Hi there
She is doing GREAT!!!!!! I can't stress enough how fantastic that is!!!
Babes do get really sleepy when feeding - the hormones make them sleepy. I had a sleepy feeder, prone to nodding off into a deep slumber about 15mins into the feed. Was very frustrating - crying frustrating.
Shiv's suggestion of tickling feet was a trick I used. I also tried to hold / tickle hands and upper arms, gently blow on top of head, sing and generally engage with DS as much as poss. Also, taking off a layer of clothing can help - being cooler helps keep them awake. I also stopped mid feed for a nappy change quite often - just helped keep him roused so I could try and get a full feed into him. Err, what else. Aaaaah yes, the drunk face. Often when he was nodding off during a feed (pretty much every feed), I would delatch (carefully!) and sit him up (supported) on my knee / lap facing me. Sometimes I'd try and wind, sometimes just look at his little face and try to get him to look at me. Why? When you sit them up, they can't help their little eyes popping open. Blowing gently across the top of their head can help keep them in this eyes open roused moment a little longer.
I wouldn't worry too much about feeding to time right now. Follow her hunger cues and if she doesn't demand within the usual time, then feed anyway. Reason being is simply that they all have different sized tummies, different growth rates; their tummies are theirs, not necessarily identical to another baby's. Likewise, Mamas produce varying amounts of milk so there's no telling that whether a babe is getting enough / too much simply by feeding every 3h etc. Follow her cues and you'll be able to respond to the growth spurts quicker too, which makes your life much much easier.
I think you and your lovely LO are doing fantastically well. She is doing fantastically at night and sounds like you're getting the feeds in during the day, so try not to worry. You're both doing great! Congratulations on your LO!!
Charlotte
