I dare not move!) I'm so happy it's 5.45 and my day can start soon (I'm a really early riser normally) and the nights over until tomorrow. I love the idea of podcasts/audio books. I'm going to get my husband to sort it today so I know tomorrow I can just plug in and lie back with my eyes closed and feed (hopefully!) getting into comfy positions (for me not her) is still taking practice! Thank you wonderful MN!

[lauramcd86]

mama.ie/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-from-the-start/
Another link you might get something out of @GlennRheeismyfavourite

[teaandbiscuitsforme]

Glenn Has anybody shown you how to feed lying down? If not, might be worth a google because it's so much easier to cope if you can lie down relaxing whilst feeding overnight (and during the day to catch up on sleep!!). It doesn't have to mean co-sleeping (although I'm all for that!) but it just gives you a chance to rest a bit.