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Infant feeding

So confused about breast feeding

20 replies

Doodlekitty · 17/11/2012 20:09

Where to start? Been breast feeding since ds was born 7 days ago. On wed we ended up in hospital because he had lost so much weight. Hospital said my supply was poor so I topped up with formula. They had me feeding every 3 hours from the breast then topping up with as much formula as he would take (80ml was usual). We got out today and I've been working closely with bf support. They say there is no problem with my supply and that the top ups are not needed. Have advised me to feed on demand but not lat him go more than 3 hours.

Today he breast fed from 1.00 till about 30 mins ago, having 30 mins on boob them 5/15 mins rest then wanting noob back. I've just broke and given him a formula top up because in hospital he was sleeping for 3 hours and being woken for feed.

I don't know whose advice to follow. I'm terrified they will come to weigh him on mon and well end up back in. I really want to EBM, but not at the cost of my babies health.

Since starting the formula he is also very windy, lots of pumps and seems in pain with them. Any advice?

OP posts:
aamia · 17/11/2012 20:20

Have you got digital bathroom scales? I get on mine just me, then with baby and the difference is his weight. It would give you an idea of if the bf is working...

aufaniae · 17/11/2012 20:27

You may risk putting your own supply at risk if you top up, although I understand how you must be worrying about weight loss.

Do you know how much weight he lost btw?

A very good resource for BF advice is La Leche League. They have a helpline (available in the evenings, not just daytimes).

LLL helpline

Welovecouscous · 17/11/2012 20:28

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Welovecouscous · 17/11/2012 20:29

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Loislane78 · 17/11/2012 20:29

There are some clever BF folk on here who will be along shortly to give you some good advice :)

Sorry you're having a rough start. My opinion for what its worth and not knowing all the deets is that I would follow the advice of a good BF counsellor and see what happens for a few days. All too often, formula top ups are mooted as the answer and if you want to give EBF a shot you might have to feed A LOT to establish supply. Have you been pumping? Obviously health comes first whatever feeding method. You getting lots of wet/dirty nappies today? Is he feeding or comfort sucking too?

Hospitalized or not, its not that uncommon for marathon feeding sessions early on but takes confidence to know they're getting enough and I understand your concern.

GL :)

Welovecouscous · 17/11/2012 20:30

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Doodlekitty · 17/11/2012 20:45

Sorry, I have missed a few details, my head is all over the place! I'm only feeding from 1 side as I have an inverted nipple on other. Have tried Sheilds etc but he just won't latch. I'm expressing from that side and keep offering in the hope he will learn.

Expressing from 'good' side sometimes but I worry that if I express then there will not be enough for him.

OP posts:
Doodlekitty · 17/11/2012 20:46

Oh, and he lost 15% of birth weight. Had regained 5% in 3 days

OP posts:
Loislane78 · 17/11/2012 20:56

Express off the 'good' side at the end of the feed which will also help build supply. You're never 'empty', works on demand/supply.

DreamySleepyNightySnoozySnooze · 17/11/2012 21:01

Keep the milk you express - you can give it to him from a little cup, so you're not wasting it.

Put it in a sterile container and keep it in the fridge. I think it will keep for about 3 days in there, but I will double check that for you now.

DreamySleepyNightySnoozySnooze · 17/11/2012 21:03

This is from The Breastfeeding Network website -

"You can store milk in a fridge at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius for up to 3 days and a fridge 0 to 4 degrees Celsius for up to 8 days (* Please note these guidelines are for healthy term babies)."

iwillsleepagainsomeday · 17/11/2012 21:06

the more you let him access the breast the more you will produce. So keep him as close as possible so he can up your supply as fast as he can. I have no experience with FF nor EBF but would say that a 3h break for such a young baby is more likely for FF than for BF babies.

give a ring to LLL. And keep strong. It will get better.

AllThreeWays · 17/11/2012 21:44

My little fellow was on the boob constantly for the first few weeks, perfectly normal. Three hours is a long time to go between meals for such a little one. Newborns stomachs are the size of a thimble so need constant refilling.
Stomach will grow and supply will establish itself properly soon, just keep letting him feed.

Doodlekitty · 17/11/2012 22:14

Thanks guys. Baby finally fell asleep so I grabbed a quick hour. He's back on the breast now though. Feel a bit better and am now in touch with lll

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aufaniae · 17/11/2012 22:25

LLL are great :)

If you're determined to up your supply and are worried about weight, a good thing to do with such a young baby is to just retreat to your bed, do skin-to-skin and let your baby feed on demand. Sleep when you can, read, mumsnet, watch box-sets, whatever you like, but basically just hang out in bed with your baby for a few days. Sod the cleaning etc! It can wait. This is important :)

BenRoo · 19/11/2012 19:54

^what she said^ Grin

My advice would be the above.
Feed feed feed mumma.
Bfing can be an intense thing in the early days.
I found LLL,my local bf supporters,friends and mn a great help.
Good luck lovely Smile

Doodlekitty · 19/11/2012 20:56

Thanks everyone. Baby has gained weight making me a happy mammy. Feeding all of the time, but it's working and that's all that matters

OP posts:
Welovecouscous · 19/11/2012 21:25

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aufaniae · 19/11/2012 22:23

That's brilliant, great news! Well done both of you :)

AllThreeWays · 21/11/2012 09:23

yay

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