Author Topic: DS is not even 4 weeks old and we already have problems.  (Read 930 times)

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Offline kjr928

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DS is not even 4 weeks old and we already have problems.
« on: November 16, 2013, 20:15:08 pm »
My DS will be 4 weeks tomorrow and I think he might be a really bad snacker. I started trying to implement EASY a few days ago since things weren't going that great and I haven't been able to get him onto it.

No matter what, I cannot keep this kid awake for BFing. He falls asleep 5-10 minutes in, and I cannot wake him up. I try sitting him upright, rubbing him all over, moving him around, changing his diaper, etc. But once he's "done" eating, I can't get him back at it. Then he sleeps for maybe 45 minutes or so, and wakes up again looking for another meal. I try holding him off with a pacifier for a while, which he isn't crazy about, so he is basically spending most of his awake time fussing and/or crying.

Night time is a little better - I can usually get a couple of hours of sleep out of him in a stretch. I try doing a dream feed around 10-11pm but I have never been able to wake him enough to even open his mouth. So I haven't ever been successful with a dream feed. Personally I think he's just exhausted from the day and that's why I get a little extra sleep out of him at night.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! He usually wakes up around 2-3am, I feed him and he goes back to sleep (this could take 45minutes to an hour because he doesn't want to go back to sleep - I have to rock him). Then there is usually another wake up around 5-6am, at which point I CANNOT get him to go back to sleep in his bassinet at all, and usually I end up passing out with him in my arms because I'm so exhausted. I don't like this because a) I think it's dangerous, and b) I'm not getting good sleep like this anyway.

My husband suggested I try pumping my milk so that the fore milk and hind milk are mixed up and maybe that will last him longer... what do you think? I could also supplement with formula at night I guess...

Anyway, lot's of problems & I'm exhausted. I need help getting this on track before it becomes a real problem... Oh wait! It already is!

Offline becj86

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Re: DS is not even 4 weeks old and we already have problems.
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2013, 22:21:17 pm »
Congratulations on your new little bundle!

My husband suggested I try pumping my milk so that the fore milk and hind milk are mixed up and maybe that will last him longer... what do you think? I could also supplement with formula at night I guess...
Not a bad idea - sometimes those early morning feeds are that bit more volume and more foremilk and that can cause gas and pain which makes it harder for LO to sleep. You could try lying back to feed in the night too - that could be enough to help him cope with the flow.

At this age, there isn't going to be such a thing as a perfect EASY - really you're looking to keep the EAS order going. How far apart are feeds at the moment? Sometimes the 45min nap followed by rooting for the breast is not hunger but "I'm still tired mum, help me get back to sleep" - maybe HTTJ or shush/pat through that lighter sleep stage? Have you tried some white noise? It could also be discomfort - L used to wake with gas pain and nothing but breast was good enough for him at those times.

Offline kjr928

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Re: DS is not even 4 weeks old and we already have problems.
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2013, 03:38:11 am »
Hi there and thanks for your reply!!!

Well, DS is now 6 weeks old and the problems have evolved (night time has gotten better, but other problems have emerged). I wrote a new thread detailing it: HELP ME PLEASE!!! 6 week old snacking & props

I feel like I'm in a downward spiral and I'd like to tackle the problems NOW rather than wait and let them get worse. Been trying shhh/pat and it works - until the SECOND I put him down and he starts freaking out. I would appreciate your input!

Offline jessmum46

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Re: DS is not even 4 weeks old and we already have problems.
« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2013, 19:43:05 pm »
I'm going to lock this thread as the original poster is now getting advice on the new thread posted above.  Please continue to offer advice and support to kjr928 over on the props board :)