It's tough to feed a sleeping baby, and a newborn can be especially hard to wake up! Start by checking his diaper. The cool blast of air on his bottom is often enough to get him going! Gently rubbing his sides, back, or the soles of his feet may also do the trick. If all else fails, try gently wiping his face with a cool cloth.
It's fairly common for a new baby to want to eat very frequently, particularly if your milk hasn't come in yet. Remember, your baby is trying to build your milk supply. Each time your baby empties your breast, your breast then tells your body - okay, time to make more milk! Babies will also want to eat frequently during what we call "growth spurts". Basically, your baby's demand can exceed the supply of milk, and so your baby will increase the frequency of nursing so that your milk supply will also increase. Growth spurts usually only last for a day or two. If your baby consistently wants to nurse more frequently than every 1 1/2-2 hours, she may not be getting enough at each feeding. Try increasing the time at each breast. Also, make sure that your baby is really hungry and not just wanting to suck. Frequent feeding does not necessarily mean that you don't have an adequate milk supply. If your body is not making enough milk, don't worry. Supplementing with formula may be a solution. Always check with your baby’s provider before giving your baby formula. It may not be needed and can actually be detrimental to breast feeding.
If your nipples do get sore, DON'T QUIT! They will get better. Try nursing your baby more frequently so that he won't have such a big appetite and won't have to nurse as long at each feeding. Start the feeding on the least sore side, because babies tend to suck more vigorously at the first breast. It may also be helpful to limit your baby's time at the sore breast. It's okay for your baby to continue to nurse if you have a cracked nipple, even if it bleeds. If it becomes too painful to nurse you can give that side a rest for 24-48 hours to allow it to heal. Let your baby nurse on the breast that isn't as sore, and pump or express your breast milk from the affected side. Gradually resume nursing on the affected side in small amounts until your baby is nursing from both sides equally. Make sure that your baby is latched on right! Taking a mild pain reliever like acetaminophen 15 to 30 minutes before feeding may help relieve your sore nipples. Putting ice packs on your nipples just before feeding may also help. Just be sure to cover any ice pack with a paper towel or some sort of cloth before putting it on your skin. Many women find tea bags helpful. Apply or blot warm, steeped tea bags to the nipples after feeding and allow to air dry. The tannic acid found in teas promotes healing. Use regular, not herbal or decaffeinated tea since these do not contain tannic acid.
Feeding time can be a stressful time for both you and your baby. It may feel awkward at first, but remember -- this is a learning experience for both of you. It usually takes a week or two before most women really start to feel comfortable with breast feeding. In time it can probably become the most natural thing in the world. It's important for you to be comfortable. It might help to find a quiet, secluded spot where you and your baby can be alone to relax during the feeding. Babies are very perceptive to emotions. Your baby picks up on your stress and anxiety, and that stress can also inhibit your "let down" reflex. Remember patience and perseverance are the keys!
Engorgement, if it happens to you, will usually occur several days after you deliver your baby. It's caused by an increase in circulation to your breasts, and your incoming milk supply. It can be quite uncomfortable as your breasts become hard and tender because of the engorged tissue. Frequent feeding by your baby will normally take care of the problem in a day or two. If your breasts become so engorged that it's hard for your baby to latch on, it may be necessary to express some milk. Taking a warm shower or placing warm compresses on your breasts will increase the flow of milk. Pump or hand-express some milk to make your breast soft enough for your baby to latch on easily. Be careful not to pump or express too much milk, since this can prolong engorgement by signaling your body to make more milk. A mild pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, and ice packs applied to your breasts can be used to help ease the discomfort. Engorgement is normally not a problem once your baby is nursing well.