I have nearly 3 wk old DD who had problems feeding from birth (wouldn't latch on in hospital). We were discharged after 48 hours (my choice) with a plan for feeding her formula, although I then had some luck with BF once we were home. However, by day 4, she was found to be 13% below birthweight, and ever since then we have been on mixed feeding. She was also found to have a tongue tie, which was corrected when she was 5 days old.
She has started to gain weight now (although still quite a bit below her birth weight) and the current feeding plan (as advised by MW/paediatricians) is to feed 4 hourly, with 30 mins of BF, then 90ml of formula. I also express when I can, although have never managed to get more than an ounce at a time.
The main priority has been (quite rightly) to get DD to gain weight, but it seems that my milk supply got off to a bad start and has never had a chance to get going properly (birth was forceps and I felt really low in the days afterwards, and also felt bombarded with varying advice re feeding while in hospital, none of which seemed to really help). In addition, no one has been able to reassure me that things will get any better and it seems I will always have to give formula at every feed.
In terms of current BF, my boobs have grown quite a lot, especially week 2 onwards, DD seems to be latching on well, and after feeding is generally a bit drowsy with milk dribbling from her mouth (as if she has fed well??). However, within 30 mins - 1 hour she is happy to take the bottle of formula and often is quite hungry for it.
So here are my questions:
- I have no idea whatsoever how much BF is contributing to feeding (I know that what I express is not necessarily an indicator, but it isn't encouraging!). DD is very fond of BF, but have no idea now efficiently she is getting milk, or how much is available. My boobs are quite soft (although achey and quite sore after feeds) and have never had any milk squirting or even close to it.
- Is there any way of improving supply? I realise I am up against it given that formula has to be given - this caused massive distress to me as I felt I'd been written off and seem to have just been told to accept that my milk supply is what it is
- Is there any way we could move towards at least cutting the amount of formula feeds in half? I keep being reassured by HCPs that there is a point to me continuing BF due to health benefits, but finding mixing really hard, ie BF first and then racing to the kitchen to make up bottles each time. It's certainly not how I thought things would be!
Would be grateful for any advice anyone can give. Just realising these last few days how hugely common feeding issues are, but just can't believe we are stuck with this 4 hourly juggling routine of BF, pump and FF!