Is He Really Hungry Again?

I had the same problem and discovered the need for a PACIFIER! My first two wanted nothing to do with them, so it was a new experience for me. I always try the pacifier now. You'll learn the difference in the sound of the cry eventually.

I have used a three hour schedule for all 4 of my kids. I currently have a 6 week old who is on the schedule and he is thriving. Try this: if he wakes up at 7, feed him. Then it's play/awake time (feed and awake time totals 90 minutes...45 to feed and 45 awake...or trying to keep him awake...bathe, stretch). Then put him down for a nap for 90 minutes. WAKE the baby up at the end of that time. So, the next feed would be at 10, 1, 4, 7. Then start all over again. Feed, awake, nap. At 10 pm (last feed for the day), feed and then straight to sleep...Don't wake him during the middle of the night. This way he'll know what to expect each time, and he doesn't fuss as much. He learns that his needs will be met. There will be times that he wants to eat at about 2 1/2 hours, but that's ok. It will help adjust your milk supply for his growing needs.

It works if you commit to it, and it helps with keeping the sanity for the new mom. I love the schedule, and it has worked for all of my kids, as well as my mental health with trying to balance all of the new stuff, as well as finding time to shower and brush my teeth!

Good luck!

This makes me laugh - when my dd was born, the hospital nurses told us she would eat every two hours "start to start" for 15 minutes on each breast. My hubby and I looked at each other and said, "You've got to be kidding me!"
It is now two years and another kiddo later - both 100% breastfed. It let me create a bond with two babies that I would not trade. It was (and is) hard, but I would not trade it for the world!
Your little one will nurse more frequently during growth spurts, and when he is not feeling well, and sometimes just needs to suck. Sometimes, he wants a full meal and other times, just a drink, so eating times will vary.
Look up your local La Leche League for support - if anything, it's other moms going through what you are doing.

Here's the website: http://www.lllusa.org/COWY/CO.html

Good luck and keep up the good work!

I was just reading about this in "On Becoming Babywise" by Gary Ezzo. We used it with our older two and plan to do it again with #3 starting any day now. He says that during the day you should have your newborn eating every 2 1/2 - 3 hours. To do this, they need to be eating for 20-30 minutes each feeding. The key is getting enough hindmilk. After about a week, the schedule should settle. GL and congratulations!

J., this is normal. Remember at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, ect..., babies have growth spurts requiring you to produce more milk and your body to change the nutritional balance to supply baby with his/her growing needs. This means baby will want to eat much more that "usual" for a few days to build up the supply: it's supply and demand (or DEMAND and supply lol) just like in business.

Lower some of the expectations for yourself and all the "accomplishments" you have for the house and getting your shape back.

Set a minimum standard for yourself: wash one load of dishes a day, get dressed into clean clothes today, or make dinner today. This is NOT a time to be super- or alphamom.

Lay down when you nurse your baby. You can nap when he's nursing and napping. Not only is this time for baby to increase the milk supply, but also nature's way of ensuring you rest your body for proper healing. Just submit, you'll feel better if you do.

Be assured, life will get a comfortable rhythm again soon...just resist forcing it.

Oh, and...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

J., snacking is totally normal for a newborn. Feedings will get longer and you'll have more time in between. Your house will be clean again, but try not to worry about it now, just enjoy this part, it goes fast!!

my little girl is four months old (today) and still does this. However, she will feed for an hour at a time and two hours later be hungry again. I can't keep up. I think it is normal for a two month old to eat that often. Consider yourself lucky that is is already sleeping five hours at night. Hopefully he will keep with that schedule. Your doing a great job. It gets easier at about the two-three month mark.

Yes - it is normal and it is great that you are getting a 5 hour stretch already. The only thing I will say is that you've gotten some advice on Babywise & I thought I'd add my 2 cents. After reading the book and then breastfeeding 3 children, I will say that it has some great concepts, but it is written in a way that can make you feel like you're an idiot if you don't do it their way. There are a few things I took away from the book & from experience that I will share with you. It is good to get in a pattern of eating, awake time then sleeping. This will prevent getting in the habit of nursing your baby to sleep which is tough to break later on when your baby is ready to learn to fall asleep by themselves & is bad on their teeth when they come in. Also, make sure you are nursing for long enough when you do nurse. Your baby will start to go longer in between feedings if he is getting all the milk & especially hind milk he needs at a time. If he is falling asleep while he nurses, keep him up with a washcloth or however you need to, until he has nursed for at least 10 minutes on each side. However, if he is not falling asleep while nursing, naturally breaks off of the breast & you feel like you are emptying with less time than that, you're doing fine - some babies are more efficient eaters & don't need to nurse as long to get what they need. Other than that, I would just pay attention to your baby's cues - his body knows when he needs to be fed. If he's emptying the breast each time and still wants to eat every 1 1/2 hours, that's what he needs. You just want to prevent a baby becoming a snacker - eating just a little bit all the time. Things are going to be easier on you & your baby will settle into good sleep patterns if his feedings are organized by getting a full feeding when he eats. It is possible for babies to graze all day long - but then they're not getting hind milk & they are going to be hungry more often. I know how hard it can be - it's exhausting. But within a few weeks, you will start to notice a difference & the intervals will become longer. Good luck!

My baby girl was the same way, so I don't think it's only the boys. I was also an older mom and I was floored by how much time breast-feeding took. It does get better as your baby gets older, has a larger stomach, and can keep a bit of a fat supply.

My personal theory, although some books will tell you otherwise, is that there's a relationship between your milk supply and the frequency that they want to eat. I'm pretty sure that I was making just barely enough for my daughter. She went from 30th percentile to 50th percentile in weight when we introduced a few formula feeds at 4 months, while staying at 50th percentile in length throughout, so I think she was always just a little hungry. (The formula was because I went back to work and I couldn't ever manage to pump as much as she wanted to eat while I was gone.)

Dear J. - congratulations on your new baby. I remember being very surprised at how much my daughter nursed when she was first born - all day long - all night long. It was all I could do to go to the bathroom. It is a wonderful and brief phase and completely normal. She is nursing for all kinds of reasons - physical, emotional, spiritual and mental. Trust your baby and respond to her with a yes as often as you can. It will even out, space out and change a lot over time.

Blessings

it is very normal for him to want to feed that often. so now that he is used to the breast he could have a pacifier during the cat nap to help sooth him and try swaddling him really tight during his nap.plus the swaddle will help hold on the pacifie. also make sure that where the baby sleeps there is some kind of noise --a sound machine --a radio /cd player--even just the sound of tv. this will help him not to wake everytime the phone rings or if you need to vacumm.
i am a mom of 4 plus i run an in home daycare.
good luck

Yes, it's normal. And over time he'll get to longer stretches between feedings and even the feeding will get shorter because he'll be better at breastfeeding. Also, keep in mind that babies go through tons of growth spurts where they'll suddenly switch from, say, eating every 3 hrs to every hour for about a week before they go back to their old routine. I would say feed on demand for at least the first 2 months. And give yourself a break! It's hard being a new mom and things don't really settle down until the second month. Don't try to be a SuperMom, but don't forget to take care of yourself.

Hi J. -
Mine is 3 months and does a similar thing. Sleeps 5-7 hours at night and feeds every 2 hours or so for 20 minutes (at least)during the day. He has been doing this since he was born. It was so hard for me at first because I felt like I never got anythiing done around the house and he was always in my arms or I was finally getting a bite to eat and he would be up after sleeping for 30 minutes-1 hour. Key -go to sleep at night when he does. In the last two to three weeks we've been getting into a good routine (set by him) and he has started to let me put him into swings, play centers, etc. I am getting more done around the house and feeling pretty rested and definitely less stressed.
Promise...it does get better. You will make it through and when he looks at you with all the love in the world you won't care what he needs from you.

Hi, J.. At the two week mark, they usually start to go through a growth spurt. This is probably his way of building up your milk supply for his future needs. Hang in there! I'm sure your doctor will tell you this is normal. =)

it's normal. i had my mom help me the first few weeks. it took about three months before i was able to feel like i can do other things than take care of the baby.

This is completely normal for a 2 week old baby especially since he sleeps a long stretch at night, he has to make up for that loss of caloric intake (which is way better during the day than at night). Do what you're doing and don't worry about your house, or anyone else but you and that baby. Your little one is trying to stretch out his stomach to hold more than a couple of tablespoons, and that takes time and frequents feeds, he also is securing your milk supply and doing his job in creating a great nursing habit and pattern. So hang in there, don't supplement yet or give water, breast fed baby's don't need water. If it get's way to crazy for you and you feel that you need more rest, spend a couple of days in bed together just you and him and get up to eat and use the potty. It's called a baby moon and it was my life saver! It let me get some really needed rest and it was a great bonding experience, and taught me how to nurse lying down!

S. M.
Labor Doula, Postpartum doula, Lactation Educator, CBE

It's perfectly normal! He's cluster-feeding, and naturally increasing your milk supply to what he needs. It can be annoying, and there may be times when he'll spend hours, literally, at your breast, but it doesn't last forever and is actually good for both of you. Hang in there, you do get the time back to brush teeth and eat while also having time to cat nap after a bit. For now, don't feel bad about it and just enjoy your little one while he's actually little! :)

Hi J., we have a lot in common. I too have 2 stepsons, a supportive husband and am a 1st time mom to a 3 month old. (I'm also 34 which apparantly puts us in the "older mom" category". hmmmph) Anyway, I freaked out about my daughter's eating at first too only to figure out that she is quite capable of knowing how much, and how often. Let your baby eat as much as he wants! In time his naps and eating will get longer and fall into a pattern. It took Daisy about 3 mos although I could see some patterns emerging much sooner. It might seem like this phase may never end but it goes by FAST. Don't feel bad about staying in your pj's all day and basically being a milk machine. (That luxury will soon be over I promise!) I worried about Daisy first eating too much and then not eating enough but all the while she was just fine! They go through cycles and if they are gaining weight, look healthy and happy, all's well. I find that my daughter knows more than I do most of the time! Just take your cues from your baby and not from what the book says. You're doing GREAT!! And Congratulations!!!!!
T. K.

I know it seems crazy right now but give it some time and your baby will start to go longer periods between feedings and will take better naps. My daughter did the same thing. some days I felt like I never got off the coach I just nursed none stop. So hang in there.

Hi J.-

Congratulations! You're in for a great adventure. I'll second all the mommies who said this is totally normally. I actually tried to feed my daughter every 1 1/2-2 hours because I found she did sleep longer at night (5 hours at night is amazing!) I did begin to feel tied to a chair, but it is so worthwhile and so important for your son. What you'll have to decide at some point is whether you believe in a schedule for your child (everyone who talks about BabyWise is talking about this) or whether you believe in a routine--the difference is one is strict to time and the other is about creating a pattern the baby begins to recognize. As a nursing mom, I think (and have been told by many lactation consultants) that on demand feeding--routine--is the way to go for a while. Luckily, you can't overfeed a breastfed baby because they will take what they need. All the best, hang in there and enjoy the few moments when you're almost conscious! :)

Something no one has mentioned yet is that some babies aren't so much hungry as that they need/want to suck on something. Since they don't recommend passifiers in the first few weeks because of nipple confusion, our nurse told us to let our daughter suck on one of our pinkies. (make sure your hands are clean and that you trim your fingernail) If your baby is truly hungry, he'll just cry around your pinky and won't take it. At least that's what they told us. We were also told that there are periods when babies are growing and need more and that you should let them drink as much as they want. Good luck and be strong! This, too, shall pass!

I say invest in a good sling so you can breastfeed and still move around!

Der Sleep Deprived,

Yes this is normal but he is just building up your milk supply and it won't last forever. When you look back on this it will seem like a blink. Get a copy of "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding", this should help answer all your questions.

G. CMD,CBE

Yes, My son ate about the same as yours and you do feel drained. I was even contamplating whether to stop breat feeding because that was all I did and then felt guilty about the thought. Just hang in there and the time between feedings will become longer. I asked friends that had girls and they said they never had that problem. I think that it is just a baby boy thing. I have 2 and they were exactly the same way when it came to nursing. My son wouldn't take a pacifier so it was nursing all the way. Good Luck and Congrats on your new baby

First of all, consider yourself lucky he is sleeping so much at night! My 16 week old took at least 10 weeks to sleep 5 hrs at night! Your son could be going thru a growth spurt and this is why he is nursing so frequently. My son nursed almost every 2 hrs for his first 8-11 weeks. The good thing is, it will get better! Now that I have been through it, it is a short time they are little. I discovered the side lying nursing position when my son was about 7 wks, it is a lifesaver as it allows you to catch somesleep while your snacker eats, it sounds scarey, but it is the best postion ever!! Dr. Sears claims it is wonderful to co sleep with your little one! Good luck, I hope that helps some and congrats!

I know breastfeeding really takes up the time. You are actually quite lucky he can drink so quickly. My second daughter was like yours. Only she sure didn't sleep 5 hours at night, you are very, very fortunate to get that time. So yes it is normal and the feeding will gradually get further apart. He may very well always drink quickly like my second.

I remember how stressed out I felt with my first daughter, not getting anything done and just feeding her constantly. In a few weeks you will be able to gradually add time in between his feedings. It seems to me that by about 4 months I got my girls to about 4 -5 feedings a day. People will really disagree with me, but if you make the baby to wait 10 -15 minutes to feed him he will be just fine. Hang in there, breastfeeding is tough the first few months but it is so good for those babies. I worked for a formula company and I was determined to breastfeed. I breastfed my first for 2 years and my second for 1 year. I was 35 with the first and 39 with the second and now I'm 41. You will be amazed looking back on how quickly it goes.

Are you feeling the let down sensation at every feeding? I would say from my own breastfeeding experience with three kids this is normal. I would say that you could try to stretch out those feedings a little, say 15 minutes. At two weeks though your baby is creating "demand" and getting your milk flowing well! Stick with it, I am so glad I did! Breastfeeding gets the oxytocin going as well which is a feel good hormone.. ( One year exclusively each kid!) This time is hard, I remember counting the days those first six weeks! It will get easier!

That's not unusual at all. My son was the same way, wanting fed every hour or so. Problem is, you can't get anything done that way. My pediatrician recommended giving him a small bottle of water to hold him off until it has been two hours since the last feeding, because the dirty diaper count and his rapid growth both showed he was getting plenty to eat and didn't really need to be fed again so soon.

I think it could be normal depending on the baby. My daughter did the same thing. She would always fall asleep nursing before she got full and only sleep 20 minutes or so and then wake up hungry again! It was very frustrating! Thinking back, I think I fed my baby way too much; sometimes it was every 45 minutes! I thought that every time she cried she needed to nurse. But I think I should have tried to hold her out for at least two hours and keep her awake through feedings. She is a great nurser now, about 4-5 times a day for 10-15 minutes each. It is necessary to get some stuff done, like bathe and eat and wash a few things. So it is hard to not have any time. Enlist your husband to help, if you haven't already and try to get the baby on a schedule. Good luck!

It is very normal for him to want to eat so often. His tummy is very little and can't hold much at a time. As long as he is gaining weight and output is good I wouldn't worry. And yes, you're going to be sleep deprived for a while. Just take naps when he's sleeping.
One thing that may help is to feed him on just one side per feeding. Sounds weird, but that will help make sure that he is getting the 'hind milk.' It comes as the breast is mostly empty and it has more fat. That helps him feel full longer. It also actually helps avoid colic, as the stomach has more time to break down the proteins before it goes into the small intestine, causing less gas. I got this information from my pediatrician, who is also a lactation consultant. It was about 5 years ago, and new information comes up often, so you may want to verify with a lactation consultant. But I wouldn't worry about him eating so often. Enjoy the time when he's tiny and makes such cute noises when he's hungry :)
It goes by all to fast!

I saw someone mentioned the book "Becoming Baby Wise". A lot of people do not believe this method is good and that your baby should tell you when he/she is hungry, but babies don't always know what they want. I used this method with all three of my kids and it worked like a charm. I would suggest reading the book. If you do not agree with some things the book says then modify it to fit your life style. But it is draining nursing that much (my daughter is weeks old now and even 2 1/2 hours can feel like a lot). Good luck with everything.

Most newborns do breastfeed every 1-1 1/2 hours. This is very normal and it will get better. the older they get, the longer they will go in between feedings. The only advice I can give is to catnap with your little one, or as soon as baby falls to sleep, jump up and utilize you time. The best advice I received (from my Mom who is a Midwife) "the dirt will still be there tomorrow. Your baby is only little once, and one of these tomorrows, will be grown up." I have 2 little ones and have learned to clean my house around them. My son is 20 months old, and there are days when he still wants to nurse every couple of hours. But, things will get easier! Congratulations and Good Luck!! Babies are such a blessing!

Wow, your baby is sleeping 5 hours already? That's probably why he is eating so often during the day - storing up for nighttime. From my own experience, a baby doesn't settle into a routine until 6 weeks or so. His schedule will probably change.

First off, congrats on the 5 hours he is sleeping at night! My little boy ate about every 1-1/2 to 2 hours 24/7 for the first few months! And yes, even though the doctor may try to tell you to hold off to every 2 hours, that is really difficult. Little boys generally eat more, and they eat more often. It will get better. Right now, he needs the nurturing as much as the nourishment. So enjoy it as much as possible even though it feels like the rest of your life is falling apart! He'll get into a schedule soon and you'll be able to get more done inbetween feedings.