2 day old baby: why are they so fussy and hungry? Are the starving?

You did it. You had your beautiful baby. The first day was magical—baby slept a lot, everyone oohed and aahed, and you thought, maybe this won’t be so hard after all…?

And then comes night two.

Suddenly, your tiny, sleepy newborn turns into a baby who wants to nurse alllll night long.

They’re restless.

They cry if you try to set them down.

You start wondering if you’re “making enough milk” or “doing something wrong.”

Take a deep breath, friend.

This is completely normal.

It even has a name: Second Night Syndrome.

Here’s why it happens:

• Labor is exhausting for babies too. They’re often too tired to feed much the first day.
• By the second night, their instincts kick in: they need to cluster feed—nursing very frequently to help your body get the signal: “Hey! Make lots of milk now, please!”
• Newborns need about 22–24 good feedings in the early days to help transition colostrum into mature milk.
• This marathon nursing session is a critical part of establishing your long-term milk supply.
  (It’s messy. It’s exhausting. It’s actually brilliant.)

But let’s be real:

When you’re sleep-deprived, sore, and figuring out how to breastfeed, it can feel completely overwhelming.

Here are a few tips to survive (and even thrive) during the Second Night:

1. Sleep when the baby sleeps—seriously.

If they’re snoozing during the day, you should be too. The dishes, the texts, the social media updates can all wait.

(You’re not lazy—you’re wise.)

2. Use hand expression.

Sometimes babies get tired from all the trying. If they’re not latching great yet, or if you want to boost milk flow, hand express some colostrum. Even a few drops can be magic for them and help keep your supply rolling.

3. Know it’s temporary.

This crazy-feeling night (or two) isn’t your new normal. As milk volume increases and your baby gets stronger at nursing, things get easier.

(Usually by night 3 or 4, you’ll be able to breathe again.)

4. Get cozy and make it easier on yourself.

Set up a “nest” with water, snacks, and pillows. Dim lights. Put on a show or a podcast. Make it as gentle and restful as you can, even if sleep is off the table for a bit.

5. Ask for help.

Even if only for emotional support. Partners, friends, postpartum doulas, lactation consultants—you deserve backup.

Bottom line:

You are not failing.

Your baby is not broken.

This is exactly how it’s supposed to look right now.

You’re doing an incredible job, even if it’s 3 AM and you’re crying and googling “how to get a newborn to sleep.”

Second Night Syndrome is tough—but so are you.

And I promise, sunrise will come.