This thread is reminding me of the LLL International conference.  During
Chele Marmet's talk she was commenting on a trip she took (Japan I think -
don't have my notes handy) and that babies had bedside bassinets (like a
co-sleeper - the "arms" went under the mattress).  The mothers kept logs of
how often the babies nursed.  She was seeing 20+ times in the first 24
hours - this was considered normal, every baby had this pattern.  So what we
are probably seeing in these "hungry" babies are babies who know what the
norm is and aren't believing our cultural belief that they are supposed to
sleep for hours on end the first 24 - 48 hrs of life.  They know they are
supposed to be perma-latched to the breast and they aren't happy about
having to wait.  I know I usually have taught parents-to-be that their
newborn would sleep a lot the first day or two and would hardly nurse, which
is why latching on that first hour after birth was important - to remind the
babies they need to be doing this regularly after birth.  After hearing of
her experience, now I think we keep the babies away from mom too much so
many shut down and sleep - but it isn't "normal".

Felicia Henry
Breastfeeding supporter & CBE

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