Help Needed from Moms of 2 or more who EBF - Surviving the First Week.

Baby #2 came on Saturday morning and I am breastfeeding. DD will not sleep at night unless on someone. I know this will change, but I could use some words of encouragement for how to get through the next few days. First time around I could sleep in the middle of the day -- that won't work as well with a toddler here, even if someone else is around to help.... Do I just push through on 3 hours of sleep and remind myself that next week should be better or does anyone have any other brilliant solutions?

Re: Help Needed from Moms of 2 or more who EBF - Surviving the First Week.

First congratulations!

Second
Definitely not. It may be ok for a day or 2. I think we've all fuctioned on occasion with that much sleep but it is not a solution for a few days in a row.

There is no doubt that there is more sleep deprivation with the second but your body will start producing less milk, you will be completely exhausted & won't be able to function. They always tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps. For me that meant sleeping while the baby nursed at night too. That meant bringing her into bed with me to nurse. It was the only way I could function the next day.

If the person helping you has to take dd#1 out for a few hours - library, lunch, anywhere - that may help a bit.

You will get into an easier groove once she gets on a routine & her stomach grows a little more. For now, do whatever you can - even if it means napping while dd#1 is in front of a movie.

Re: Help Needed from Moms of 2 or more who EBF - Surviving the First Week.

Wow--congratulations!!
I don't have any brilliant insights. DH didn't/couldn't take any time off. When Abby was born, Katherine went out at least 3x a week--to my mom's, my MIL's and my cousin's. I don't know if you have that luxury, but that was a life-saver for sure! Otherwise, I think I just "pushed on through" realizing it would get better. Good luck!!!

Re: Help Needed from Moms of 2 or more who EBF - Surviving the First Week.

Congratulations on your new little bundle .

Like Erin and Barbara said you definitly push through it. The first week is probably the hardest because you need to get use to a baby waking up again. It is amazing what your body can do and you will probably end up pushing through it without even noticing. I also had the bassinet right next to me so I would change her nurse her and put her right back down. I didn't try the laying down position till she was a month because I didn't know how to do it. Once I figured it out it definitly helped out some nights even now I still do it once in a while.
What about introducing a pacifier or is it that she needs to be held?

I will say that 4.5 months later it is so much easier to BF with a toddler around.

Re: Help Needed from Moms of 2 or more who EBF - Surviving the First Week.

congratulations

Re: Help Needed from Moms of 2 or more who EBF - Surviving the First Week.

I don't have two yet but I just wanted to say Congratulations!!