Should I be expressing after every feed?

[Trimum2]

I posted earlier about feeding problems with DS2 (16 weeks). Davidsmum and Naturopath and I have been having a natter about potential causes. But whether there is a medical reason or whether its just a phase... I was wondering how I should manage supply in the meantime.

Basically, he is not feeding properly during the day. I express at breakfast because he takes virtually nothing - I gues because he gobbles so much from 4am to 5.30am (am getting around 6oz when I express at 8am). I express now for dream feed. But the midmorning / post lunch and tea time feeds... should I be expressing then to to keep up my supply?

I can feel after the feeds that he hasn't really drained breasts. Sometimes he feeds not too badly from one and then not really at all from second one (which I guess is a bit surprising for 16 weeks, no?)

I know to express if getting too engorged and heading for mastitis but I guess I am wondering if I should be expressing as a matter of course after every feed at the moment.

Would welcome thoughts as I am supply paranoid at this point!

[hunkermunker]

Read this on kellymom re distractible babies

[hunkermunker]

How are you, Trimum?

[Trimum2]

hello! Just logging back on. had a look at kellymom. Very interesting. what a brill site.

Anyway, he is still feeding the same. I think the morning feed is definitely sometimes impacted by him looking at DS1 rushing around. But others we are in a quiet room and not much going on. But, I hear what they are saying re the age (he is 4 months) and definitely interested in what is going on around him.

Anyway, expressed this evening earlier. He gobbled 4 oz EBM before bed at 7.15 after refusing to go back on breast at about 6.30. Will give him about 7oz around 11.30 / midnight (after I have extracted myself from here!!! and cleared up the mess). Plus he will feed well from 4am.. so at least I know he is not starving.

Its just frustrating that his day time BF behaviour is so odd and that he is taking most of his feeds late evening / middle of the night and not feeding properly during the day.

[hunkermunker]

Sounds very familiar. DS1 used to get distracted by my arm or a bit of wall in a quiet room, freeze, and stop sucking, sometimes unlatching, sometimes just utterly distracted but still latched on. DS2 was nosier, so used to crane his neck round to see the rest of the room and he had a thing about patterns on cushions, my top, etc.

I'm glad the link was reassuring - it really is normal.