Breastfed baby has become lazy
My daughter is 6 weeks old and I feel like she's not feeding enough. She seems to be dropping off to sleep during most feeds. She does stay on the boob if I try to pull away but she's only feeding reallllly lightly and I'm worried she isn't getting anything?
I know as they get older babies get more efficient at milk removal but this seems a bit too efficient 🤣
The health visitor is coming tomorrow so I'll ask her anyway but I just thought I'd see if anyone else could relate to this?
Thanks.
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Other weight is good and she's having plenty of wet and dirty nappies then she's good!
babies can feed for as little as 5 mins xx
It's called non nutritive sucking and is still an important part of your breastfeeding relationship and milk supply.
your little one isn't being lazy! At 6 weeks, there are a few very normal biological reasons why they start 'dozing off' or feeding differently:
• The 'Milk Coma': Breast milk contains hormones like CCK and oxytocin that act as natural sedatives for babies. If she’s drifting off, it’s often a sign she’s feeling full and satisfied.
• Increased Efficiency: You mentioned she might be getting more efficient, and you're likely right!.
• Comfort -At this age, they often transition from 'active' feeding to 'flutter' sucking. Even if it feels light, she’s likely getting the high-fat hindmilk or simply using the contact to regulate her nervous system.
• Growth Spurts: 6 weeks is a major peak for growth spurts. Sometimes their little bodies are so exhausted from growing that they prioritize sleep right after they
P.S. This is very common! As they grow, they can become so distracted by their surroundings that will bring new challenges, including short feeds, but often
Thanks everyone, your replies have been reassuring! As someone who has fed two babies and they both were slow to regain birth weight and to climb in weight from then on (specifically my first born), I was concerned my daughter wouldn't be getting enough and her growth would slow too. Hopefully when she is weighed later she will be on track.
She has been weighed and all is well! She's plotting comfortably on the 99th percentile which is where she was born. I'm pleased! I can stop stressing now for maybe one minute 🤣
Thanks again for all your reassurance x
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