Baby Who Falls Asleep as Soon as Lachted On

She may be not hungry and the position calms her and puts her to sleep. If she falls asleep then don't feed her. She will definately let you know when she is hungry. And at that time feed her.

I am a mother of 2, ages 4 and 5, I have nursed both my children.

Dear Baraka,
As a breastfeeding mom for 3 boys (all 3 were different), I can tell you #1 - don't feel guilty if breastfeeding isn't going as well as you had hoped. You're doing all the right things. Think priorities. You want a healthy, well-fed baby. And if your milk isn't filling this need 100%, find joy in the amount she DOES get. And if formula fills the rest of the need, you are still just as great a mother as if you breastfed exclusively.

With my middle son, things were great until he was about 3 months old, and everything went haywire. He was cranky, always wanted to eat, and didn't sleep well. I thought he must be sick. Then I had to attend a wedding, and tried him on some formula - that was his first bottle experience. I was shocked to find he was content for the first time! I finally got the message that my supply just wasn't enough for him. So he was on formula at 6 months. I felt guilty for a while, but then realized that my breastfeeding him didn't make me a good mom. Keeping him healthy and fed did. Then we were both happy.

We wish you the best!

I had the same problem with my daughter, and we ended up going to formula after 3 1/2 weeks because of it. Early on, I was nursing (attempting to...with all the "tips and tricks" to keep her awake without success. At a consultant's office, it took almost 2 hours straight of trying to nurse to get 1 oz in her!) pumping, nursing, pumping, supplementing with a "feeder" and wearing more of the milk than she drank! LOL
The stress was immense as I had been CERTAIN I would breastfeed and ONLY breastfeed. Finally, I heard a quote that was lifechanging...
A bottle given with love is more nurturing than a breast given with stress or resentment. I don't remember who said it.
So, best to you if you can keep up the nursing. I hear that it does get better! If not, don't beat yourself up and do all you can to "nurture" your baby in every way with what's best for you both. Pat yourself on the back that she's gotten some of your milk at the most important time of her life! My little girl is now a happy, healthy, intelligent 9 month old with a strong bond with her Mommy!

Hugs to you!

call the GBMC Hospital Lactation Station for free advice 24 hours a day. or you can swing by the shop in the hospital during business hours and get a lactation consultant to help you in person. they also sell products that help get your milk production back up.

You're biggest concern seems to be ensuring that your baby gets 100% breast milk. Good for you! You said that when you went back to work, your milk production went down a lot. Are you able to pump at work? My husband is a PE teacher at a local elementary school. His storage closet, though not enticing, it is spacious and private, is the preferred pumping place for faculty with babies. Be open,creative in finding a place to pump. Pumping is the best way to increase milk supply. If you are able to keep up the production, eventhough your baby is falling asleep when she latches on, at least she is getting breast milk when you're at work.

is it possible she's getting tired trying to get to the milk? do you have a breast pump? you might not have enough for her and when the supply decreases it gets harder for the babes to suck til milk starts coming out.

How often are you pumping to get the 4-5ozs? Check out this link for info on that.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html

As far as the sleeping while latched thing is bebe not sucking any lnger? My dd nurses a lot at night. She's latched and eating but still asleep. It is possible that bebe is getting enough.

How is diaper output? Is there still plenty of wet and poopy diapers?

One thing that I don't think I've seen in the advice you've gotten is a suggestion to try breastfeeding right after a nap, when she's assuredly well-rested. You can use a bottle with breast milk in it before her nap (or let her nurse until she falls asleep, and just don't stress about it, let her get a good nap), and then as soon as she wakes up, offer her the breast again, to see if she's hungry now that she's well-rested. Someone else mentioned, you or she may be confusing her sleep and feed cues, so feeding her right after a nap could help you figure out what's going on. Also remember, if she's gaining weight, you're ok, and try not to over-think things (I know, I know, easier said than done!). Lastly, I second the recommendations for mother's milk tea. You can get it at Whole Foods, among other places.

Sounds to me she is using you as comfort and not nurishment. Does she seem hungry when she latches on? My babies both weaned themselves from the breast after they got bottles when I went back to work. It is too easy for them to get the milk out of a bottle then the breast, it's too much work. Don't stress over it, that is not good. Continue to pump so she gets the breast milk and you keep producing but realize you did the best you could. I was devastated when this happened to me too. I wanted to give them only breast milk but you can't starve her either you may have to suppliment and this is ok to. Remember you are no less of a woman because you can't nurse, that was my hangup. Every child is different but I hope this helps.

Hi Baraka,

Have you talked to anyone at the La leche League about your concerns? D.

Maybe you could pump, it will keep your milk coming...and she will still be getting your milk instead of having to mix in formula.

This exact thing happened when I was breastfeeding my son. He was so soothed by the sensation that he just couldn't stay awake! I would agree with pumping more to keep your milk flowing. Even after your daughter nurses pump for 20 minutes or so even if nothing comes. Within 24-48 hours you should have more of a supply, and you'll be able to fill a bottle and have it ready for when she does want it. I was really stressed with my son being a first time mom and I over analyzed breast feeding SO much! I made it much harder on myself than it had to be. I did the whole getting him naked and tickling his feet, rubbing his sternum etc. etc. but all it did was make me more anxious. If your daughter is hungry I'm pretty sure she'll stay awake to eat! I agree with some of the LaLeche philosophies looking back-a child will let you know when they will eat. Just make sure you're pumping!
Hope this helps and good luck!

Hi Baraka. It's Deanna. You may want to check your water intake. Also, a co-worker recommends a product called Mothers Milk. It's supposed to have ingredients that enhance milk production. If this doesn't work you may want to consult a La Leche (http://www.llli.org/)support group in your area that can give you tips. Hope it works out for you!

Call La Leche League as soon as possible. You can find the leader closest to you on their website. Their services are completely free and they are the best help with breasfeeding. Do not give up and start supplementing before calling them.

How old is your baby? How much does she weigh? Are you taking any medication that might have drowsiness as a side effect? How much does she sleep at night? All these things effect how to solve your problem. The Health Department in your local city probably has a lactation helps hotline, I'd make use of if I were you. You can also just call your doctor's nurse. My daughter used to fall asleep, but it turned out she was just really tired and needed more sleep for awhile. My body adjusted, and I breastfed her for 15 months.

While you are nursing and she falls asleep, you can jiggle your boob a bit to start the sucking reflex again. Or tickle her cheek. A little softer approach and it might work. Also, I went through a dip in my supply around that age with all mine, and I would just pump one or two extra times a day and that helped keep my supply up through a regular "down time" for them. Also, try the mother's milk tea - it really works! I would make 2-3 pots and drink it throughout the day. My SIL used fenugreek capsules (you need to take close to 12 a day - 4 3x a day) and that worked for her.

When I was working and had to pump, I would make a huge cup of the tea with like 3-4 bags in it to make it really strong and drink it about 30 minutes before I had to pump. Also, while pumping, allow gravity to work for you and kind of hang forward - that helped, too!

Good luck! It's worth persevering because in the long run it is the easiest and the best for you and your baby - so hang in there mama! You're doing great!

I don't have this experience I was wondering if you pumped your milk and gave it to her in a bottle. The baby will still be getting the nourishment.

S.

Make sure she is hungry when you are putting her to the breast. It sounds like she is confusing you with her sleep and hunger cues. They can be very similar. Evaluate just how much sleep she is getting. Typically at that age, they are ready for a nap only an hour to two hours after they awaken, and they are awake no longer than two hour stretches. As far as pumping goes, remember that you are producing probably an ounce more per session than you are expressing. The baby can get more milk and faster than you can pumping. So, consider too that at this point they are really starting to catch on to the whole breastfeeding thing, and it no longer takes them 30-45 minutes to eat. They can drain you in sometimes 10 minutes. Make sure she is swallowing well

Try some mothers milk tea to boost production, and consider a hospital grade pump that is more efficient.

Try taking Funugreek which can be bought at GNC. It is suggested by Lacation consulations, Lachae League, and even Medela. It is a herbal item and start out taking 6 tablets a day up to 12 a day. I would also call the local laction consulant and see what they say.

Baraka,

First, I applaud your dedication to breastfeeding, it really is worth the effort you're making. My milk supply did the same thing when I went back to work but not as quickly. I initially had a great every 3 hour pumping routine but when I transfered to a new location and could only pump once at lunch everything changed. I'd say make sure you're pumping every 3 hours at least (if you live in DC there's now a law that says you have a right to unpaid break time to pump-YEAH!) I was able to maintain by taking Fenugreek tablets but Mother's Milk tea helps too I'm told. Are you saying that she fall asleep even on the weekend when she's latched all day? If so, after how long? Babies get faster at getting what they need after about 2-3 months so may not need the 15 min they took at birth. If she seems content and is gaining weight, I wouldn't worry that she falls asleep but take that time to pump for additional stimulation and look to see your supply begin to increase within 48 hours if you are consistently pumping at work. While you're pumping, try breast compressions (massaging the milk toward the areola) to increase the amount you're getting out while pumping. You could also attempt to hand express after you finish pumping to make sure you've emptied your breast. I heard of one study where that doubled the quantity of milk production. Shoot me a message if you have questions.

S.

Sure! Not nursing as usual because of work will make your supply go down. For some not getting as much rest makes it go down. You do need to be drinking lots. Most hospital around don't teach their women to drink a glass of waqter when nursing...Mother's Milk tea might help you. Get plenty of rest. And make her wait to nurse if she's just not hungry...pump instead at the time you would want to nurse and let her get hungry.
Check with the babysitter if she is giving her anything else during the day. It doesn't sound like the baby is really hungry. Write anytime you'd like. God Bless!

My first son used to fall asleep every time also. I pulled him off, tickled him, but the only thing that somewhat worked was a wet warm washcloth on his feet and face. It happened every time I nursed, which was good at night for those feedings, but I had to go back to work also. I was close enough to my work that I could come home at lunch and nurse him most days. Is there any way you could pump at work?, or are you already doing that? I think that with only 2 feedings a day your milk supply will stay low. Good luck, both my sons were breast milk only for a year, but it was alot of work, and I did freeze some for during the day. K.