urgent help needed -2 wk old baby not waking up to eat in day - mum going insane

[angeljo]

He was a big boy - 9.7lbs and once I gave up breastfeeding because he was not getting satisfied, we went on to the bottle and he had 3-4 oz every 3.5hrs or so with only 1 night feed of 3.30am. AMAZING - I KNOW!!!

That was when he was 1wk old, now is nearly 2 weeks old, things have gone very wrong and I am at the end of it all not coping well at all.

His feeds are just sporadic, one feed he can have 1oz, then go for 3 hrs, next feed he can have 4 oz and go 2 hrs. I have tried to feed evey 3 hrs but I just cant wake him up and now it is 2pm and he has only had 5 oz all day.

Someone pls help as I am not enjoying my new born boy or the life I am leading at the moment. I also feel helpless as I cant even look after my toddler properly becuase of my c-section.

Sorry to moan, but let me know your advice!!!

Thanks

Jo x

[LornaHenry]

Not sure where you're posting from but do you have a midwife or health visitor? I got regular visits from the midwife in the 1st 3 weeks and my baby was weighed quite a few times-can't remember exactly how often. I was told that lots of babies lose a bit of weight in the 1st week or so as they get used to feeding. After that they should put on weight gradually. Provided that your baby is not losing too much weight or is putting on weight, I wouldn't worry too much-just feed on demand. If your baby is losing weight and continues to, ask your midwife for advice.

[*Becky*]

Hi there,
Yes I would definitely check with the midwife. My DS lost quite a bit of weight in the first week due to problems with breastfeeding and we were told to wake him every 3 hours to eat. Once he had gone back to his birth weight we were allowed to relax a bit. I was told to change the baby before a feed as this would wake them so maybe try that. I think in the early days particularly it is often necessary to wake a baby to feed. It is so hard at the beginning so hugs to you. I had a traumatic birth and was in a state of shock for weeks so do not be too hard on yourself. 2 weeks is no time at all to recover from such a life changing event. Take care
Becky

[gpmom]

Hope you are able to check with someone.

I know that when dd was little I would almost strip her to make her cold to keep her awake.  Also I would keep a wet wash cloth beside us to get her if she slept.  They will get hte hang of EASY if you keep up and then it is not such a chore.

Good luck

[* Paula *]

Just wanted to offer some hugs.  The PP's have been giving you some good advice.

My DD was exactly the same and would sleep for hours.  As long as your lo is happy, not in any discomfort, having plenty of wet nappies and not losing weight I would say you are doing fine.

One thing my HV said to me was if we were on the size 0 teats, to go up a size, as it was a lot of hard work for them to suck from such a tiny hole.  Not sure what bottles or size teats you are using.

[angeljo]

Thanks for your answers. Last night was better for me as my husband was back and he did the night feeds whilst I slept in another room. Lets see how today goes.

[* Paula *]

How have things been going?

[mandamamba]

Huge hugs to you and I hope things are going a little better. Don't forget your hormones are running wild at the moment and with a cs it makes life just that little bit extra difficult ontop. My lo kept losing wieght to begin with but after 2 weeks stagnated and finally started to increase. I had to wake her with a nappy change and a facewash quite often to get her to feed. I'm sure its quite normal and don't forget he is still getting adjusted to a very new way of life too. Please let us know how you are getting on. Is your husband away often?

[angeljo]

hi all, well he is now 3 and a bit weeks old and doing a bit better but we have moved onto projectile vomiting!! he is also showing signs of reflux and his feeds take around an hour. I will have a look on other posts as i cant imagine feeds should take so long. it is really annoying especially at night time to spend an hour and then he throws it all up!!

Nervous as hubby going away again tomorrow but only for 2 days. fingers crossed it will all be ok!

[* Paula *]

Here is some information on Reflux http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=654.msg3208#msg3208

If your lo has some of those symptoms, I would consider chatting to your doctor and also posting on the Reflux boards, for some support and advice 

[angeljo]

thanks for your help. things not really got better. the feeds are taking SO LONG, i will see a health visitor on tuesday and see what they say. gave him infant gaviscon though and that seems to stop the projectile which is great but it seems crazy to feed for 1-1.5hours.

thanks again.

[* Paula *]

Keep us posted on what the HV says.