I have a 2 week old daughter, my 3rd child, my first girl. I know that all babies are different and I am not having problems with breastfeeding but her start to life has been very different than my other 2. My 2 boys were both very good at nursing, very punctual. I breastfed on demand and they never went more than 2 hours in between feedings. I exclusively breastfed, no bottles, no pumping, no formula. My daughter on the other hand, was jaundiced when she was born and although she seemed fine the first couple of days(when I was just producing colostrum), but then when we were released from the hospital and had to follow up with the doctor. Her bilirubin kept climbing and she eventually got put on the bili blanket. The doctor said that the jaundice explained her lazy nursing and that once she got better that will pass, that she would be more awake and alert. Well, she is during the day but at night she usually only wakes up twice to nurse. She is an excellent eater during the day sometimes nursing more frequently than every 2 hours but I am concerned at night. She is gaining weight but much more slowly than I remember my boys gaining weight. Should I worry about this and make sure to wake her every 2 hours at night? My mom says that my sister and I slept through the night much more quickly than my brother and I shouldn't worry about it but I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Thank you in advance for your advice. By the way, the doctor said she isn't too concerned since I have successfully nursed 2 healthy babies and she doesn't need to see her again until her 1 month visit.
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Recommended Answer:
As you say, all babies are different. You don't say what her weight it, or how much she lost initially.Most babies are back to their birthweight by 2 weeks. Even if your daughter is still a bit below her birthweight, as long as she is gaining and nursing often (and twice a night is plenty if she's nursing often during the day), she's fine.
Other Answers:
- If she's gaining weight, I wouldn't worry too much about it. You're right in that she had a rough start, so it might take her a little while to catch up. If you're stressing about her night feeds, why not give her a few dream feeds. Babies (especially newborns) are capable of nursing in their sleep. I also think that just because she's sleeping more right now, doesn't mean she will be sleeping the same next week. She's probably still healing up and recovering from birth and from the jaundice. Congrats and good luck!
- if it's worrying you that much then ask your doctor about it when she goes in for her check up. You said it yourself all babies are different. As long as she is alert in the day time and isn't weak or lethargic she should be fine. How are her diapers? are they "normal" ? What's her tempature is she looking sick at all? It could just be she's a slow grower .
