Constant feeding

Hi, i just joined yesterday. My son is 5 weeks and he feeds for 1/2 an hour before he unlatches himself and falls asleep. He will not sleep away from me. As soon as i wake him he wants more, no matter how long he's slept for. He won"t sleep at night either unless he's right beside me. Is it normal for him to want food every awake moment? Or am i encouraging a dependency thing.

I had this exact same problem. Its hard when they feed all the time. I invested in a ring sling and fed as i was doing things. Kaydi also slept in this at times.

Have you tried to swaddle. I found Kaydi slept away from me for longer periods when i swaddled her.

You will get the 6 week growth spurt soon. This can be hard but once your past this your lo should ease on the feeding.

I found she wasn't always feeding, but using me for comfort.
If you watch the clip called pause in chin on this site -
http://www.thebirthden.com/Newman.html
You will be able to tell when your lo is feeding.

At 5 weeks your lo is still very young, i don't think you can encourage a dependency thing at this age. Your lo is doing what he should. He needs to know your close by incase he needs anything.

Keep up the good work, It gets easier.

Claire

I forgot to say that it takes 6 weeks for your milk supply to become fully established. Your lo is getting your supply to match his needs.

and welcome!

Fantastic answer from Claire - cant really add any more! the Jack Newman video clips are great - well worth watching.
These 1st 6 weeks are the toughest - but like Claire said, once past the 6 week growth spurt when your milk has established, baby will settle much better.

My babt only likes to sleep on / with me, and i just cherish the time.
Both of my older 2 did too (now 3 & 4) and they have been sleeping in their own beds/rooms from 12 months.

hi hun and welcome to the forum! claire's answer was brilliant cant really add anything to it! lol. As kay says, the first 6 week are like this until your milk supply is established. I felt like i was just sat on the couch constantly feeding bethany for the first 6 week. You sound like your doing a brilliant job hun :aww:

keep up the good work your doing a great job!!!

I agree with the others, its normal hun and the hardest are the first 6 weeks.

Your doing fab though!!

Thank you so much, i just needed to hear it was normal. i don't want to create a bad habit but i also don't want to take away any bonding time if he needs it right now.