Rebecca, I assume since you didn't mention it that your son is gaining weight without a problem? He has 5-6 wet diapers per day? If so, then you might have a slightly colicky baby. You should check with your pediatrician to see if there's anything medically wrong. If everything checks out, I would try several things.
Nurse him in a sling, so you can continue about your business during the day despite your baby's long nursing sessions. The soothing rocking movements of being worn in a sling also help fussy newborns get more sleep (and consequently nurse less).
A cause of some breastfed newborn fussiness (less than 10%) is a sensitivity to dairy proteins. You could try avoiding milk and milk products for a week and see if that makes any difference.
Are your baby's diapers mustardy and full of curds? That's a good sign. If there are green diapers, that can be an indication of an oversupply, which can also cause gas and fussiness. The solution in that case is quite simple, just keep your baby on the same breast for a couple feedings in a row (or until baby objects). Oversupplies tend to clear up in a matter of days with this approach, although you may need to switch breasts less often permanently.
I want to reassure you that your baby's nursing pattern, though unusual, is well within the range of normal nursing behavior. Baby's that need to nurse that heavily early on often slow down a bit between 3 and 6 months, and again between 9 and 12 months. Some babies eat seldom but heavy meals. Others snack frequently throughout the day. While still others seem to want a permanent attachment to the breast! I would be careful to avoid pacifiers during this stage, since they may cause some nipple confusion and frustration at the breast, which you will want to avoid.
I hope some of these ideas prove useful, and your pediatrician gives your baby a clean bill of health!
Happy Nursing!
| © 1999 Paula Bobbett Last Update: April 24, 1999 | |