My 6 week old had a very slow start. After several weeks with lactation consultants and an occupational therapist, it has been concluded that my guy has 1) a weak suck, 2) small cheek pads, 3) a tiny chin 4) a tight ligament under his tongue.
All these combined have prevented him from brest feeding without becoming dehydrted.
I have been pumping, so that he gets breast milk even though he is bottle fed. However - it has been exhausting!
It takes him anywhere from 25 min to 45 min to eat 120mL of milk. By the time he is done that he is exhausted. I am finding the routine of feeding, playing, soothing, pumping, steralizing and worrying emotionally and physically exhausting.
Anyone out there have a similar experience or any words of advice?
2007-02-15 03:00:20 · 4 answers · asked by EO'G 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Im using a double electric pump. But, I also seem to have trouble producing milk ( I assume it is the lack if nipple stimulation from him) I am pumping at every feed and getting anywhere from 80 mL to 13 mL (around 10mL is more the norm)
2007-02-15 03:24:06 · update #1
My experience was exact opposite in cause but very similar in the pumping/emotional aspect! After 4 months of b/feeding and many lactation consultants saying, "He's latching correctly but wow! That's the strongest sucking reflex I think I've ever seen!" Yeah, he was eating me up and it was painful every single day-to the point I actually hated feeding him. I pumped for 2 months and that is extremely exhausting! You feed, lay him down to sleep, pump while he's sleeping and he's awake again before you know it and the cycle continues! Like I said, I only lasted 2 months pumping and moved him to formula at 6 months.
Hang in there for a few more weeks, if he still isn't improving on the feeding time, then you need to consider formula...I know! the dreaded "f" word! When I moved my son to formula I had an enormous amount of guilt, but he took to it like a fish to water. Plus, I was a lot more sane and that made us both much, much happier. One thing I've learned, if you're not worrying about one thing, it's another. If you can cut down some of your stress, you'll be happier.
Here's a few things I did to keep my milk up, in the mean time....1)pump at the same times on the dot! Set your alarm at night in order to maintain your every 4or5 hours(that's what I did). 2)Drink at leas 10 oz of water after every pump session. 3)Pump for the same amount of time each time on both sides....even if you're not getting anything out, keep doing it to tell your body it needs to produce more. Hope this helps! Hang in there mama! You're doing just fine.
2007-02-15 03:45:10 · answer #1 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So, I partially understand. My baby is 5 1/2 months and has been in daycare for 2 months now. I have to pump while I am at work. When she was first born I was pumping every 2 hours and I was getting an extra 14 ounces each time. That was on top of her actually being nursed. I was a milk macine lol!! But my godchildren are twins and my best friend nursed them for 10 months. She pumped most of the time because they were preemies. By the time she was done fedding and changing them it was time for her to start back over. But she made it! Physically and mentally I think it is exhausting. Having to take so much time into pumping... Do you have a manual or an electric pump? Sounds like a manual. I think if you're going to be pumping only you should invest in a electric pump. Yes it's more money, but better and faster! I think it's money well invested. It takes me 10 to 15 minutes to pump at work an I get around 6 to 7 ounces. I hope everything works out for you and this helps. Congrats on your newborn!!! They are the greatest gifts.
Stay strong and you sound like you're doing a great job!
~Proud mom of a 5 1/2 month old baby girl~
2007-02-15 03:12:45 · answer #2 · answered by qtiequawn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you rent a medical grade electric pump from your hospital? This would probably save you a ton of time.
Whatever his problem is, its not forever. Once he starts getting a regular routine of good feedings he will become stronger and eat better. It will get better as time goes on. Dont worry!
2007-02-15 03:04:31 · answer #3 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dont give up. i would pray about this if i was you. prayers always help.
congrats on the new baby
2007-02-15 03:05:51 · answer #4 · answered by chris w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋