Sad baby... doctor says she's hungry so top up at bedtime?

[pookamoo]

This thread gives the background. Page 4. In brief, she doesn't sleep and is overtired. The doctor says she thinks she's hungry and to give a bedtime topup of formula. I am so confused about what to do. My dd is so little, and I really want to do the best for her.

We have been weaning off the nipple shields which we resorted to when about to give up in the early days. see here I have no pain now but dd seemed reluctant to give them up. She has managed a few feeds without - I think when she gets the hang of it she will be far more efficient and we won't have the marathon feeds.

But lack of sleep and everything else is clouding my judgment.

What do I do?

oh sweetie
it's so hard isnt it?
I'm not good with this sort of thing, but i'm sure someone like tiktok or hunkermunker will be along to advise you. x

just bumping for you pookamoo...

I haven't had time to look through your linked info sorry but just wanted to say well done, and keep going!!

You said "I think when she gets the hang of it she will be far more efficient and we won't have the marathon feeds."

I completely agree with you!!

It must feel really hard at the moment but you've just come through so much already.
Feeding her often will stimulate your milk and build up your supply.

I don't want you to regret your decision.

Have you spoken to anyone at La Leche League?

Best of luck

Pook my heart really goes out to you. First thing to say is that you are doing the best for her by persevering with BFing when it has clearly been far from plain sailing for you.

Will she take a bottle if you express some milk? I know that when I used nipple shields we had monster feeding sessions because it just wasn't coming very fast and DS would get a bit worn out. I used to express first thing in the morning, even just a couple of ozs, to give him at night if he seemed still hungry but very tired. You are absolutely right that once she is feeding more without the shields then things will improve 1) because her efficiency will improve, and 2) because your breasts will be better stimulated once the shields are gone.
DS had got quite used to the shield even though I only used it for a week/10 days - I used to start the feed with it and then take the shield away and latch him on again, and then not use the shield when I offered the 2nd side and it only took 3 days to wean him off the shield entirely.

I would be inclined to try to feed entirely without the shields before resorting to formula. DS became so much more efficient at feeding, less windy and was less exhausted by feeding once we had weaned off them.

Is your DD's weight gain or anything a problem?

Would also encourage you to see/speak to a BFC, especially for help with optimising latch as you come off the shields.

If she is hungry, feed more.
Top ups will only reduce breast stimulation and demand and lessen your supply.
GP should know that.

You need someone to take her off your hands so you can get a good night 9or daytime) rest.Can dh do this and give bottle of EBM?

Ooh lovely lady I feel for you, I had a very similar beginning with dd.
I think they have to adapt to not using the nipple sheilds, I gave them up too but it took time for dd to get used to not using them.
It does take them time to get good and efficient at it too I agree
Would agree with YLC above get someone round to check your latch from NCT or LaLeche, they come round the next day if you cry on the phone like I did!
If nothing else it will reassure you you are doing it right.
Personally I feel a lot of doctors don't have a huge amount of good baby advice. Try and see what you feel, she is still a tiny baby and not used to sleeping. I know its hard when you are so tired you don't know what day it is.
One more thing, if you can why not pop along to a cranial osteopath, they work wonders with babies especially. If you are in London try www.occ.uk.com. If not I can recommend you a good paediatric one (not all have specific paediatric training, my step mother helped write the masters degree programme so know who to recommend!) If you are a bit strapped for cash the London one is a charity.
Best of luck and well done, it is harder than anyone can imagine and you are doing very well.

Thanks everyone,
We went without the shields last night and tbh I really think it helped her settle to sleep better.
Going to get latch checked tomorrow at BFing support group.
Her weight was a bit of an issue I think for the doc. I am disappointed a bit because she has 4 children of her own so she SHOULD know!
A good friend is going to come tomorrow morning while her baby sleeps play with mine so I can get an extra nap
Mums are just often the kindest, nicest people!
x

I have no more advice than what you've been given here, but I just wanted to say good luck and you are doing fabulously

That's great news Have a lovely nap!