Picking up a crying newborn

DD fals asleep immediately after a feeding. I hold her for 10 or 15 minutes after each feeding and she is so calm and peaceful. As soon as I lay her down - regardless of whether it's in her bouncer or bassinet - she will begin to cry hysterically until she is picked up. Nighttime feedings take over 2 hours (sometimes 3) from the time I pick her up to feed her till the time she falls asleep and stays asleep!

Am I spoiling her or developing bad habits by picking her up? I feel as if she is too young to be spoiled and she needs to learn that she is safe and comforted BUT my pediatrician feels as if I am spoiling her. She is only 3 weeks old.

Any input is welcomed! Thanks!

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

Maybe try putting her down immediately after feeding instead of holding her for 15 minutes?

I feel the same way - you can't spoil a newborn.

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

i always had luck putting her down quietly and than holding my hand on her chest so she gets the illusion shes still being held and than i slowly let go. do you use a paci?
does she like swaddling?

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

I am not a parent yet - 10 days to go. However, I've read and heard plenty of times that its impossible to spoil a newborn. That they need you the most at this point.

Message edited 8/25/2010 11:33:48 PM.

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

Definitely try the swaddle. Also, smell your LOs breath. If there is any hint of a rough or foul smell, refulx may be presenting and laying down too soon may make it worse. With DS2, I could not lay him down for 20 - 30 min after a feeding or he would be in pain from the reflux.

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

i always sit dd up for at least 10-15 mins after she eats.

also look on youtube for the happiest baby on the block.
pretty cool.

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

Definitely swaddle. She likes to be snuggled and that will help her feel secure.

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

I had the same problem and it ended up being reflux. Does she spit up a lot?

I started BFing DS in a semi-upright position and either held him or put him in the sling after feedings, until I discovered the FP Sleep & Play Rocker (they sleep on an angle in it). That thing saved me!!!

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

my 3 week old is the same way!

what sometimes works for us is when he has like 3/4 of an ounce left in his bottle i put him in whatever he's gonna sleep in - this way when he falls asleep all milk drunk i don't have to move him!

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

You absolutely cannot spoil a baby that young. How can you spoil them when they have no means to soothe themselves, feed themselves, etc.? If you already swaddle, make sure it's tight enough. Babies like to be swaddle really tightly. And I agree with the others who said it could be reflux. My DD was the same way, not able to be put down after a feeding and she had reflux.

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

DD was the same way- I would definitely try swaddling- which DD did not like, but DS loved. We also purchased the snuggle nest and that worked wonders for DD- and we used it right from the start with DS and never had a problem putting him down...

Re: Picking up a crying newborn

My DD is the same way.
The second you move her she wakes up crying.
Watch the Happiest Baby on the Block- that Dr. is a baby whisperer!
Basically he recommends swaddling and some other techniques to get them to stay asleep.

I also make sure she is in a deeper sleep before moving her and then move her slowly to her bassinet or bouncy, rocking her as a move her. Then I slowly put her down, still rocking and swaying her.
Once she is down I keep my hand on her for a bit and bounce the bouncy seat or rock the bassinet.

But the swaddle is HUGE. She wont' sleep right without it!