I'm currently obsessed with breastfeeding because I've found it very difficult and I'm trying to learn as much about the mechanics, tips, tricks, etc to maximize our bf'ing relationship so I keep it up. I'm struggling to understand something re: hunger cues.

So I keep hearing, in the first two weeks, to feed every 2 hours at most with a max 4-hour stretch once per night. That you'll probably need to wake them up after 2 hours, but once they get older, they'll let you know they're hungry on their own schedule. That all makes sense. I also keep hearing, "watch the baby, not the clock." Which makes sense because we have had a lot of issues with getting him latched properly (engorgement, small nipples combined with large breasts) that is compounded when he's ravenous. Once he starts crying it takes 3 times as long for him to latch.

But my question is: We have him nap in his pack n play in the living room. Unless we have our eyes on him constantly, we won't always see his visual hunger cues, and will only catch if he fusses audibly -- or when he wakes and starts crying, at which point I know I'm in for a nightmare of a feed. So how do you know your baby is hungry and catch it in time if you're not constantly watching them like a hawk? Or do you just pretty much watch them like a hawk (makes sleeping when the baby sleeps a bit difficult ;))?

Another, related question: What are your tricks for waking a sleepy baby? I've tried disrobing him, changing his diaper, sitting him up and laying him down in my lap, tickling, waiting for REM sleep, turning off lights... sometimes they work, but sometimes nothing wakes him and then by the time I am finally able to rouse him sometimes 3+ hours have passed and then he's like a raving lunatic clawing at my boob.

Look forward to many more bf'ing questions and vents to come...