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Infant feeding

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

DS 13 days old, not gaining weight, DH back to work today, losing confidence now...

6 replies

smk84 · 19/06/2012 08:11

Hi DS is 13 days old, was born 3150g (7.12), was 3240 at 3 days (10.5 % loss) , 3240 at 5 days, then 3200 at 12 days. Have been feeding on demand, had latch/psn checked by midewife/hv/ specialist midwife and all say fine. He is weeing well but in the last week only pooed on Monday and Thursday and we are still waiting for the next one. He was having sleeps of up to 4-5 hours in the night, but now if he does that I am waking him, making sure he goes no longer than 3 hours between feeds. He feeds lots during the day and evening (taking up to 4 boobs at each feed session). I have had good support from midwives etc, and they have said to keep doing what I am doing, that he is feeding enough, not failing to thrive, and that some babies take a bit longer to regain their birth weight. DH has just gone back to work this morning, and I am feeling so anxious about the feeding and how I will get through the day. I tried to BF DS1 but it ended in disaster and I got really bad PND. I just hope and pray we can make it work. He can be incredibly writhy, esp on my LHS, where I seem to have slower let down and less volume of milk coming. He pulls around so much sometimes that I end up having to take him off because it hurts my breast tissue. It is weird because some feeds on the left are fine. The right side is much better. Thanks for taking the time to read.

OP posts:
EauRouge · 19/06/2012 08:30

Hello, congrats on your new DS2 :) That's brilliant that the MWs say things are going well- they would let you know if there was any cause for concern.

What makes you think the volume of milk is lower on your LHS? Have you tried some different positions?

Do you think this is just a confidence issue caused by your experience with your DS1? It must be difficult being on your own during the day now that your DH has gone back to work. Maybe talking to a BF counsellor would help you to make things a bit clearer so that you can carry on with DS2 with a clear mind. How would you feel about chatting things over with someone from LLL, NCT etc?

smk84 · 19/06/2012 09:17

sorry just realised weights all wrong will just go back and check, but basically he gained between dayd 3 and 5 , and hasstayed pretty much the same since then

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MigGril · 19/06/2012 12:42

Hum not wanting to panic you but lact of poo is a sign of concern in a baby this young. It shows the milk transfer is no as good as it could be and the latch probably needs some ajustment. This along with lack of weight gain warrents further breastfeeding help.

I think you really need some reall life help with this. You can ask to see the infant feeding co-ordinator at your laocal hospital. Or ring one of the breastfeeding helplines www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/breastfeeding-help-support.aspx#close

Or if you prefer face to face help see if there is a local breastfeeding group near you.

Have you had pain free feeds at all?

crikeybadger · 19/06/2012 13:18

Agree with MiGril and I think the attitude of the mws is a bit complacent to be honest.

The mws are saying the latch is fine (which is may be from the outside) but no real weight gain from day 5 -13 shows something is not quite right.

Has he been checked for tongue tie? How are your nipples- sore or squashed when you finish feeding?

You could try breast compressions to get more milk in to him and I see you're already doing switch nursing which is great.

I really think you would benefit from seeing someone who can observe a whole feed and see how your baby comes on and off the breast. The Infant Feeding lead at your hospital would probably be a good place to start.

With the right help you can turn this situation around,so please try not to feel upset (hard I know). Smile

smk84 · 23/06/2012 20:18

thank you so much everyone for your encouragement. he is now 17 days old, he took 8 days to poo but then did a huge yellow one (yesterday) and again this morning. between mon and fri he had put on 4.5 oz so i am really pleased about that.

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smk84 · 23/06/2012 21:15

do you think it's possible that he does have a tongue tie though? (thank you for the info on that)

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