My baby just doesn’t seem that hungry

[Sixtyorforty]

Just that really. I am desperatelt wanting to breastfeed but my baby doesn’t feed often even though I put her to the breast a lot. I worry that my supply os dwindling as a result. She isn’t gaining enough weight and midwife has said I need to introduce formula. Any advice?

How old is your baby? Perhaps someone can help you find a lactation consultant in your area? X

Hi How old is baby? Is baby having regular wet nappies? Are you doing g things like stripping baby down a few layers before she eats so she doesn't fall asleep too soon on the book? Do you have anyone locally who can offer support? Have you called a breast feeding support line at all?

Baby is two weeks old - yes I have stripped her down to prevent sleepiness but I suppose I could look for more support in my area x

If she's not putting on weight,then yes, you might need to introduce formula.

It doesn't mean you've failed. Even though it may feel that way, YOU HAVE NOT FAILED.

It doesn't have to be forever. My DS didn't put in weight at the beginning,he had a few bottles of formula a day for about 3-4 weeks, and was then fully breastfed from about 3months.

It doesn't have to be just formula. You can combine feed for as long as you need.

I would contact la leche league ASAP OP, they are very helpful. In the meantime could you possibly try expressing and see if your little one takes a bottle? Has she been checked for tongue tie?
And if you are worried about your supply the best bet would be to express until your feeding issue is addressed, that way your supply will continue to grow and establish.
But if you need to give formula for now its also fine, whatever is best for the baby.

It's not that we don't want to support you virtually- but with a 2 week old baby we don't want to give the wrong advice or put your baby at risk with the wrong advice. We don't know the ins and outs.
I can tell you how it was for me....my baby took a while putting on weight but I persevered with BF as he was on my breast for a long time each day. He went from a high centile to a low.centile.....he's now 5ft 6, age 13 and still stick thin although eats for England.

Keep offering boob, keep it regular even if baby doesn't seem keen - can you squeeze a little milk into baby's mouth to remind them why they are there.

Try to get some local help - ask on a local mums fb page....maybe the NCT have a breast feeding councillor, or the hospital or La Leche - these can be a free service.

Do you have a partner supporting you? Are you getting enough food and drink? And a little bit of sleep?

How do you feel sbout pumping and giving your baby breastmilk in a bottle? I mix breastfeeding and pumping breastmilk for bottle feeding because mine doesn't drink well from the breast when she's too tired. She's 4 months old and growing well. I rent a hospital grade pump and it really helps keeping my milk production up. I see that I need to pump a few times extra once or twice a week to up the production. It's a bit of an extra faff but works for us.