Breast Feeding

[AngelFarrell]

Have just started my 9 week old baby boy on 3 hour EASY (on my 3rd day). I didnt have any routine, and was having problems with his day naps - would only sleep 40-45 mins, would go to sleep only if I walked with him in front pack and wake straight up unless I lay with him on my chest. Night sleeps were fine, he'd go down no problem in his bassinet in his own room and sleep 5-6 hours. I am exclusively breast-feeding, and was feeding on demand. Needless to say, I never read his cues, just offered the breast when he woke up, and when he cried or fussed. It seemed like he was forever feeding. Especially during the early evening before bed he cluster feed on and off for 2-3 hours. But now I have started to establish the EASY routine he hardly feeds. I'm feeding every three hours, e.g. 7am, 10am, 1pm, etc, but he never stays on for more than 10 mins, and try as I may, he refuses to feed any longer. And wont cluster feed in the evening any more. So he's gone from heaps of feeds (he only fed for a short time these feeds, but was feeding more often) to only six or seven 10 min feeds. I change his nappy after each feed, and its always wet and his lips are moist, so I guess he's not dehydrated. But he's gone from pooing 3-4 times a day, to not at all for the last two days. I'm concerned that he's not getting enough nourishment. Is this common when starting the routine? Or maybe I've got a super efficient feeder. Regardless, I'm confused, worried, and my breasts are feeling odd. HELP!!!

[Fife_Mum]

Hi,

this sounds completly normal    It is probably more age related than to do with the routine. Your baby is now a more efficient eater so he gets all the nourishment he needs in 10 minutes. He might still feed for longer in the evening or when he wants more comforting.

With the pooping - well my DD is 8 weeks and just in the past week she has gone from having a dirty nappy at basically every feed to a huge one once a day or so! She is around 11lb 11oz.

Your breasts may feel fuller in between feeds since you are going longer between them but your body will soon adjust.

Well done - it sounds like you are doing great with the routine! No need to worry

[AngelFarrell]

Thanks, he's a big boy, too. Was 8.8lbs at birth (had a natural, drug-free homebirth) and is now 14 lbs at 9 weeks. I guess he knows what he needs, and from his track record, wont let himself go hungry! Its Day 3 since his last real poop, had a really small one this morning, maybe his body is just using all he's eating for growth at the moment. He's my first bub & I have no idea what to expect, so with these big changes I'm prone to worrying heaps. It's great to get reassurance, so thanks heaps for your quick reply!!!