Big Baby

6 replies

barmaid · 14/07/2013 22:49

I am primarily breastfeeding my now 4 month old baby, I say primarily in that I/husband gives a bottle of formula (210ml of which 150-180ml is accepted) at bedtime so I can get a little respite/go out. During the day, we have no feeding routine, very much as and when ie proper feed on wakening from naps and a little nuzzle to get asleep for nap as well as co-sleeping in the early hours where breast is available.

My baby is now on the 91st for weight and the 50th for height, albeit 4.5kg at birth. I am getting a little paranoid that I am overfeeding due to helpful comments from family who have all managed a feeding schedule from birth and think I am feeding too often. I havent managed a feeding schedule (still feeding every 2/3 hours as cant bear to hear baby cry and try and placate quickly so I can spend good time with my very demanding toddler.

I know a breastfed baby cant be overfed but can anyone advise how to ensure that I am not overfeeding a combination fed baby?

Really appreciated!

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mrsmartin1984 · 15/07/2013 00:13

As long as you are not repeatively forcing the formula on him and stop when s/he wants too. You are still largely BF so it shouldn't matter too much. Remember because the weather is stupidly hot your baby is feeding to hydrate and as a result it is perfectly normal for a baby to feed more often. I EBF and I feed on demand every 1-2 hours during the day.

You just have a chunkier baby then the average. It isn't a problem where your baby is on the scale just as long as they are gaining naturally.

janey223 · 15/07/2013 00:28

Babies cannot be overweight so please don't worry, and chunky monkeys are so cute! Is he normally a bit out if proportion? Sounds like he's ready for a spurt!

When he starts moving about you'll miss the chunkyness!

Original poster

barmaid · 15/07/2013 00:32

Thank you! I thought as much. Fuuny how even though I am on baby no 2 and I have read extensively on the subject of BF, I still have my confidence eroded by older generation who are out of date in their practices. Initially I was told by MIL my baby was not satisfied on breast milk as they were born big and a top up was needed. Tonight I was told I was making too much milk....grr.

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mrsmartin1984 · 15/07/2013 00:53

Ignore ignore ignore. Everyone can make you paranoid. You know what is right for your baby. You're the mother. I could write a book with the bad advice I was given. Had a midwife tell me there was a good chance I could suffocate my baby breast feeding because I have big breasts. I don't know how my baby has survived. I feel like a fool now believing her but I was a bit of a wreck after the birth.

tiktok · 15/07/2013 11:46

barmaid, you don't have a feeding problem, or a big baby problem or a milk problem. You have a problem with family who think it is ok to undermine you like this. It is none of their business, they clearly know bugger all about breastfeeding and babies, and they have no right to comment in this critical way.

Be firm. State clearly and politely this subject is off the agenda. You don't want to hear their comments because you are confident, and knowledgeable. If you are told 'but we're only trying to help....' you can respond 'I know - but the fact is you are not helping. I am asking you nicely to stop.'

What would happen if you said this? If you are scared of what might happen, then you have a major relationship issue which needs fixing. If you just prefer a quiet life and not to challenge, well, it's not a quiet life you are having, is it? You are irritated, upset and undermined.

Original poster

barmaid · 15/07/2013 21:34

Tiktok, you have hit the nail on the head and given me food for thought. Thank you!

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