Feeding a lot a lot

[merlotmummy14]

Hi mumsnet, probably just new mum over thinking everything but my newborn (13 days old) is bottle feeding and we're having to top up her 4oz feeds (every 3-4 hours) with another 2oz in between feeds. She was born at 37 weeks and weighed only 5lb 5oz but by day 10 weighed 5lb 15oz. I know I should be happy that she's feeding so well and gaining so much weight but can't help but wonder if there's ever a TOO much feed level? Still waiting on results of her hyperthyroidism blood test - my dad had it and was diagnosed a few months after birth (not routine blood test back then where he was like it is now) and has been on thyroxine for 56 years now. Going to call up tomorrow to chase down results. Don't think its cluster feeding either as sometimes she'll sleep for 5 and a half hours and then wake up demanding 5-6oz till her belly is swollen. Regular wet and heavy nappies within the standards. Also if it is relevant she started out on the preemie teats in the hospital and is now on the medium flow teats as midwives felt she was tiring herself out on newborn teats when we first came home. She was jaundiced and on solartherapy beds a few days after birth but believe this was consistent with her early arrival and low birth weight. Is it normal for her to be feeding so much? Anybody whose baby had hyperthyroidism and what their symptoms were?

Gosh I'd be suprised if she really does need medium teats. That's really quite fast in my experience. My 4 month old is only just ok with them.

In terms of feeding, I was told to just feed on demand, so I did. He ate a lot. He has never managed longer than 3 hours between feeds - other than at night. He can now go 2.5-3 hours but I don't think he could go for 4. So I wouldn't worry about giving her too much, just give her what she wants and keep an eye on her weight. How much is she drinking overall on average?

That's a huge amount at once for her stomach, and 4 hours is a long time, maybe try 2oz at a time on demand? Paced feeding will help too.

Have tried giving her slightly smaller feeds but she wants more and will just cry without it. She makes all the signs for wanting more with the mouth and hands and trying to suck on everything so just give in as all the books say to let her lead feeding. Find myself annoyed at her drinking so much which is silly but I don't know how she's not sick all the time. When we switched from preemie to the first teats she just totally dropped from taking 2-3oz to maybe 1oz at best and would fall asleep right after as she was just so tired out from it.

Have you looked at paced feeding? It's important to give them enough time at the bottle for them to realise when they are satisfied rather than them rushing through it and their stomach still saying it's hungry.