My pediatrician had me start supplementing with breastfeeding when my son was 2 weeks old. I recently stopped supplementing and I am trying to breastfeed exclusively. My son nurses every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Is this excessive or normal for his age? How much should he be eating in a 24 hour period?
2007-03-25 15:10:34 · 16 answers · asked by shanaroth 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
That is something you will have to lean down and ask your little boy. (smile) Seriously, a child is going to eat when he is hungry. That is one of the reasons I believe we have overweight children all over the place -and adults - we are conditioned to eating whenever as opposed to 'when we are hungry' . If your son is nursing and getting full at each setting every 2 hours - then, that's his time period - that's when he is hungry. You can't judge the time and amount on someone else. Now, what peds look at is the birth weight and the rate of growth after . Your baby is expected to loose some at first - but he should be gaining from this point on. Just keep you doctor involved because you don't want to overfeed and he might think the child is not getting enough nutrients. Remember Mommy, you have to keep your diet up too - good veggies and a balanced meal. I'm happy for you.
2007-03-25 15:17:11 · answer #1 · answered by THE SINGER 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I breastfed for almost 7 months. From the time I started breastfeeding, it would be 2 hours later when I had to feed the baby again. So if I sat there breast feeding for 30 minutes it was 1 and half hours later I was feeding again. About once a day (usually at night), I could go about 3 hours. Breast-milk breaks down and digests faster hence the every 2-3 hours as opposed to formula every 3-4 hours. You should listen to your doctor because maybe supplementing may be what the baby needs now especially if it's a large baby or if you are a petite person or your breasts aren't producing enough. Just keep taking prenatals, eat and drink right, and avoid the bad things. Soon enough, the time between feedings will get greater and eventually your breasts will regulate the milk flow to what your baby needs and uses. And by the way, Great Job on breastfeeding, it's hard starting out and many times only the tough or stubborn survive!
2007-03-25 22:24:29 · answer #2 · answered by Tabatha 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My son nursed evey hour and a half for 6 months. Breast milk digests very easily and quickly, so it is quite normal for them to feed more often than bottle babies.
Remember, YOU are a huge part of the feeding equation. You must drink lots of water and other fluids, and get enough rest to produce a good milk supply.
As long as he has 8-10 wet diapers a day, and he gains weight, you don't really need to worry about how many times he feeds or how far apart the feedings are. Some babies are very regular, others are irregular when it comes to feeding habits. Just feed him when he's hungry and take care of yourself the rest of the time.
Good Luck!
2007-03-25 22:42:03 · answer #3 · answered by not yet 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is normal, breastmilk digests faster than formula so baby has to feed more often. Esp if your milk supply is just building up because you weren't breastfeeding this often before. Right now my son breastfeeds every 1-1.5 hours. Sometimes 2.
2007-03-25 22:19:55 · answer #4 · answered by Jennifer B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is normal for a baby to nurse to eat every 2 hours, less often if the baby is sleeping. Some will tell you to wake the baby to feed him or her, but I never did the child will eat when they are hungry. the nursing will change as the baby gets older. There will be times when they go through growth spurts they will want to nurse wore often. Always listen to your "Mommy voice" do what you feel is right.
2007-03-25 22:20:39 · answer #5 · answered by flower 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would go back to supplementing. He should be satisfied with 8-10 feedings a day. My baby is 11 weeks old and she eats every 3 or so hours. So, that falls into average.
Breast milk is pretty thin so it does not stay in thier belly as long. Formula has a bit more substanance and should keep him happy a little longer.
I know you will be glad when you can get him on some cereal. Which honestly, despite what the doctors say, I don't see the harm in giving him a bit of rice cereal in his bottle if he is not happy with the 8-10 a day.
Check the Gerber website. They have a wonderful feeding chart that goes by your babies developmental stages rather than thier age. That is what I went on with my son and now using it for my daughter.
Good luck!
2007-03-25 22:18:52 · answer #6 · answered by VMSS 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
A breastfed baby at that age should feed for 10-15 min on each side & should have at least six wet diapers a day. So long as he is healthy don't worry. And change doctors if he does not want you to breastfeed exclusively.
I brestfed my son almost three years.
2007-03-25 22:20:42 · answer #7 · answered by Barbara 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Completly normal.... why did your ped have you supplement?
All babies are different when it comes to how many times they nurse... i think they say anywhere from 10-12 times per day is "normal"...
You should really be watching his output... not his intake.
How many wet diapers in a day? 5-6 really wet disposables is a good number. Is he happy and content between feedings?
2007-03-25 22:36:05 · answer #8 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breastmilk digests alot faster, since it is completely tailored for your infant's needs. He might be going through a growth spurt and trying to get your milk supply to adjust to his needs. Right now nurse on (his) demand so you will start producing more milk. Or pump in between feeding to help speed up this process.
2007-03-26 01:47:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most nursing babies eat about every 2-3 hours.
2007-03-25 22:17:35 · answer #10 · answered by freckles1063 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋