2 wk old constantky bf - is this normal?

[barbamama]

My 2 weeks old wants to constantly be on the boob during the day and evening but then goes from about 10.30 to 5/6 am. This is fine by me as I can get some sleep and ds1 was a real struggle to bf at this stage so it is nice to see such enthusiasm. He wasn't small, 7lb 13 and was up to 8lb 4 last week so I am assuming everything is ok (despite being tongue tied) - just wondered though whether he is getting enough or whether the milk is nutritious enough as he really is constantly hungry durimg the day. could there be anything else going on?

my son did this and he was fine.

Newborn's have such tiny tummies so they need to feed little and often. Mine fed 2 hourly for months. Sounds like he stocks up too for a longer sleep later.

I'm no expert ( tik tok and mears are very good on here)but I'd say a 2 week old feeding all the time is VERY normal.

And lucky you getting some sleep!!

From my own experience, they do settle into a bit more of a pattern ( with gaps between bf) by about 6 weeks.

Congratulations BTW.

are his poos mostly yellow and regular?

as long as they are, it sounds like he's doing fine, better he feeds constantly during the day then constantly at night!

thanks everyone - it is nice to be so wanted! I guess I just cant believe it is going so well this time

Sounds like he's doing really well (and at the sleep). Also a good reason for you to put your feet up and relax

well done btw!

thanks - and welldone too to all of you in the same situation (esp twins - how is the feeding going?). you're right, the sleep is good while it lasts - I seem to remember they get a bit more lively soon! and i cant do any housework of course so i should enjoy it. i am the kind of person that finds it hard to sit still but i think he is telling me to chill out and relax. dp is cooking dinner as we speak mind you i am getting quite good at one-handed mumsnet!

Normal - and breastmilk is always 'nutritious enough' under virtually all circumstances.

Of course he is gonna be constantly hungry in the day - it would be worrying if he wasn't, as he sleeps so unusually well at night, he needs to feed a lot in the day to make sure of getting what he needs

Barbamama

Newborns often don't feel 'right' and their instinctive response to not feeling 'right' is to suckle - it's a panacea. It also builds up your milk supply and makes sure they get plenty of milk. The important thing to make sure is that he is latching on well and getting the milk as babies who don't latch on well enough sometimes feed more frequently too. HOwever the sleeping is a good sign. And at this stage you should expect 1-2 big yellow runny poos a day and 7+ wet nappies. If all that's going on, that suggests he's doing fine and that your milk is doing wonders. Some mums try getting a sling or carrier they can feed in during this stage so they can do other things like play with older children/wash up etc.

hmmm I'd say we are only getting 1 or 2 yellow poos a day and 4 or 5 wet - I wonder if the tongue tie is causing latching on problems. Like you say though he is sleeping well and seems pretty content. I have an appt with a mw next Thurs for the tongue tie who is also a "lactation consultant" which I assume is like a bf cousellor so maybe i will get her to check. My nipples are certainly more tender than last time as they are getting used so much more but certainly not cracked or bleeding or anything. At this stage should I still need to guide him into a good latch (if so how - I generally just wait until his mouth is wide open then bring him quickly towards the nipple) or can I let him do it himself?

sorry just noticed you did say 1-2 which we are getting - guess I should just stop wondering about it and get on with it! Is there any danger of cutting the tongue tie interfering with bf at this stage does anyone know? Everyone seems to think it is best to do it as soon as possible?

www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/bla.html This might be helpful in these early days, but the tongue tie could certainly be holding things back a bit and the Lactation Consultant should be able to help you with that. You could chat to her about latching as well and see if she has any suggestions. Tender nipples usually means not-quite-right latch or can mean tongue-tie. Don't touch the back of his head (that makes it harder for him to open his mouth wide and stick his tongue out).

He's only 2 weeks - I think tongue-tie snipping (if the TT is causing problems - it doesn't always) can be helpful up to a good few weeks old.