Frequency of formula feeds

[Fairydogmother]

I gave birth 15 days ago and failed at bf. no milk came even by day 8 and we had to formula feed. I had a manual removal of the placenta in surgery and a very traumatic birth where the delivering mw shouted at me etc. terrible as I had been practicing hypnobirthing for months and wanted a water birth - I got the full medical works instead.

I chose hipp simply because I'd no idea what else to go for and he seems well settled on it. We had a slow start on feeding but now he's generally taking 90mls. We've noticed him slower to feed the last 2 days and a bit windier so was wondering if we are trying to get him to feed too often? He was like clockwork every 2.5 hours to 3 hours on the smaller amount of formula - sticking his tongue out etc so I fed him. But now he's taking a bit more am I forcing him to take food before he's ready? I was scared of leaving him longer than 3 hours in case his tummy was empty. He was sick last night after being fussy and taking more food and we discovered he actually just needed a huge burp. Going to be more careful about winding him during a feed but should it take an hour for him to eat 90mls? Sorry for the rambling - just knackered

Some children are slow drinkers, some need less food, some settle easily some not so much.

I completely understand where you are coming from and the anxiety etc. feeding is such an important "mum" thing.

Could you feed on demand? Unless a baby is very very ill (which you would definitely spot!) they won't starve themselves, you might even get a couple of hours more sleep and that will help you to feel slightly more human.

The down side to bottles is that we become obsessed with the weighing and measuring of milk...and the timings.

I am sorry that you had a highly medicalised birth despite your hopes, but you have a beautiful little one now. Give yourself much credit for dealing with it all, and coming out the other side. Some things are beyond our control.

love
xxfool

Thanks fool

I stupidly thought I was feeding on demand but I think I was reading some normal squirming signs as hunger. If he wants more in the evening etc he gets it as I don't want to impose a schedule on him or me. But I think I've overdone it a bit and overthought it.

Being tired accounts for a lot!

Oh i am pretty sure that my brain ceased to function at all between 2001 (DC1) and 2006 (Dc4). My DCs may tell you that it has never recovered....they may well be right.

Hope you have a little bit more sleep and that as you get to kknow each other better and better LO's signs will be easier to read!