Breastfeeding 2.5 wk old every half hour? Is there a problem?

Erin - posted on 05/08/2012

I didnt mean to upset you. My son's pediatrician said that between 1-3 hours is normal.
For me, when he was eating more frequently it was because there was a problem

Celeste - posted on 05/07/2012

Yup, it IS normal to nurse that frequently. The best way to know if she's producing enough is by diaper count NOT how often baby is nursing. As long as baby is getting at last 6-8 diapers, no matter content, she's making plenty. You can never nurse too often but you CAN nurse too little.

Here is a link about what's normal (and it includes information on how to tackle the excessive sleepiness:
http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/newborn-nu...

Karen - posted on 05/07/2012

Erin, it IS normal during a growth spurt! My son would eat every 30-45 minutes when he was going through a growth spurt, they are also called cluster feedings.

Erin - posted on 05/07/2012

It is possible that it is a problem with milk supply. However, if he is falling asleep before he is done than that is a big problem. Try to talk loud instead of sing-songy voice and keep lights on. Also, to try and keep him awake tickle his feet and back. Also, check the latch. It is not normal to eat every 30 minutes. every 1-3 hours is normal for a newborn.

Natalie - posted on 05/05/2012

Feeding on demand is the best way to make more milk. All my newborns nursed almost constantly and I feel that is what made my milk so steady. Trust that he knows what he needs. If he wants to eat, let him. It will pass, he will outgrow that need to nurse constantly. Learning to nurse while laying down can help mom get some rest. Also, night-time nursing can relieve some of the need during the day and can be done while mom is sleeping. I am proud of your daughter. Breastfeeding is the best thing a mom can do for her baby! Hang in there.

Karen - posted on 05/04/2012

Is he eating from just one breast or both in one feeding? Waking the baby up when he starts to drift off on one breast and switching him to the next after a good burp may help fill him up more. Also I pumped like a mad woman! My son ate from one and I pumped the other, then the next feeding I would put him on the pumped one and pump the other. This brought in a Very strong milk supply, so you know for a fact that he is getting enough milk. Milk can be frozen and stored up to 6 months in a fridge freezer or 12 months in a deep freezer! This feeding pattern, has it been since he was born or just recently? It could be a growth spurt. The first one hits around 3 weeks of age, which makes the baby eat CONSTANTLY. After a few days to a week it will go back to every 2 or 3 hours. Good Luck! Stick with it!

Lori - posted on 05/04/2012

Keep nursing him, but try some of the tips mentioned in the web link to see if it will keep him awake longer.

Sylvia - posted on 05/04/2012

That's what I am thinking. He wakes up very cranky and wants to feed right away and he does drift off 10 to 20minutes into it.

Lori - posted on 05/04/2012

It's possible he's falling asleep before he's done eating. How long is he latched on for before falling asleep? Can you hear gulping and swallowing? Has the baby been weighed again since birth?

If he's falling asleep within a few minutes rather than after 10 to 20 minutes you could try stripping him just to his diaper to keep him a bit cooler which might keep him more awake. Tickle his feet while he eats, or use a wet washcloth on his feet.

And check out these other suggestions from Kelly Mom

http://kellymom.com/ages/newborn/newborn...