Week old baby losing weight while breastfeeding

[chipsandburger]

My baby boy was born at 36+3 he spent 3 days in scbu being tube fed then he joined me on post natal ward.
We were discharged two days later as we established breastfeeding.
At birth he weighed 7lb14oz then 3 days later he weighed 7lb9oz (day he got his feeding tube out) on discharge he weighed 7lb2 and 2 days later (today) he now weighs 6lb10.
We have been told to breastfeed 10mins each breast then top up with 2oz ebm while I express more.

Is there anything else we can do to boost his weight?

He poos each breastfeed with a tiny bit of yellow poo and he has wet nappies

Has he been checked for tongue tie?

Did they explain why ten minutes each side? I would have thought it more logical to just let him take his fill on one side - getting fore and hind milk - then offer other side if he wants. I'm no expert, so please don't take my word for it, but that's a question I would be asking in your shoes. Doesn't sound quite right from what I've read - but as I said, I'm not an expert!

I would let him feed on one side until he comes off so he get a full feed.

Breast compressions when feeding can help squeeze more milk into him and keep him actively feeding.

How's the latch? This is a great video that explains latching and attachment and what you are aiming for

https://globalhealthmedia.org/portfolio-items/attaching-your-baby-at-the-breast/?portfolioID=5623

Who told you to feed 10 mins each side?

That 10 minutes each side thing is nonsense.

I had this happen too - doctor suggested I wasn't eating enough calories for DC to gain enough weight so I made sure I had a snackevery time I breastfed during the night for a while. Usually a cereal bar. Also possibly said I was a bit dehydrated cos I remember I then made a point of drinking water with every feed - both made a difference 🙂

I was told to only feed 15 mins each side or 30 mins in all, when my 3 week old was admitted for weight loss. It's apparently so the baby doesn't use more energy feeding than it gains from the milk, as they get tired breastfeeding.

The pediatrician told me the fore/hind milk thing was outdated rubbish 🤷

Ive recently been on breastfeeding peer support training and the trainer (a midwife of 30 years) used to mention that 10 minutes used to be the advice decades ago and how we'd never advise that now.

A baby should be allowed to empty each breast.

Also Kellymom is an excellent resource with answers to all questions

kellymom.com/category/bf/

Also this could be a helpful thread

Mumsnet Breastfeeding Club www.mumsnet.com/Talk/postnatal_clubs/3571416-mumsnet-breastfeeding-club

The pediatrician told me the fore/hind milk thing was outdated rubbish

Nah, they were wrong about that. I mean, you can see it when you express. The first bit is visibly more watery, the last bit is creamier.

I'd get a second opinion, OP.

Feed till they are full off alternate breasts. When they are going asleep, give their feet a tickle to rouse them and they can try have a bit more. Offer other breast even though they should be full then.
Do plenty of skin to skin.
Make sure you are eating and drinking. 'steak and cake' my midwife told me, eg get some protein and some fat.

Ask your midwife for a referral to your hospital’s infant feeding lead or coordinator. You could also call the national breastfeeding helpline for advice.

Oh, and Dr also said to let DC drink her fill from one side, change her nappy even if not needed just to wake her a bit, then let her have as much as needed from the other side. DC got more milk / calories etc and also went slightly longer between feeds (slightly more sleep for me 😁)

I would second getting baby checked for tongue tie. My DS2 had a very severe tongue tie and we really struggled with BF and weigh gain until the tongue tie was snipped (also had jaundice to contend with!) Tongue tie was posterior and quite hard to spot, it was missed several times.

The improvement to feeding was almost instant after the division. You can get someone out privately to assess (and if necessary divide). Google "Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners".

It's apparently so the baby doesn't use more energy feeding than it gains from the milk, as they get tired breastfeeding
Yes I was told the same. It’s so the baby gets the milk easily without expending the effort of breastfeeding.

I second the pp who have said about a tongue tie.

My youngest was 8lb13 when born, he had his tongue tie snipped at 17 days but was already down to 8lb4 by then because of it.
I had no problems with milk so it was definitely his tongue. Once that was cut, he put weight on quickly. They were really happy with how quick.
His was literally right to the tip though, he couldn't stick his tongue out. They noticed it when he was born. Once it was cut, it was heart shaped! He's 13m now and it still is quite hearty.

@ReganSomerset
Hind and fore milk is not something that professionals are focusing on anymore according to my recent training. I think the weight of importance was overplayed before and people were over focused on it.
(I'm just relaying what we've learnt)

Please note my baby was heavier than yours in the beginning and also 42w - and hadn't been on scbu - your little one is very prescious. My son lost weight the first few weeks and then gained very slowly....so much that he went from something like 95percentile to really low. I used to let him suckle and suckle as I believed it let him eat more. However... All that really happened was I got very sore and he couldn't settle without a boob in his mouth. Having fed 2 more kids I can say 15 minutes each side is loads. Do as others have said and get tongue tie checked. Try not to stress as this doesn't help. Make sure he's getting good sleep so when he's awake he can feed well. Look after you - eat and drink well. Good luck. Mine is now a fit strong 11 year old... Who is still very slim for his age, although eats like a horse.

Oh OP I could have written your post. I too persevered and I’ve now got mastitis and am at the end of my rope as DD is simply not gaining at the rate she should be.

So yesterday I started supplementing with formula and she’s a different baby. Plus she even looks heavier.

I am not saying that you should pack in BFing but we are mix feeding from a bottle (so alternating between pumped milk and ready mix formula) as after a traumatic delivery and virtually no sleep I just can’t deal with my baby losing weight and my boobs being extra temperamental on top of all we have had to deal with.