Is it possible that I just don't have that much milk? DS is PFB as you'll see from my monologue!
DS has lost 10% of his body weight in 4 days (he's now 5 days) - he feeds, but doesn't get a good suction going, despite having what an observing midwife said is a good latch. After BF he gets horrid wind (we think that's what it is), burping and passing wind multiple times but still in pain. He'll be writhing around for ages, sucking on his hands and screaming. I'm trying to feed every 2 hours at MW's advice - this morning he fed at 6.30am for 30 minutes, and after that either ignored the breast or only went for ten minutes or less.
Midwife suggested a breast pump yesterday - I can barely get a few drops out of it and have tried it after a shower, while BFing other breast, morning, nighttime, etc. It's an Avent, if that helps. I'll keep trying with it.
So this afternoon I cracked, got some formula and gave DS that, as he hadn't fed 'properly' in hours. The change was amazing - he was sucking consistently and deeply and afterwards there was no pain - he burped up a bit of formula and then had a nap!
If I don't have much milk, how do I tell? I'm not pleased FF but it was so nice to see DS satisfied. For example we have just had what I'd describe as a 'good' BF - 15 minutes of shallow, inconsistent sucking. DS now won't accept the breast again, mouth firmly closed.
WWYD in this situation? I want to keep trying to BF but can't bear DS losing weight and being unhappy. I will ask midwife about supplementing but would like to know from other mums - is this normal, would you perservere?
Thanks.