Terri
You are asking a question without an easy answer. I think it is within the
realm of normal for a baby to feed right away after birth, and then go into
a good long sleep and wake later, and maybe not get in 8 or more feeds in
the first day or two. I think it is also within the realm of normal for baby
to feed pretty often from the first day on. It is common, but not really
normal, for a baby to be drugged, so that does have an negative effect. The
mom being drugged too will affect how she responds to the baby.
I think even some babies born natural (without drugs) can be tired and
sleepy for a day or two. Especially if the baby has had a few good feeds,
and is sleeping WITH THE MOM, meaning he has access to the breast if he
wants it, then I wouldn't be too concerned. If mom was concerned that baby
was not eating, or if baby hasn't had ANY good feeds, then I certainly would
be in favor of expressing and feeding the colostrum every couple hours. This
would also be recommended for a baby who was premature or small for
gestational age, or was an infant of a diabetic mother, or any other
category putting the baby at higher risk if not feeding. There is not easy
answer.
In the hospital setting where I am also, since drugged births are almost
100% and a high rate of inductions and sections, I expect a somewhat sleepy
baby for the first 24 to 36 hrs or so, although I would expect to see a few
good feeds. I discuss with the mother, that the baby should certainly become
more "demanding" and an "active participant" in the feeding, or "picking up
his appetite" by the time he is ready to go home. I make sure the mother
knows to expect the feedings to pick up from day one. I make sure the dyads
get a followup too, that is so so important in my opinion. Do you all have a
followup program?
Laurie Wheeler RN, MN, IBCLC
MISSISSIPPI USA

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