New at Breastfeeding- Is She Getting Enough?

Assist In A Miracle wrote:
> Maliah- This is very common for little ones. although you have to make sure they are not just sucking for the heck of it. Was she jaundice at all when you left the hospital?? allot of times if your baby has be jaundice that makes them very sleepy and apt to wake up. do you live in the Portland metropolitan area? If so I could always come over to take a look and see what is going on. also you can call me at ###-###-####.

Wanting to eat every two to three hours is a fine pattern. Also eating for only a short time in and of itself is not a problem. What you need to look at is out put. Is the baby producing wet diapers and BMs?

If she is starting to sleep longer and longer that would be a problem.

If you have any questions on the health of your baby I would try to call an LC. Most are free for a phone consult or you can call Nursing Mothers Counsel. http://www.nursingmotherscounsel.org/

� Washington - ###-###-####

� Oregon - ###-###-####

Hi M.,

Not sure where you had you baby, but most local hospitals will tell you exactly how much milk your baby is getting if you go in for post partum nursing clinic. Now then, for your sleepy little girl...your milk has probably just come in a couple of days ago so she will be getting the nutrition she needs. Try one of a couple of thing: 1) Nurse on one side for a few minutes, then try to burp and switch sides. 2) Uncover her, change her diaper first etc. 3) To make certain she is getting the hind milk which is higher in fat, nurse on one side only per time, BUT then you have to pump on the other side so that you keep your supply up. Chances are if she if falling asleep before that happen though keep her uncovered, tap her feet to wake her, try "chicken arms" to awaken her, pull her off, set her up, burp her etc. As she gets a little older she will stay awake longer. Lastly, try to offer your breast every 2 or 3 hours during the day and no longer than 4 to 5 hours at night. She may only suck a small bit, but she will still be getting some. Make sure you are getting enough water when you are nursing too to keep her well hydrated. Congratulations on your decision to nurse you daughter, it is the best thing for her her!

That sounds about right - that was what I experienced. The worst advice I received was from a breastfeeding class where they told me a baby should nurse from 20-30 minutes on each side. That was absolute bull. I just tortured my poor baby trying to get her to nurse more. Just trust that your baby will take in what she needs. And, goodness, do they ever sleep in the beginning. I think as long as the weight gain is good, then things are just fine.