Newborn never seems happy

[Js32313]

I have a newborn. He is 9 days old. We came home from hospital Monday. He seemed pretty content in hospital. Only cried when hungry or having diaper changed. Now we're home. He cries all the time. Only seems happy on the breast. After eating if he doesnt go to sleep we spend tons of time trying things to soothe him. Nothing lasts long. He doesn't even seem happy just being held. Is this normal newborn behavior? Are we doing something wrong? He always seems like wants to nurse even after e just did. Hasn't taken to a pacifier. Calms if can get hands in mouth but since has no control of hands it doesn't last long. We have tried lots. Any suggestions. I hate seeing him so upset.

 

[staralfur]

Unfortunately very normal. Nursing was the only thing my LO was content doing for a long time. In the hospital they're pretty sleepy and quiet because being born is tough stuff, but once they've realized they're in the outside world and are trying to get used to their surroundings, it can be pretty scary. My LO took immediate comfort in nursing, so along with the normal frequent feeding, she wanted to be on the breast for comfort, too. No one else could hold her without her crying and most of the time she'd cry with me, too, unless she had a boob in her mouth.

My LO never took a soother, either. I found that it was best just to embrace it - get cozy on the couch/recliner and nurse away. Those early days feel pretty lazy and like you should be up doing things, but I actually really miss being stuck on my chair, snacks and a show on, with a nursing baby.

 

[noon_child]

Very normal. His stomach is growing so your breasts are playing catch up guessing how much to make to satisfy him, plus he's used to never being cold, never being hungry, never having silence, never being still, never being away from the sound of your heart. The world us a tough place to get used to. I always got quite upset reading people saying "just hold her, she wants to be close to you" because she never seemed content being held, she smelled the milk and wanted it (which was tough for me because I had a lot of pain nursing). Thing is there is no set of rules to say a baby should behave in such and such a way. Usually we get upset and frustrated when the reality of the baby doesn't match the expectations. So try to let go of the expectations and do what your baby is telling you he wants.

 

[bundle4me]

Yes normal, till your milk supply is to what he needs he may nurse lots then it settles then they have a growth spurt and over nurse to get your supply up again, which is what my lo is doing at the moment so she's back on every 2hrs at 9 weeks.