bf experts - am i doing the right things?

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

DS is 6.5 weeks. lost lots, gained it back, then put no weight on in 9 days (weighed 1 week ago at 1oz above bw)
have been mix feeding. 2 weeks ago reduced ffs gradually to 120 mls pd. since last weigh have increased how much i offer the breast and also increased ffs to 180-200 mls pd. i don't want to increase more unless it's going to affect his health - is that ok?
since i reduced ffs he has pooed much less. last fri he did 2 big yellow poos but nothing since, but i think he will do one today (straining and small smear in nappy)i've been told that's ok.
he has fed lots since i started offering boob more - could that be a growth spurt? also, is it really ok that he isn't pooing?
other question - is my milk supply 'established' now? will i still be able to increase it with feeding?
also - will i ever be able to express more than 10ml?

thanks!

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

bump....

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

bumpity bump

[BennyAndJoon]

It is ok for no poo everyday after a certain amoung of time, but I am buggered if I can remember how long (I will look see if I can find out)

If you are offering more boob then he may be feeding more to stimulate your supply, and it will increase with feeding.

try here

[BennyAndJoon]

and you are doing the right things

expressing is not necessarily a good indication of what you are producing.

Have a read of kellymom (link in other post) but ask anything else you like

[BennyAndJoon]

oh and here is good too

[LackaDAISYcal]

bumping for you kat, as I'm not an expert.

Well done for keeping on breastfeeding inspite of the formula top upsBF if you would like to, but I think you need to reduce the amount of formula top ups gradually to allow you to do that.

wholly breast fed babies, after the first six weeks or so can go from pooing three times a day to once every 10 days; there is a whole spectrum of what's normal, but I don't know for sure what effect the formula will have on that.

they do have a growth spurt around this time, so I'd suggest just keep offering the breast every time he wants a feed. and yes your supply usually starts to regulate itself around the 6-8 week mark so the more the baby feeds the more you will make for him to have. Obviously the formula will have an effect on that physiological process though.

expressing is an odd one and how much you can express bears no relationship to the amount your boobs are producing. some women find that expressing from the other boob during a feed works for them, others find expressing first thing in the morning is much more productive. Do you look at your baby as you express, or a photo of him? This can help with your letdown reflex.

someone with more experience of mix feeding will be along soon I'm sure

[LackaDAISYcal]

Meant to ask; what is his weight gain like now?

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

thanks! i don't know what his gain has been (if any) the last weekand he's not getting weighed til monday (cross fingers!)

[LackaDAISYcal]

if his weight is OK on Monday, then you can look at stopping the formula top ups and just get him on the boob as often as he wants it.

A good way of boosting things is to have a wee babymoon; take to bed (or the sofa) with him for a couple of days, get your DP to bring you all the foods and drinks you need, have lots of skin to skin with the baby and allow him free access to the breast. Not only will this help him as he will start to root and feed before he is really hungry, but it such a lovely way to spend some quality time with him.

I hope all is well with his weight; you sound like you are doing all the right things

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

i'm hoping for a good weight gain so i can do exactly that - it's a small proportion of his feeds but last time i cut down he didn't gain so....hopefully this week will be better!

[LackaDAISYcal]

It's a catch22 isn't it? Wishing all the best for good weight gain.