Concerned First-Time Mom: My 16-Day-Old Baby is Lethargic and Not Feeding Well
Hello, everyone. I’m reaching out as a new mother who's going through a challenging situation. My journey through pregnancy was difficult, marked by severe morning sickness, sciatica, and fewer fetal movements, but luckily, all the ultrasounds yielded positive results. I gave birth at 39 weeks and 4 days through induction and had a vaginal delivery. Our daughter arrived healthy, weighing 3.3 kg (7 lb 4 oz), although I faced complications during childbirth, including issues with the placenta and considerable blood loss, which made it quite traumatic for me. For the initial two weeks, my baby thrived. She showed a strong appetite, and we practiced combination feeding since my milk supply is limited, relying mostly on bottles. She was feeding appropriately, and we noticed a good number of wet and soiled diapers, plus she was usually alert when awake and maintained normal sleep patterns. However, yesterday when she was 15 days old, I noticed a significant change. After waking up at 6 AM, she slept for an extended period of five hours, contrary to her typical two-hour naps. Upon my attempts to wake her for a feeding, she struggled to stay awake. Whenever I tried to feed her, she promptly dozed off, was unresponsive, and had difficulty drinking. We ended up taking her to the hospital where the medical team suspected an infection. They performed blood tests, urine analysis, and even a lumbar puncture. So far, there hasn’t been any fever or clear indication of infection, though we're still waiting on the results of some cultures. She remains excessively sleepy and continues to fall asleep while feeding, which has led to reduced intake. In the past 18 hours, she's only had around six wet or dirty diapers, which is on the low side, especially compared to her previous outputs. A particularly distressing incident occurred in the emergency department when I noticed her hands and feet tremble; it was alarming since she’s never experienced that before. I’m feeling scared and anxious without concrete answers from the doctors. If we continue to receive negative test results, I worry that we may be discharged with a lethargic baby who is struggling to feed and exhibiting unexplained shaking. I’m unsure how to keep her awake long enough for her to eat adequately, and I’m deeply concerned about potential weight loss. Emotionally, I’m overwhelmed. The experience of nearly losing my life during childbirth weighs heavily on me, fueling my anxiety. I would appreciate it if you could approach my situation with kindness; I am not seeking judgment. If anyone has gone through something similar or has any insights, it would mean a lot to hear from you.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 7:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing as a new mom. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious, especially after such a difficult pregnancy and delivery. Your concerns for your baby's well-being are very valid, and I want to provide you with some support and practical steps that may help.
Main Points
Your 16-day-old baby’s lethargy and difficulty feeding can be concerning, especially given her history and your recent experiences. While the hospital is running tests to rule out infections, it’s crucial to keep an eye on her feeding and hydration status.
Explanation
Lethargy in newborns can have various causes, including infections, metabolic issues, or even dehydration. The trembling you observed can sometimes indicate a low blood sugar level, especially if she’s not feeding well. It's good that you sought medical attention, as they are best suited to identify any underlying issues.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Continue Monitoring: Keep closely observing her feeding patterns. If she continues to struggle to stay awake during feedings, it may be helpful to try feeding her in different positions or gently stimulating her (such as through light rubbing on her back or feet) to help keep her awake.
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Feed Smaller but More Frequent: If possible, offer small amounts of formula or breastmilk every 1-2 hours instead of waiting for her to show hunger cues, as she may need gentle encouragement to take in enough volume.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure she’s receiving adequate fluids. Even if you’re worried about her not feeding sufficiently, any milk or formula is better than none. If she does not seem to be able to take anything, maintain contact with the healthcare team.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a diary of her feeding amounts, number of wet/dirty diapers, and any other symptoms. This information can be valuable to the medical team, especially if her condition doesn’t improve.
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Reassess Immediately if Symptoms Change: If you observe any severe changes in her condition, such as significant tremors, unresponsiveness, or if she appears very dehydrated (dry mouth, few wet diapers), seek immediate medical help.
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Emotional Support: Given the emotional toll you’ve experienced, consider seeking support for yourself as well. Whether it’s speaking with a counselor or joining a support group for new mothers, it can be comforting to share your experiences with others who understand.
It’s great that you sought help quickly, and I hope you receive clearer answers soon. Remember that you’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to ask for assistance when you need it. Take care of yourself, and I’m here if you need further support or information.
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