Expert: ruth kraft - 2/4/2009

Question
My baby is nearly 4wks old, weighs 3 and half kg, has urine in each nappy change and poo once or twice daily but constantly falls asleep (into deep coma-like sleep) when put to the breast. I've tried everything to keep him awake. Once he gets latched on he immediately falls asleep. Just been to a pediatrician as his weight isn't gaining and been told to feed every 3hrs night and day. The problem still continues and my milk supply is beginning to dwindle. I pump in order to get enough breastmilk into him after each feed. Bottle feeding is easier than breastfeeding but I'm afraid of my milk reducing if I only pump and also am afraid of him getting too used to bottle feeding. I'm worried that he's a baby that should be formula fed and I should stop struggling to breastfeed. He had jaundice at birth, has just been tested and is clear. I wonder why he falls into such a deep sleep even when he's hungry. Please help as I'm at my wits end!

Answer
its normal for him to want to sleep. Once he starts nursing he gets an endorphin rush that makes him very sleepy. He loves nursing. If he is getting enough while nursing, and is having the wet and dirty diapers, it shouldn't be a problem. you should have to bottle feed. if he is a lazy nursling the bottles could very well make it worse. I don't know what you have tried. Undress him completely before you nurse him. no socks no hat, cool washcloth to wipe his face and wake him up more. it sounds to me like a lazy nurser. All babies are suppose to be breastfed.  If his jaundice is gone, that is another sign that he is getting enough. I think hes just a slow nurser. I would go to LLL.org and find a consultant close to you and have her do an evaluation in person. and in the mean time , undress him. this lazy nurser stuff usually goes away between 6 and 8 weeks.

I wish you well! I know its frustrating but please don't give up. You baby needs the breastmilk more than most things... But to do a proper evaluation, the baby needs to be seen by a breastfeeding expert.

Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com