My 4.5 month old son is a breastfeeding snacker. He likes to eat every 1-3 hours during the day, between 5 and 25 min each time. I know 5 min isn't a full feeding but he uses it mostly to fall asleep. I try to wake him by rubbing/changing etc but he quickly falls back asleep. He does give me one 6-8 hour stretch at night. Is there any way to stretch out feedings a bit? He just started small amounts of rice cereal. Oh and when he gets a bottle he takes 8 oz every 2-4 hours, so he's a pig even though he is just less than 14 pounds.
2007-05-01 07:43:20 · 5 answers · asked by lovebeingamom 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Thanks. He does take a paci sometimes instead but obviously won't take it when he wants me! I feel bad when won't stop crying any other way and feed him.
2007-05-01 08:01:28 · update #1
Try doing breast compressions while you are nursing. This can help him get more hindmilk and may help him space out feedings a bit.
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/15breast_compression.html
2007-05-01 08:09:38 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would try see how many mins on average he nurses for each sitting. If there are particular nursing that he is just snacking(3-7mins, my opinion) maybe offer the rice cereal during that time. As he gets older the stretch between feedings will pick up, you are just in that difficult stage right now since he can not really eat more solids or baby food. If you think he's just nursing to nurse not really because he is hungry then try some distractions to get his attention away from the breast. 6-8 hour stretch at night is something to be proud of, but remember if you stretch it out during the day he may start to nurse more at night.
2007-05-01 14:55:27 · answer #2 · answered by Momma2katyandarianna 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I suggest to start to feed him cereal mixed w/ milk in a bowl. or cereal w/fruit. Sound like he needs some more food. Start w/baby food, with a bottle when he's finished.
2007-05-05 01:09:39 · answer #3 · answered by Ms Hot Chocolate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as bad as this may sound, give him a pacifier, he's only sucking for security, not for hunger and it is throwing your cycle off. The pacifier is easy to get rid of, so that's why I suggest it. Only give him your breast during feeding and this should help regulate your flow.
2007-05-01 14:51:47 · answer #4 · answered by Laurellamags 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
start pumping and make him take a bottle all the time.
2007-05-01 14:54:15 · answer #5 · answered by brooke s 4 · 0⤊ 5⤋