Someone has probably said this, but yes to blowing and tickling. Also, when they are really small, do breast compressions while they're eating, especially after the first few minutes.

At night time, I unswaddle while nursing and then re-swaddle (yea, it's kind of tricky....).

I'm all for on-demand feeding and no schedules, but I honestly do think it's helpful to make sure they get full feeds before they fall asleep.

Please talk to a lactation consultant!

I had this issue with my second one, and if I hadn't already known I had nursed my first with no issues I probably would have given up with him.

We stripped him down when he was nursing. The advice was also wait until let down starts in earnest and as soon as it slows, I'd switch him to the other side. The idea was that it would keep him awake and it worked.

(I realize this is not typical nursing advice but it helped my sleepy, jaundiced boy get over the hump and realize he had to stay awake during nursing sessions.)

OP here. I’m pumping and bottle feeding until his next appointment to know how much he is eating. We have been feeding every 2-3 hours and he is eating 2-3 ounces per feed. We have been stripping him down and changing his diaper in between ounces to keep him awake. It seems to be helping. He does have some feedings where he falls asleep or doesn’t want to wake up to eat. He has been eating about 20 ounces a day.

I am exhausted just thinking about trying to nurse followed by bottle feeding, pumping in between, washing and sanitizing pump parts, remembering to eat and drink, caring for other young kids, pets, family members. Thank goodness for formula!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, pumping and bottle feeding sounds like a good plan. 10 feeds a day is a lot. Anyhow, when the baby is stronger and has gained weight and if you want to Try nursing again, you could use a nipple shield and when he is used to nursing again, you can remove the shield. This worked for me when one of my babies had jaundice and I had to pump and bottle feed. Good luck - you have a good plan!

10 feed a day isn’t a lot. Newborns eat 8-12 times a day.

Agreed this is a very normal amount. Do what’s right for you op. Such a hard time but keep chugging through and you will get to the other side

Anonymous wrote:OP, pumping and bottle feeding sounds like a good plan. 10 feeds a day is a lot. Anyhow, when the baby is stronger and has gained weight and if you want to Try nursing again, you could use a nipple shield and when he is used to nursing again, you can remove the shield. This worked for me when one of my babies had jaundice and I had to pump and bottle feed. Good luck - you have a good plan!

10 feed a day isn’t a lot. Newborns eat 8-12 times a day.

OP, pumping and bottle feeding sounds like a good plan. 10 feeds a day is a lot. Anyhow, when the baby is stronger and has gained weight and if you want to Try nursing again, you could use a nipple shield and when he is used to nursing again, you can remove the shield. This worked for me when one of my babies had jaundice and I had to pump and bottle feed. Good luck - you have a good plan!

Anonymous wrote:I had this problem too and the pediatrician wanted him eating for longer. I kept a damp wash cloth next to me and would gently touch his skin to keep him awake. It was our doctor's advice and it seemed to work. He's 10 now and I wish he slept more and ate less!

The lactation consultant who was a lifesaver in many ways had this tip, too. Cool washcloth on the feet. And stripb them down of necessary. It's important for them to stay awake long enough to at least empty one breast completely, so they get the extra fatty hind milk that will help with satiation and weight gain. That will also help you keep up your supply.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have decided to pump and bottle feed. He’s eats about 10 times a day and we are going to do half breast milk, half formula. Once he regains his weight, I will try breastfeeding but still supplement 1-2 bottles with formula.

I will do all of the things suggested. We do a diaper change and that wakes him up but he just falls back asleep. He was checked for jaundice and he didn’t have it. The doctor said some babies are just sleepy.

It’s 100% fine if you want to bottle feed, but just be warned that after a week of exclusive bottle feeding it’s quite possible baby will refuse the breast entirely. Just be prepared.

OP here. I would rather make sure that he bottled fed and gaining weight than breastfeeding.