Frequent breastfeedings

Need help! Im breastfeeding my 2 weeks old baby and she is eating every hour! Whats wrong? She can only sleep from 9 to 12am and the rest of time she is eating. At night it's a terror, and she seems more nervous in the second part of the day. Her breathing during feeding time is very fast. Can someone share the advice?

[johannaviles]

Same thing here! He eats every 1-2 hours.  Nights are horrible for me, because im so terrified of falling asleep while feeding him.  My sons breathing is very fast while im feeding him, wich i assume is normal, he even makes funny noises while eating.  Hang in there mommy, you're not alone, they will eventually get used to it and things will get more manageable.
Good luck!

[babydreams9]

Nothing is wrong! My son ate every hour very often for the first month and still does when he goes through growth spurts (he's now almost 12 weeks). Breast milk is easily digested and therefore babies who are breastfed eat more frequently. Your baby may be going through a growth spurt. During these times, babies seem to eat constantly - it's important for their growing bodies, and for you to make enough milk (the more she nurses, the more you make). Furthermore, breastfed babies often nurse not only for food, but for comfort. It can be demanding at times, but think of it as priceless bonding time between you and your daughter. Her feedings will be a bit erratic for awhile but will eventually even out and become more predictable/routine. Be sure to feed on demand (never by the clock!), and let her feed as long as she needs. Don't offer the second breast until you're sure she's done w/the first, to allow for her to get more of the hindmilk which will keep her fuller longer. The nights will get better. My son woke every 1-2 hours for the first 2 months, then finally around 9 weeks started waking every 3-4 hours. Hang in there!

As for her fast breathing, that's normal. No worries! You're doing great. :)

[AndiJ78]

Growth spurts, they will keep happening just about every 2 weeks. They nurse that often to build the supply and they make good use of it! these little ones TRIPLE their birth weight during the first year.

It is hard to stay full when you are getting the best food, it is so easy to digest, it is absorbed very quickly, thus requiring those frequent feedings.

The first 3 months are the hardest and then it gets easier. Keep feeding on demand, eat a balanced diet, take your vitamins, and keep hydrated. Sleep when baby sleeps if possible.

[ys1970]

Dear Moms! Thank you so much for your support! It's very important for me as i have no pediatrician who i may ask all my frequent questions. While i was on a bed resti found this site SO informative! and REALLY useful. I'll keep doing my night shifts because she deserves it. Thanx again! I hope we'll find support and experience to share any time we need it.

[AndiJ78]

Just keep plugging away, by the time 3 months have passed it will be old hat ;-)

Please feel free to ask questions any time. We are here to offer support in any way we can.