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Original poster

Why is my baby feeding with eyes closed?

18 replies

lamppost123 · 17/12/2023 02:28

Midwives bang on about paced feeding, looking into the eyes of your darling little one, talking to him, being present..... but my little one who is 3 weeks old had just had his bottle with his eyes closed. He did that the past few nights as well. He's had a burp and has a dummy, now reading a black & white baby book.

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Original poster
lamppost123 · 17/12/2023 02:31

He could be asleep.... which would be amazing...

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PeopleAreWeird · 17/12/2023 02:34

Its called a ‘Dream feed’

Very common

Anotherdayanotherdollar · 17/12/2023 02:45

Never heard a midwife "bang on" about paced feeding tbh. Sounds like your baby is having a dream feed

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ChristmasSteps295 · 17/12/2023 02:50

Sounds normal to me. They aren't really all that conscious of their surroundings as newborns.

Ladyj84 · 17/12/2023 02:55

Never once heard of that lol 3 pregnancies 4 babies erm babies sleep a lot when little just like baby animals how weird

Original poster
lamppost123 · 17/12/2023 02:59

Anotherdayanotherdollar · 17/12/2023 02:45

Never heard a midwife "bang on" about paced feeding tbh. Sounds like your baby is having a dream feed

You haven't? Weird

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Original poster
lamppost123 · 17/12/2023 03:00

PeopleAreWeird · 17/12/2023 02:34

Its called a ‘Dream feed’

Very common

Thank you. It's all new to me!

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momonpurpose · 17/12/2023 03:06

Anotherdayanotherdollar · 17/12/2023 02:45

Never heard a midwife "bang on" about paced feeding tbh. Sounds like your baby is having a dream feed

Me either. It's more common then not for a newborn to dream feed. Don't let the midwife or books make you feel as if you are not doing enough or doing it right. Just by making this post it shows how much you want to do a good job. You are doing great.

WandaWonder · 17/12/2023 03:06

Never heard of what you are saying, never woke a baby to feed and pretty sure my baby had their eyes closed when feeding

No idea why it matters what their eyes do as long as they are feeding

Original poster
lamppost123 · 17/12/2023 03:34

I'm just concerned as he's not been awake much lately. He seems fine, he does wake up but maybe not the times I care for him/im asleep.

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Original poster
lamppost123 · 17/12/2023 03:35

So yes I'm just being anxious.

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unlikelychump · 17/12/2023 04:30

I hope he enjoyed the book.
Congrats on your baby.

Original poster
lamppost123 · 17/12/2023 04:44

unlikelychump · 17/12/2023 04:30

I hope he enjoyed the book.
Congrats on your baby.

Loves the black and white book!

OP posts:
CrispsandCheeseSandwich · 17/12/2023 05:43

At three weeks I think my DDs had their eyes closed almost every time they fed. As they get a bit older they get more alert and will be looking round a bit more.

headcheffer · 17/12/2023 05:51

It's normal for newborns to have their eyes closed when feeding. They also sleep A LOT. Congrats on your new baby OP!

Olika · 17/12/2023 06:26

Don't worry about it. Your DS is only 3 weeks and there will be tons of time to have his open eyes looking at you. Just enjoy this time as it will be short. And congratulations!

PurBal · 17/12/2023 06:31

All midwives will have their thing. They’re all different. I breastfed both of mine and never heard about paced feeding from the midwives (although I did research it). My midwife recommended feeding from an open cup rather than a bottle when I topped up with expressed milk. You do you.

Your baby is probably sleeping. They all different too.

UnravellingTheWorld · 17/12/2023 19:15

Sounds like you've been given some textbook advice. If your baby is taking milk, I'd call that a win. Don't stress about the other stuff - plenty of time for staring into their eyes when they're actually awake!

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