My son is feeding every 2 hours, is anyone else and are you coping?

Beth - posted on 12/21/2009

My baby is 6 months and she eats about every 1.5 to 2 hours. It is hard but hang in there. They are growing so fast. I think the infant eating schedule is a reminder for us as parents as they grow up that they still need to eat often. My two year old still has to eat every two hours or he get's cranky. Luckily he's not breastfed anymore! ;)

Nicole - posted on 12/21/2009

my fourteen month old still nurses that often. at five days, he is still mastering a good latch- it will get waaaay better soon. As for sleep, co-sleeping is what saves my sanity. I know it is an american faut pas but they eat, you sleep- both of you benefit immesureably.

Natalie - posted on 12/20/2009

Hello! my son is now 8 weeks old and eats every 1 1/2-2 hrs (nursing of course). Its very hard and can wear me down some. Your not alone. And I share your pain at nite. Remember how good it is for my baby and how much he gains from it, keeps me going and motivated. Dont give up!

Nadine - posted on 12/20/2009

Hi Christine! I am sorry you are having a hard time, but don't give up! It will get better and he will give you more time in between feedings eventually. I went through the exact same thing, I even fell asleep while talking to my husband, STANDING in the kitchen one morning, that's how tired I was. 2 hours in between is not all that bad, try to get as much rest as you can. I actually ended up having my son with me in bed at night we both would just fall asleep together while he was nursing.
Watch your nipples though. If you are feeling something is really wrong, see a lactation specialist for some advice. I can tell you though that I had very sore nipples in the beginning too and I was ready to give up on breastfeeding after three weeks and then it just got so much better. Now my son is 14 months old and I am still nursing him a couple times a day because we both really enjoy it.
Don't give up, you are doing the best thing a mom can do for her baby!!!:-)

Marsha - posted on 12/20/2009

I had to deal with that too when my boy was born. He is now 9wks & during the day he insists on eatting every hour but he does sleep through the night now. In the beginning I did supplement formula so I could sleep. I only had to do that for the first week

Candice - posted on 12/20/2009

I can totally relate the first couple weeks is hard my son would bf every 2 hours and sometimesevery 20- 30 min. Just keep at it your doing a great thing and it will get better.

LaLasha - posted on 12/19/2009

I know it is hard and I feel for you my first was just like this. Be sure he has a good latch his nose should be right up against the breast and try to keep him awake to eat more I stripped my kids naked. Other then that sleep when he sleeps. I know it is hard and you wan to get back in to the swing of things but easy does it

Kristi - posted on 12/19/2009

I'm so sorry you are going through this... I know exactly where you are, I've been there, just breathe deep. This shall pass. Out of curiosity, do you have baby set up so that you can just pull him to you when he needs you? The only thing that ended up working for me was safe cosleeping. I attached his bed to mine with one rail off, and when he would wake up looking for milk, I could pull him to me, and let him nurse. It actually got to where he would only wake me when my sleep cycle was at its lightest, we synched our sleep cycles, and within the month, he was sleeping about 4 hours between feedings, NICE!! It's tough, but if you can stick it out, YOU ARE DOING THE BEST THING FOR THAT LITTLE MAN!! Another idea, if you can pump some during the day, and have about 3 or 4 oz in a bottle ready for hubby to give him, even just once in the night instead of you doing all the work, you'd be amazed at what an extra two hours of sleep will do for you!

Good luck! I wish you the best!

Kris - posted on 12/19/2009

part o fit is probably that he's working on helping your milk come in. i know it seems overwhelming at this stage, but it will get better! do you have other kiddos at home or is this your first? can you grab naps during the day while he does? the soreness will ease up too. if it doesn't start to soon, see about contacting the lactation specialist at the hospital for some pointers. it may be that he hasn't mastered the latch yet. i found that putting ds's belly up against mine put him in the right position to help him latch right, but it took the nurse reminding me about it for me to remember. this is the time to focus on you and baby...don't worry about the house or anything else. rest when you can :)

Cynthia - posted on 12/19/2009

awww i agree with the first two posters. my daughter wanted to eat every 30min to 1.5hrs and she would nurse for 40mins to 1hr it was exhausting for my nipples but i used lanolin i think its called and chaptsick (i know u might think im crazy) but it worked like a charm for me. fortunately for me my daughter since birth only woke up twice at night so im pretty lucky even though its still tiring i dont know why. but you'll be fine give it a little more don't give up. and try a different position i find da football position the best.

Tamie - posted on 12/19/2009

there is nothing worse than no sleep i have a four month old baby i also have 3 other children too. my baby now feeds every 3 hours day and night, when he was newborn he fed whenever he felt like it. it does get easier and you learn to carry on without sleep just keep telling yourself breast is best good luck xx

Helen - posted on 12/18/2009

He will start to strech it out more at night. Just remember that feeding him whenever he asks for it is what makes your bond with your baby strong. Some babies like to eat more while they are sleeping too. Hang in there. It's much better than having to buy and deal with formula! You'd be doing the same thing but it would be harder.

Azizi - posted on 12/18/2009

completely normal in the beginning. They have such small stomachs and they also sleep a lot. So usually they are falling asleep on the boob. Also make sure he is latched properly because they have to work harder if they are not latched properly and therefore have to feed often. Its normal for your boobs to be really sore in the beginning they should clear up and the skin will toughen in about 2 weeks. Hang in there and try to enjoy it. You are creating a beautiful bond with him. My daughter wanted to feed almost every 2 hours for the first few weeks but as her stomach got bigger and stronger she was able to go every 3 - 4 hours during the day and 5-7 hours at night by 2 months and by 2 and a half she goes from 10pm - 7am without eating as she is asleep during this time. But every baby is different. Just let him feed on demand for now. Way to early to restrict food and its completely normal for him to want to eat often. Try going to a breastfeeding class they really helped me relax.

Lisa - posted on 12/18/2009

ooh I remember the days of being a first time mom! my son would wake every two hours to nurse and it took several weeks for me to get used to waking up every two hours too. I recall passing out during the day whenever he fell asleep. but after i got used to the new sleep cycle I was able to function, and now--gosh, 9 years later, when ever my daughter wakes during the night it is so much easier for me. Also, nipples being tender is also common, but if they bleed then your baby needs help and so do you. My daughter nursed so much at first that my nipples bled, so I got some lanolin and a pacifier. she sucked the heck out of that thing for about a week then settled down and we tossed it. I don't like pacifiers in a toddler but sometimes they are useful to teach a baby how a nipple should go into their mouth, and to give them something to suck on since they seem to need to suck non-stop and sometimes your poor boobs just need a break. good luck and I hope you get some rest!!

Lisa - posted on 12/18/2009

Quoting Donna:

Your little one is doing great for being only 5 days old. Unfortunately, this is normal and you have a while before it will change. But it will change.

I agree with the first poster. It sounds like you may have a touch of the baby blues. This happened to me with both my boys and the second time around turned into full blown post natal depression.

To help with getting more sleep.... sleep when baby sleeps! Forget about everything else for a while and just take care of yourself and the baby.When you put him down for a nap, just curl up with him and let him feed himself to sleep while you snooze. Of course research safe co-sleeping guidelines, and then get some sleep! You'll find that after a few weeks things will have changed and you'll have a better grasp on breastfeeding and your baby's rhythm. OR, if you are running out of clean underwear (and your SO hasn't done the laundry), invest in a baby carrier. Strap on bubs and do the laundry, or just go for a walk. You'll find that wearing baby will help him be more settled and he won't cry as much (he'll still eat just as often though, but with the right carrier, you can do that while walking).

Also, it would help your boobs to do a bit of conditioning. After a feed, express a little breastmilk and rub it into your nipples, then let it air dry. After that put a tiny amount of Lansinoh (lanolin) onto the nipples. Do that after every feed and you'll find it will help. If you are having actual pain with breastfeeding, you may have to examine your latch with a lactation consultant (such as La Leche League) or invest in a nipple shield for a short amount of time. I actually had a midwife/lacatation consultant advise me to go topless as much as possible to help condition my nipples after I had my second baby and ended up with cracked and bleeding nipples.

Hang in there! It does get better and you're doing a fantastic job.

Lansinoh is a great idea, I forgot to add that. What a wonderful reminder.

However "Conditioning" your breasts really isnt needed nor reccommeded...all it does is make you more tender and sore...please check with your lactation consultant before doing this.

Lisa - posted on 12/18/2009

most of the replies are bang on. Is there a breastfeeding support group near you? Check the hospital, WIC agency/Health Dept/ La Leche League. One of them is bound to have a new mom/breastfeeding mom schedule for support. Right now I would rest when the baby does. Bed sharing is good so long as you havent (Im not saying you woudl but) done any kind of drinking or pill taking. Over the counters prescribed or other types can affect how you sleep. If anything you take affects you it can affect you enough to not remember the baby is there. Make sure you know its safe for you to take and doesnt make you tired or dizzy. Also make sure its safe to pass thru breast milk. Thats just a caution... I dont mean to upset you.

The latch might need an adjustment too. Right about now yes your milk came in, but if the baby has a good latch it shouldnt be to painfull. Are your breasts tender, swollen, hard or red (lines, spots, or in general)? is there a filmy blotchy cover in the babys mouth? if there are issues with your breast or babys mouth (that could indicate an infection or thrush and needs a doctors care ) check the latch. A lactation consultant or peer to peer mom can show you the best way.

IF the latch is great and there are no other issues the baby could be tongue tied. Have a doctor or lactation consultant check the frenulums on the upper lip and under the tongue.

A breastfeed baby will eat every 1.5 to 2 hours on a good day until they start sleeping better. At 2 weeks 6 weeks 3 months 6 months etc they will have a growth spurt and eat alot more. at more frequent intervals. At times when you want to fill baby up make sure they get the after milk. The fore milk (let down) is like a drink...it eases their thirst. After that its thicker and fills them up better. Anytime of feeding after the initial 10 minutes or so is after milk. You will notice the baby stops gulp swallow gulp swallow fastly and settles into an gulp gulp gulp relaxed swallow...hes getting the richer milk.

You can help him get more by flat palming your breast lightly from the top and gently but firmly stroking down, raise hand and start from the top again as he nurses....

good luck

Liz - posted on 12/18/2009

I found the first 3 weeks to be tough, you've gone through so much giving birth and now you have a new little one to care for and lack of sleep does nothing to help! I shed tears in the first few weeks of both my sons lives, it can become so frustrating and overwhelming, but it gets better, hang in there! Try cat napping during the day, you'd be surprised what 20-30 minutes of rest can do for you. Enjoy your new little one, they grow so quickly!

Georgia - posted on 12/18/2009

Your little one is doing great for being only 5 days old. Unfortunately, this is normal and you have a while before it will change. But it will change.

I agree with the first poster. It sounds like you may have a touch of the baby blues. This happened to me with both my boys and the second time around turned into full blown post natal depression.

To help with getting more sleep.... sleep when baby sleeps! Forget about everything else for a while and just take care of yourself and the baby.When you put him down for a nap, just curl up with him and let him feed himself to sleep while you snooze. Of course research safe co-sleeping guidelines, and then get some sleep! You'll find that after a few weeks things will have changed and you'll have a better grasp on breastfeeding and your baby's rhythm. OR, if you are running out of clean underwear (and your SO hasn't done the laundry), invest in a baby carrier. Strap on bubs and do the laundry, or just go for a walk. You'll find that wearing baby will help him be more settled and he won't cry as much (he'll still eat just as often though, but with the right carrier, you can do that while walking).

Also, it would help your boobs to do a bit of conditioning. After a feed, express a little breastmilk and rub it into your nipples, then let it air dry. After that put a tiny amount of Lansinoh (lanolin) onto the nipples. Do that after every feed and you'll find it will help. If you are having actual pain with breastfeeding, you may have to examine your latch with a lactation consultant (such as La Leche League) or invest in a nipple shield for a short amount of time. I actually had a midwife/lacatation consultant advise me to go topless as much as possible to help condition my nipples after I had my second baby and ended up with cracked and bleeding nipples.

Hang in there! It does get better and you're doing a fantastic job.

CHRISTINE - posted on 12/18/2009

HI THIS IS NORMAL. MY BABY IS 5WEEKS AND SHE DID THE SAME. IT WILL GET BETTER YOU'LL SEE...

Erica - posted on 12/18/2009

Every two hours for a newborn is great! He will hit several growth spurts in the next few months which will feel like he's nursing all the time, but it will pass! If you can make it through the first four months - you're golden from there on out.
Breastmilk digests much easier than formula and it's impossible to overfeed from the breast - so they eat in much smaller amounts but more times per day to compensate.

My advice is to try bringing him to bed with you at night, then he can snuggle up and nurse without fully waking you up and you can get the rest that you want/need!

Natalie - posted on 12/17/2009

My first child nursed every 1&1/2 - 2 hours until I weaned him at 2&1/2. Sleep when you can and let go of what everyone tells you is "normal". I found sleeping with baby was so easy when all I had to do was roll over for a feeding. Right now you are probably entering your post partum period, which can be a low period. My concern would be why your breasts are sore. Is your son having troubles latching on? If there is a Le Leche League group nearby you may want to stop in, or see a lactation consultant. Good luck.

Ashley - posted on 12/17/2009

i agree with Lisa Moreau i did the latch laying down on my side and both of my girls would fall asleep faster...or i would also pump extra bottles just incase and that made her sleep longer...

Suzanne - posted on 12/17/2009

i SO feel your pain! i started pumping at 2 weeks and got my husband to give our girl her 10 p.m. feeding before coming 2 bed. this helps a little for me :).

Charlotte - posted on 12/17/2009

So sorry. It's so tough. I had my first baby in Aug. and I remember crying and crying from exhaustion when my newborn nursed every 45-min through the night. Congratulations on making it this far!!! And hopefully, things will only get better!!! As a survival strategy, I did start to pump at 2-3 weeks to get my partner to give her bottles of pumped breastmilk and then I collapsed in bed for a few hours. My baby never had problems going back and forth between breast and bottle. I don't know if this works in every situation, but it was the only way I got through it. Good luck!!!

Reem - posted on 12/17/2009

Hi, i used to feel the same, but my little girl used to feed every 1.5 hrs and at growth spurts she used to feed more frequent. I was very tired, and I used to cry at night as well. But be sure this time will pass so quickly. My girl is now 15 months and she still on breastfeeding but I feel better off now. Believe me your baby isn't a baby for long time. This hardf time will pass soon

Vanessa - posted on 12/17/2009

Oh hun! 5 days old is so young yet! My guy is almost 8 months and I STILL feed him almost every 2 hours. It was only in the last few weeks and becasue of solid food I think, that he is going for up to 3 hours sometimes. They say breast milk metabolizes quickly and they have tiny tummies thats why they have to eat so often. I still get no sleep and I have 2 other kids to chase after. We are usually up 5 times a night still. All babies are different so maybe yours will develop a different pattern over the next few weeks. Like other posters here have said - the first 6 weeks are so are rough. I didn't really get into the swing of nursing comfortably until mine were about 2 months and I think my body has adjusted to sleeping in small doses becasue I don't feel quite as horrible int he mornigns as I used to. I just keep telling myself its only a year of my life that will be this crazy.

Terri - posted on 12/17/2009

I had the same problem with number 4 baby. She fed every 2 hours too. Gradually just try and lengthen each feed even if its only by 10 or 15 minutes. Cuddle him, or walk around, just delay it a bit longer. Or try a dummy (or pacifer). It could be a comfort thing. And remember to not let him sleep all through the day and he should be having his longer sleeps at night, so have gentle awake time with him during the day, so that he is tireder at night. This works wonders when establishing a sleep pattern, and I had all mine sleeping at an early age through the night (9 weeks, 7 weeks, 3 weeks and 7 weeks). And remember to try and sleep when he is sleeping that is the most important thing, housework can always wait! Good luck. :)

Elizabeth - posted on 12/16/2009

I know it is tough. The lanolin is the best thing in the world. During the night....I just laid the little one right next to me, so at least my body got some rest. There were plenty of times, where I told my husband to do a feeding. I mostly nursed, but I did supplement with formula. There were a lot of feedings where I would just simply cry because I was tired of it. Just as I would settle down from the last feeding it was time for the next. Cluster feedings were a nightmare....but I got through it....thanks to Lanolin, my husband, and motrin. Congrats on your little one. I thought it was amazing that my boobs solely sustained my child for six weeks. I found pumping actually caused me more problems, like clogged milk ducts. But now my son is weaned....and I miss that bonding time with him.

Bonnie - posted on 12/16/2009

Yeah your breasts are going to be really tender. My baby was a great latcher but it still took me about a month for them to get toughened up.

Melissa - posted on 12/16/2009

my boy is 6 weeks, and feeding about every hour. I know it is exhausting, but you can do it. bed sharing is my emphatic answer to coping during the night. we got a great little wedge positioner that helps keep us from crowding him when he is between mommy and daddy, and I can feel safe if I fall asleep during a feeding sitting in bed- worst case he falls onto my comfy lap :) I have to sit up because otherwise my milk doesn't letdown, but besides that it's a snap. Have daddy do diaper changes to let you rest. If he is willing, he can make a huge difference in those long nights. Remind yourself this won't last forever

Theresa - posted on 12/16/2009

That's how my son was, and I sympathize with your frustration! But like the other posters said, that's very normal and very good for a newborn. It WILL get better, just keep reminding yourself of that fact and stock up on lanolin ;]

Angela - posted on 12/16/2009

My daughter was the same way at that age. Make sure you have some lanolin to put on your nipples after feedings. The lanolin was really a lifesaver for me and my sore nipples. It gets better, I promise. I cried also... ALOT....my daughter is 7 weeks now, and it's much better. She isn't sleeping through the night yet, but every other night or so, she'll sleep a little longer. Hang in there!!!

Dung - posted on 12/16/2009

Hi Christine. First off, I want to congratulate you on breastfeeding. It's definitely a lot of work, but it is so good for your baby. I have an eleven month old baby girl, Isabelle. I "sorda" breastfed her you can say. I tried putting her to breast for the first week and it was a nightmare for me. Isabelle ate every 1.5 hrs. It was a lot of work for me throughout the day. I'm a full time student and a part time worker, so breastfeeding her every 1.5 hrs was a lot of work. It was also very tiring. I had two weeks off school after I delivered. And I knew that it was not possible to breastfeed her right on the breast if I went back to school. What I did was signed up for a breast pump at WIC, but eventually I got my own breast pump. I got the medela breastpump that was in the purse, so it was hidden in there. I brought it to work and pumped when I could. It took about 10-15 minutes for one pumping every 3 hrs. It was much more easier than every 1.5 hrs. What I did after the first week, I started to pump so my boyfriend can take share in the feedings. That way I can get some rest during the night. Eventually, I bottle fed her breastmilk entirely and did not put her to breast. I found it easier and more manageable. Or if you still want to keep your baby on breast, I suggest pumping one side while your baby is eating on the other and than switch. And save the milk for the father to help during the night feedings. You're baby will be probably stick with every 2 hours for the first three months. After three months, you're baby starts settling into a better schedule. At five months, your baby should sleep through the night. BTW, this is not an opinion, this is from a doctor specializing in child's sleep problems. I didn't know this until 8 months that my baby's feeding at night was related to sleep problems. I found this book, "Solve your child's sleep problems" by Richard Ferber, MD. It saved my boyfriend and I!!! I suggest getting a hold of this book from the library or purchase your own and read it. Breastfeeding drains a lot of energy so make sure you eat very healthy and often. And don't forget to take a nap when your baby is napping also. Best of luck and hang in there!!! It's going to get better.

Laura - posted on 12/16/2009

The first three to four weeks are really really difficult. It will get easier! Your baby will gain weight, and need to eat less frequently. Your nipples will toughen up, and your baby will become more efficient at eating, and be able to finish a meal much more quickly.

I had my mom and husband take turns sleeping with me on alternating nights. Whenever the baby needed eating, one of them would get up and bring the baby to me in bed. After the feeding, they'd take him away, diaper, and put him back to bed. This way, I was able to snooze a little longer between feedings.

Or, perhaps you would consider co-sleeping? That way, all you have to do is roll over and feed your baby, there's no getting up!

Another option would be to express breast milk, and have dad take one or two feedings a day with a bottle. That would give your nipples a bit of a break, and you might be able to take a longer snooze.

One way to look at those night feedings is that it's private time for you and your baby. It's a special thing that only a mother can have- it's just for you and your son.

If you find that your breasts are quite sore, it may be that his latch isn't good. Try having a lactation consultant in to help you out. Additionally, it may be that he's got a kink in his neck from being all squished up in the womb. This may affect his latch as well. My son's latch was poor on one side, and our doula said it was because he was still squidged up from being in the womb. I mentioned it to our Osteopath. She took a quick look at him, found the kink in his neck, and worked it out. Since then, he's had a great latch on both sides.

Good luck!

Tammy - posted on 12/15/2009

Two hours is actually really good for a 5 day old. My son was constantly latched on when he was that old. This is also the time when your milk is coming in so he will want to nurse more. It does get better I assure you!!! Try co-sleeping with your lo, you will probably find this much easier and you will get more sleep. Also, your hormones from being pregnant are coming down so you will probably feel a bit more emotional at this time. I know I did. The other mums have given some good advice. Don't worry about housework, see if you can get others to do it, most will gladly give you a hand. Your boobs will adjust to feeding and become soft again and your lo will become more proficient at extracting the milk, spending less time on the boob each time he has a feed, but do remember that breastmilk is digested around the 1 and a half hour mark. Breastmilk is best for bub. I had to use bottles for about a month will my son and it felt like i was spending all day washing and sterlising bottles. Not to mention the cost of formula, and buying bottles and teats. Breastmilk is exactly the right temperatue, doesnt cost anything and readily available.

April - posted on 12/15/2009

Quoting Amanda:

Every two hours sounds totally normal. My little guy was nursing every hour and half sometimes. Remember that breast milk digests in 90 minutes.

If it is hurting your breasts, that is not normal and you may want to have a certified lacttion consultant visit you at home to check your latch.

I just want to say that it does get easier with time, but breastfeeding can be hard for some moms to get used to it at first, it isn't a walk in the park, it is hard work and you should be commended for doing it, and it is so worth it!

actually, i heard breast milk digests in 30 to 60 minutes

April - posted on 12/15/2009

2 hours is actually a long time for a baby who isn't even 1 week old yet. It will get better, but it will take some time. For some women, it could be as early as 2 months before your baby goes easier on you. the soreness goes away because the longer you breastfeed...the tougher your nipples get. It is only a small hurdle...you'll get past it!

Teresa - posted on 12/15/2009

Sleep when he sleeps. Forget any household duties that aren't absolutely neccessary (and pawn those off on your husband or any willing friends). Treat yourself to something special... like a warm bath or an edible treat. Take care of yourself!! This won't last forever!!!

Amanda - posted on 12/15/2009

Every two hours sounds totally normal. My little guy was nursing every hour and half sometimes. Remember that breast milk digests in 90 minutes.

If it is hurting your breasts, that is not normal and you may want to have a certified lacttion consultant visit you at home to check your latch.

I just want to say that it does get easier with time, but breastfeeding can be hard for some moms to get used to it at first, it isn't a walk in the park, it is hard work and you should be commended for doing it, and it is so worth it!

Tricia - posted on 12/15/2009

When your baby is 5 weeks old you have a free pass to get out of everything. Call all of the ladies in your church/temple/neighborhood//PTO/whatever you're involved in. Let them know you're looking for help with meals. You should find at least a half a dozen ladies who would be delighted to bring you dinner. Lie in bed with your baby and nap all day if you need to. Lie on the couch and watch TV or read a book if you get sick of the bedroom.

If there's a household chore driving you crazy, eliminate it. Order in food, use paper plates, drop off laundry to a "wash and fold" laundromat,whatever you've gotta do.

Megan - posted on 12/15/2009

Sorry you are hurting so much, but this will cease. Feedeing every two hours is very normal. Your breasts will probably get used to it quickly, after a bit of bleeding and scabbing. Mine did and she still continued to nurse every two hours until she was a few months old. Best of lcuk to you, your new baby and your breats! :)

Nicole - posted on 12/15/2009

I remember when we first brought my son home he was eating every hour for 15 minutes on each side. I had been up for 3 days straight already and I was exhausted. It does get better. My son is almost eight months now and during the day has still likes to eat about every two ours or so but at night it is better. Hang in there I know I really wanted to quit at the beginning but my husband helped me hang in there and I am so glad I did. It is tough but it gets better. You are not alone!! You can do it.

Angela - posted on 12/15/2009

My two LOs were six weeks old before they slept longer than one to two hours at a time. My daughter is now seven months old and back to waking every two hours to eat.

Rebecca - posted on 12/15/2009

This is how both of my daughters were. Actually my first daughter nursed every hour for the first three weeks, so when my second daughter (3rd child,) nursed every 2 hours it was such a relief. It does get regular very soon. At 5 days old, your milk has probably just come in. Once he gets used to filling up on milk, things should improve, but 2 to 3 hours in those first few weeks is about right! Also, even my OB and nurses recommend bring the newborn to bed for nursing. I found I could drift off to sleep while my babies were nursing. I currently have a 3 month old and bless her, she started sleeping good at about 2.5 months!

Renee - posted on 12/15/2009

I have gotten pretty good at nursing on the couch-semi reclining for me. I attach my son and put my head on a pillow. Now at nine months that is how I can get him to sleep in the middle of the night (we run a 20inch box fan in our room and he hates it with a passion!)

For being five days old your lo is doing great! My son is nine months and is back to eating every two hours! Hang in there momma!

Minnie - posted on 12/15/2009

Yes, I agree with the first poster. Every two hours for a five day old is great. My first nursed 10-15 minutes every hour, and my second nursed for about five minutes, 3-4 times an hour in the beginning. Even at 14 months old she still nurses at least twice an hour, but typically only about two minutes each.

Many mothers find they get more sleep if they bring their little ones into bed with them and nurse while sleeping. I can definitely remember that feeling at night of desperation. Bedsharing really is a lifesaver!

Soreness during the first few days to two weeks is normal and can be hormonally related. However, if it's very bad pain, and if it doesn't begin to diminish after a week I would see a La Leche League leader for help with perfecting your baby's latch.

Heather - posted on 12/15/2009

Hi, I'm sorry you're having a hard time, but 2 hours between feedings is actually pretty good for a 5 day old. With our 3rd baby who is now a month and just starting to go 2 hours between feedings we fed ever 30min to 1.5hours. There is nothing you can do to make him wait longer, you just have to wait it out until he starts staying full for longer. Do you maybe have a touch of the baby blues? That could be adding to how you feel at night time.