2 week old still losing weight - but don't know how to do combined feeding

[pollyr01]

My dc3 is 13 days old and today we had a disappointing trip to the midwife - I thought we'd get signed off but turns out my dd has lost more weight. I'm now so worried I can't stop crying and I'm not sure what to do. I have to go to a feeding session on Monday and midwife seeing me again on Tuesday. She checked my latch today and it's fine: I feed her approx 8 times in 24 hrs and she's having lots of wet and dirty nappies. I b f the other 2dc for months and months without problems. Midwife checked her for tongue tie but said nothing wrong,
So. I came home and tried to express to do next feed in bottle but only got 1oz out in 1 hour.
I gave in got some formula and she took 3oz from bottle easily.
I'm now wondering if maybe I don't have much milk as I'm exhausted with a 3 and 5 yr old and I can see that f f will have benefits eg for a start she actually puts on weight, that I have more time with other kids etc
On the other hand I feel Massively guilty and a major failure especially given I did it so easily with the other 2dc. I also understand the benefits if great feeding eg health/bonding / these are drummed into you, and my healthy husband was only f f so it can't be that bad.
If I now move onto f f / combination feeding, not sure if the best approach. Any ideas?

Great. We had both TTs done privately too. Best money I've ever spent on the DCs. Am sure the feeding will improve with time and good about the weight gain. You'll be the home straight from now! So annoying that hospitals don't routinely check and treat tongue ties promptly post-birth - would save the NHS a lot in HV and midwife time due to weight issues.

hello - i know exactly how you're feeling as I had a similar experience. Please don't feel guilty, you're doing everything you can. What worked for me, in case you would like to try:

1. Camped out in bed with baby and breast fed her constantly for a few days, other folks got me food etc.
2. Breast fed in the bath - not sure about the science but it worked for us and she started feeding better (rather than the pathetic sooks she was doing before hand)
3. Tried to relax and look after myself - your milk (I think) comes better when you're not stressed and thinking you're not able to feed your baby is pretty stressful. Ate whatever I wanted and drink LOTS of water
4. The doc at A&E told me to give the breast for 15 mins each feed (every 2 hours) and then top up with formula. I expressed every 3 hours and fed this with btw too. At the start it was c40-60ml a feed. He asked us to keep a spreadsheet which was good for husband to do and made him feel like he was involved and helping. I did this for 3 weeks and she made the weight up and i was able to keep BF-ing.

It was the most horrendous time and I really feel for you. But it will get better xx

It was 80% tt!! Snipped privately yesterday and although it's early days think things improving and just had naked morning in bed with her : milk dripping everywhere ;)
Also apparently have lip tie, now that's a different matter...

And thank you its - lively and thoughtful advice X

Doh I mean lovely!

Oh and I am feeding on demand - but generally any more feeds than 3 hrs and she's just totally not interested. Given weight gain however She's obviously taking a lot in on those feeds...

oh you're welcome and I'm so pleased that you've found out what's going on. phew ! xx

So glad you've found the problem polly and hope all goes well with the feeding from now on.

pollyr01, I am glad you sorted the tongue tie. You had a big baby and probably this is the reason why they are not putting on weight. My baby was born 8lb and she had only put on 2lb for the first 4-5 months of her life. Everyone was panicking about it except me, as I was seeing a happy and content child who was visibly growing in lenght and she even slept through since month 2! However, I cracked at month 5 (under the constant nagging of my mum!) and started supplementing the bf with a bottle and this is when she weaned herself completely from the breast and I will never forgive myself for this.

I am sure you know that if you continue with the mixed feeds, your milk with be reducing proportionately to the amount of formula you supplement with .

Wishing you a healthy and happy child however you decide to feed!

Really glad you got TT sorted. From what I've learnt and seen, it is at least a factor (if not the reason) for most breastfeeding issues - and lip ties as well. Well done you for pushing for answers - it's not always easy to do when you're being told 'everything is fine', and you know it's not.

Here's hoping the way forward now is clear.

Has she been tested for cystic fibrosis? Also, DD had a very weak suck and fell asleep after 5 minutes on the boob. She did much better on a bottle and only bfed for her bedtime feed until she self-weaned at 8 months.