Scared of overfeeding

[AmieR]

My LO is almost a month old, didn't have the best start, with weighing 5lbs 1oz at birth and having a week in SCBU with feeding/blood sugar levels problems.

I was breastfeeding/expressing and the Nurses/Midwife were also topping up with SMA, since coming home He's been insatiable with his feeding, about every 2 hours like clockwork and I am struggling to keep up with BF and expressing, so have been considering going to SMA only. When he has been formula fed, he's had about 3oz/90ml.

Is there any possibility of overfeeding? Or when he's demanding it, it is because he needs it?

As far as I know (and others will correct me if I've got this wrong), but at a month old its not possible to over feed. Every few hours sounds about right, after all their tummys are so small its hard to fit big meals in.

Is there a reason why you are expressing? If you retired to bed or the sofa for a day or so, feeding as often as possible, then your milk supply would improve and you might not have to use formula at all?

I've been expressing as he had stamina problems, and was unable to get his mouth wide enough initially, he is getting stronger and getting to grips with it better, but it is very hit and miss.

Thanks for your suggestions, I shall try your suggestions and just hope I can build my supply back up.

Hi AmieR

My DD was born with a problem opening her mouth - we took her to an osteopath and he sorted it out in one session. Might be worth a try?

We also had supply problems and I thought we'd have to combine feed for ever but by seven weeks the problem just sort of disappeared and now she rejects all bottles in favour of BM.

I know it's tough on both of you at the minute but it will get better. Hang on another few weeks and see how you feel, and rest up, you've been through as much of a trauma as your little one.

Can't overfeed when breastfeeding. They are in control. Every 2 hours sound perfectly normal. In fact for the first 6 months I pretty much fed at least once and hour. I don't really take notice of how often I feed.

My ds3 was a bit lazy at opening his mouth to feed too. After a month or so he was fine. I suspect bottles could make the problem worse though. In hospital if they had to top up they really should've used cups or syringes if they knew you were breastfeeding. Annoys me when people who should know better (e.g. mw) do this.
I second an osteopath though.
I take mine to a cranial osteopath for a newborn check up whether there is a problem or not. They really can help with all sorts from reflux to colic.
Make the most of your babymoon and as mentioned before, lots of lazy days in bed, skin to skin snuggles with baby will work wonders for your supply!

Amie, you are doing great: your son started off quite small, and had feeding problems severe enough for her to stay a week in SCBU...you can be thrilled and delighted he is feeding so often to make up for the difficult start. 2 hourly feeding ie 12 times in 24 hours is not off the scale for a baby of this age, and to be honest, it's important he does feed this often as he has ground to make up.

If you stick with it, you will make the breastmilk he needs, assuming he is transferring milk effectively (you will know this if he is gaining weight, producing plenty of poo and wee, and if your nipples are pain-free...check all those boxes and all is well).

Thank you for the support and encouragement, its a little scary being a parent for the first time, and of course, I just want him tp have the best start!