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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Poorly 9 week old feeding less - when to consider expressing?

2 replies

PenguinArmy · 17/12/2011 10:53

One part of me thinks, trust him. If he's the only one taking milk then he will have the amount and type of milk he needs. OK supply will probably dip, but he can work it up again when he's better. (been happening just over 24 hrs now)

The other says I might get mastitis, the day or two working supply back up could be pretty horrible and don't know how long it will last.

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icravecheese · 17/12/2011 11:59

Hiya,

I too have a poorly 9wk old... slightly different situation to you in that we were admitted to hospital on tuesday as she needed oxygen to help breathing & was fed via a nasal-gastric tube for 3 days to help her conserve energy / stop vomiting back up every feed (she has a nasty bought of bronchiolitis).

As soon as I got to hospital, I started expressing, religiously every 3 hours day & night on both sides (she normally only feeds from one side at any one feed). I know it was probably overkill, but I figured I'd rather err on the side of caution & make sure my breasts were being stimulated regularly. I expressed both boobs until I couldn't get any more out using the pump.

She started breastfeeding again yesterday evening, so had gone almost 3 days without any breastfeeds at all. I was terrified that BF might have all gone tits-up (excuse the pun!) & we wouldn't be able to continue after 3 days with no BF. HOwever, I am pleased to say that I have plenty of milk for her & we are now discharged & home :)

Anyway, my advice would be that if she is still feeding fairly regularly but not taking what you would consider a 'full' feed at the breast, then once she's off the boob, express the rest til 'empty' (ie you cant get any more out using a hand pump - i know boobs can't technically be 'empty!). You could also express the other side too if she won't / doesnt take that. Essentially, just make sure your boobs are being stimulated as regularly as they were before she fell poorly.

I figure we will probably have some catch up to do in the next few days as DD fully recovers & starts feeding loads again.... but hey, its nearly christmas day so I can stuff myself silly & not worry too much about the excess calories!!

Good luck, its so stressful when you have a poorly baby x

PenguinArmy · 17/12/2011 19:16

I have conceeded to the pump as it's been two days now, however I console myself in the fact he is not ill enough for hospital (that must have been horrible for you). So far he show's no interest in the bottle (figured worth a go) but his sister is more than happy to have it for him.

Good luck with your DD

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