Help! Sleepy at the nipple.

[RydersMama521]

My son is 5 days old and he falls asleep at the nipple during every feeding. It's a constant struggle to keep him sucking. We've tried various methods to get him to wake up and suckle (wet cloth to forehead, stroking his cheeks, light tickling on his body, switching breasts/positions, etc). He seems to sleep through anything we try. Usually after an hour to an hour and a half of suckling, then falling asleep, then trying to wake him up, then suckling again I feel like he's gotten enough to eat. Sometimes he actually wants to eat more as soon as I put him down to sleep.
Any information would be greatly appreciated! This problem has brought me to tears on a couple of occasions because I just worry about the little guy being so sleepy all the time.
PS - I also have to wake him up 90% of the time to get him to eat. He doesn't normally wake up on his own.
PPS - This is my first child.
Thanks!

[PatioGardener]

my midwife suggested undressing baby completely except diaper, and mama completely on top. then stroke baby's back with a cold wash cloth. it sounds cruel for baby but it worked for my ds. how many pees and poops is your baby having in 24 hours?

[HappyHappyMommy]

RydersMama521, congratulations on the birth of your son! And welcome to MDC.

First and foremost, I recommend trusting your instincts. That can be hard to do when you're a first time mama, but remember you already know your baby better than anyone. :-)

If it's helpful to hear other opinions/experiences, here's mine...
Just based on the information below, I'd recommend checking to see if your son is dehydrated. At 5 days old, my DD had symptoms was very similar to what you described below and it was due to the fact that she was severely dehydrated. I know from my own experiences of trying to figure out what was happening with my DD (and whether or not to be concerned) that these symptoms can be symptoms of several things, so hopefully your son isn't dehydrated. But given that these *can be* symptoms of something to be concerned about, I suggest checking in with your ped (if you have one) or another care provider.

I also know that it's so scary to think there might be something challenging happening for your baby, but please hold in your heart the knowledge that you are so strong and no matter what happens, you can handle this and you don't have to do it alone. There is support out there if you need it!

RydersMama521! Your son is so lucky to have such an attentive mama.

Please feel free to PM if you'd like to. I'll be thinking of you and your son and sending good wishes your way!

[pumpkinhead]

Skin to skin is so important for getting a sleepy baby to nurse. It seems like such a little thing, but it really does a lot. Like the pp said, strip him to his diaper and open the front of your shirt everytime you nurse him for the next few days. Also try some breast compressions. Is your milk in? When he starts to slow his sucking, you can compress to get him interested and actively nursing again. This link explains further:

http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=...tion&Itemid=17

[LuluMama8]

If this is still a problem for you, I agree that you should have the baby checked by his health care provider to see if he is dehydrated and needs more intervention. My baby also was very sleepy all of the time around 4 days and when I took her in it turns out she was dehydrated also, not getting enough milk, and getting too tired to keep trying. Luckily my milk came in that evening, she hardly had to do anything to get milk pouring in her and rehydrating her and she perked right up. I also agree that breast compressions and wearing her all day, both undressed, in a sling would be useful.

[ewe+lamb]

Sleepy babies need energy - I highly recommend doing some breast compression when he starts to nod off to squirt the breastmilk into him and stimulate him to nurse some more - see this link www.drjacknewman.com and click on the videos - you'll see a good example of breast compression there, make sure also that your room isn't too warm, especially for sleeping 18 degrees should be about it,

[HappyHappyMommy]

OP, how are you doing?