I need help with a newborn falling asleep everytime she is feeding

[jenjams]

DD2 is 8 days today. She is a much different feeder to DD1 who was a strong feeder from the start.
DD2, everytime she feeds, she goes to sleep. I try tickling her toes, changing positions, clothes off, clothes on. She falls asleep and it feels like she is using me for as dummy. I cannot feel her swallowing and I am sure it will affect my supply eventually.
She is still having wet and dirty nappies so she is getting something.
Last night between 130 and 530 she was up about 4 times because I am sure everytime I feed her, she goes to sleep and again uses me as a dummy.
Can anyone suggest what I can do? I am slowly getting over the cracked nipples but this is making me worried... and yes tired.
Help would be great.

[MantaRay]

Sleepy babies are really hard work at first. Luckily it doesn't take too long for them to start waking better for feeds.

How many feeds is she having in 24 hours, and how many wet and dirty nappies? This should help give some clues as to whether she is getting enough or not. Also, does she wake for every feed or are you needing to wake her sometimes?

You have tried many of the tricks for waking babies up. Some mums also find that a cool facewasher brushed over the baby's skin can help too, and another trick is called the doll's eyes method. With this you lay your baby on your legs, then sit her up, then lie her down again, then sit her up. Sometimes this can work well. Babies can also feed during their light sleep cycles, so often with these sleepy babies, feeding while they are asleep can work well.

The more milk she gets, the sooner she will stop being so sleepy, so keep up the great work with trying to get her to feed.

[jenjams]

Hi MR
Thanks for replying. We are having around 7 or so feeds in 24 hours. She was feeding both sides but her last feed she only went one side before going to sleep.
I have been seriously doubting my bf'ing this time round but I want to persevere. I have a toddler as well and am just not enjoying feeding one bit.
She did drink a bit better last night. She is also having about 7 or so dirty nappies a day and wet mixed in there.

[MantaRay]

It sounds like she is getting plenty of milk and doing well hun. It shouldn't be too long before she is more wakeful. The early days are really hard but thank goodness it gets easier.