Question:

I’ve just re-read your advice in Babywise concerning feeding periods for the first seven to ten days. So I’ve turned the clock to the wall and I’m trying very hard to get those FULL feedings in, but no matter what I do, I can’t get my one week old baby to nurse for more than a couple of minutes at a time before she is fast asleep again. Is there anything else I can try?

Answer:

This is a very common problem with babies during the first 2 to 3 weeks, and longer with those babies who have had touches of Jaundice.

First, keep in mind that feedings don’t need to be on the clock. During these early weeks feedings will average about 2 ½ hours apart, but it is fine if some are shorter and others are a bit longer. With that in mind, the goal will be to try to catch your baby when he is passing through his light sleep phase. Trying to wake a newborn during a deep sleep phase tends to make both baby and Mom very frustrated.

Remember, each sleep cycles tend to last approximately 45 minutes. So during the day, have your baby sleep in a location where you can easily check on him. I often rolled the bassinet out into the living room during these early weeks, or put baby down in a playpen for daytime naps. Then after baby has been asleep about 1 ½ hours, begin glancing over every so often. When you see him begin to go through a sleep phase where his eye lids may flutter, his mouth move like he is nursing, and/or his arms and legs move around a bit, that’s the time you want to get him up from his nap. This may occur anytime between about 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours into his nap, so be patient.

As you begin feeding him and as long as he continues to nurse well, it is okay if he looks like he is dozing as he feeds. However, if he actually falls asleep, to the point that he stops sucking, then it is necessary to use the other methods of helping him to stay awake. (damp washcloth, undressing him, etc) If those measures do not wake him, place a thin baby blanket (nothing to thick and comfy) on the floor and lay him flat on his back. Remain close by, so you’ll be there when he wakes again. He may take a little 10 to 15 minute cat-nap, but he’ll soon be WIDE awake. At that point, continue with the feeding. You may even find it necessary to repeat this technique a second time during a feeding and yes, feedings may take a while for now, but this super sleepy stage really doesn’t last all that long. It won’t be long before he’s much more alert both during his feedings and for some fun wake time with mom afterwards. :-)