I am a ftm exclusively breastfeeding my 9 day old baby. I've been having a couple struggles/'problems'. To keep this post somewhat short I'll make bullet points. I'm just looking for any advice or similar situations and what you did?
● when trying to latch him he waves about and shoves his hands in his face and mouth stopping me from getting anywhere near his mouth and then gets frustrated he's not got a boob in his mouth (goes on for 5 to 10 mins sometimes and he gets really frustrated, and between juggling him and my boob I can't hold his hands out the way)
● the first 5 days of latching were amazing and had no problems but now he will fuss and struggle to latch and when he finally does he either falls asleep super quick (we tickle him, cold wet wipe and strip him down and he still just falls asleep), he does dream feed but these are usually super short and I feel like its not enough for him or he pops off within the first minute or two and cries because he's not got the boob in his mouth and then struggles to get latched, then pops off again when he does manage. It's a vicious cycle.
● doesn't wake up for feeds day and night time. I'm having to wake him up if he's asleep. Gives hunger cues when he's awake.
● over the last few days he will only take 1 boob for 10 mins, sometimes this satisfies him till 3 hours later (which is when I wake and feed him if he's asleep, if hes awake he'll start showing hes hungry by then) but then sometimes he's hungry again very soon after. I just worry he's not getting enough or that i can't figure out when it's comfort or milk he wants.
I feel clueless and getting really emotional over this whole situation because I know we're both trying so hard I can see that he is I just can't get it figured out. I know this is all probably very trivial but it's really getting to me 🙃
Pic of my sleepy bubba for tax 💙
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My LO only fed for 5min 10 max and I was worried sick! I just kept feeding him every 2-3hrs in the early days or he would cluster feed. My HV just said check for wet nappies and for my sanity I got him weighed. They are so supportive and can refer infant feeding team to you. It's early days but if you feel like going out I would highly recommend your local breastfeeding support group (normally at the family hub)

Probably doesnt help but my baby is 15 days old and does the exact same! They said as long as they are gaining weight and having the right amount of wet / poo nappies a day then not to worry. We’ve got to a point now where if she’s getting agitated or crying the only time she will stop is when on the boob💀😆. I’d say on average she feeds for around 20 mins but can be 10 mins or can be 30, so does vary! And she loves slinging her hands everywhere and then pops off gets agitated if she can’t latch on straight away until I help her back on and she’s fine again haha

For the hands in the mouth thing I used to swaddle my baby when feeding otherwise he wouldn’t stop sucking on his hands 😂