My baby's doctor said not to feed her for then fifteen mintues on each side. She is 6 weeks old now. She is still fussy after feeding like she is still hungry. Why only fifteen minutes on each side? Is it ok to nurse her longer so maybe she isn't fussy? The doctor also said not to feed her again for at least two hours even if she appeatrs to be hungry. Will it harm anything to feed her as often and for as long as she'd like or will this cause problems wit my milk supply?
2007-10-21 17:10:06 · 21 answers · asked by TIFFANY 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The Dr. told me this three days ago when I took her in to be weighed because I wasn't sure she was gaining weight. She had only gianed 10 ozs in 3 weeks.
2007-10-21 17:34:31 · update #1
Ok so if she gets hungrey and only takes one side for only about 10 minutes thats ok?
2007-10-21 19:55:19 · update #2
your doctor needs swift kick in the butt!
you feed your daughter however long SHE wants WHENEVER she wants to feed!
limiting time and feeding times can WEAKEN your milk supply. it will NOT harm her to feed her more. she is fussy because she is still hungry! wouldn't you if your tummy still growled?
when your baby's doc opens his stupid mouth and says crap like that again, just smile and nod your head and pay no attention to his foolishness.
gezzz sometimes i wonder HOW IN THE WORLD some of these docs got their MD!
here is what one breastfeeding website has to say about what your doc is suggesting:
Some health care professionals, as well as the authors of some popular books suggest limiting or scheduling baby's feedings. This is not accurate breastfeeding information, and should be avoided. It is very important to follow baby's cues to be fed, rather than allowing baby to "cry" to eat. Crying is a very late sign of hunger, and by then baby is tired, in no mood to be patient to work on good latching, and usually will not nurse very well (or long) before falling asleep.
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/normal.htm#Normal%20Stools
2007-10-21 17:19:33 · answer #1 · answered by ☆MWφM☆ 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor is WRONG. Feed that baby when she cries and is rooting. Never miss a feeding. Every two hours is just an estimate on how often a baby will eat, though not very reliable in the first weeks. My son was nursing every hour just about and I thought that I just wasn't making enough milk, but everything was fine. He was just going through a growth spurt.
Breast milk is digested a lot quicker than formula, so it wouldn't make sense to neglect a baby's need to eat. Babies are not supposed to be on any type of schedule, that can really mess up your milk supply. Don't let ANY doctor tell you different.
Babies were not born into this world for our convenience, but rather, to teach us patience and love. Do not, and I repeat, do not let her CIO, either. That baby knows what she needs and that is her way of communicating that to you. Whether it be, to be held, loved, comforted, fed, changed, whatever have you. She is telling you she wants something.
BTW, nurse her on each side as long as SHE wants. Babies also comfort nurse and that is completely normal. You've seen a pacifier before, right? Well, you are her paci and her only comfort. Hold her, love her, and feed her whenever she shows you that she is hungry. Babies need to eat.
2007-10-22 02:27:05 · answer #2 · answered by sunshine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the others, you should find a new doctor that understands how breastfeeding works.
You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby.
Don't worry about hurting your milk supply by feeding her too often. Feeding your baby often is what will build a good milk supply.
Listen to your daughter. Most young bf babies will "cluster feed" meaning that they will eat many times over a period of time and then have a long strech.
Don't worry about limiting her time at the breast as long as you are not bothered by it. If she wants to take a long time to eat, let her. If she just wants to comfort nurse meaning that she's not really eating but just still sucking, let her do that too.
I also agree with the other posts, it sounds like you have fantastic motherly instincts, and you should follow them.
2007-10-22 09:26:03 · answer #3 · answered by Siciliene 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor is CRAZY. Join La Leche or another breastfeeding support group. There are also some great books out there. 15 minutes is terrible advice. Your baby also needs the hind milk, which comes at the end of emptying a breast. You should feed baby until the breast doesn't give any more milk, and if baby is still hungry, then switch to the next breast. (Then keep track so you use both breasts evenly.) Your doctor's advice to force your baby to wait for 2 hours is CRAZY also. His advice is antequated and we now know that this is NOT how to breastfeed a baby. Feed baby for as long as you like and whenever baby is hungry - that will actually stimulate your milk supply. Again, please go to the library and check out some books and join La Leche - you will find that you probably want to switch doctors! Take care.
2007-10-22 00:20:43 · answer #4 · answered by Laeticia 4 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Did your doctor say this right after she was born? Because a baby that young changes from week to week, continuously growing. She might even be having a growth spurt right now.
My babies liked to nurse way more often than once every two hours, especially during a growth spurt. If you feel you still have some milk left after the two fifteen-minute sessions, nurse her longer. If she gets too much milk, she'll spit it up.
The thing about pediatrics is that the opinions about "what's best" are always changing.
2007-10-22 00:29:54 · answer #5 · answered by nosleepthree 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your baby's doctor is not very knowledgeable about breastfeeding. There is NO reason for doing anything like that.
Feed your baby as long as you -- and your baby -- like. It will benefit you and your baby to feed on demand.
"Which is better. . . nursing my baby on demand or schedule feeding? The best way is to feed on cue. This advice is supported by much medical evidence, by La Leche League and lactation experts, by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and by many breastfeeding mothers.
Newborns should have frequent and unrestricted access to the breast. Here are some of the many benefits... "
http://www.geocities.com/heartland/8148/bbcuefeeding.html
"Don't limit the time you let your baby nurse. Putting a limit on nursing time doesn't prevent sore nipples, but it may keep the milk ducts from completely emptying. This can lead to swelling and pain."
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/birth/019.html
"Don't limit baby's time at the breast
Let baby finish the first breast before offering the other "
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40000575/
Honestly, given all the bad advice people here get from doctors and nurses about breastfeeding, I'm starting to think the medical profession is uncomfortable with a natural process and just can't resist interfering with it... I mean, how good can it be for a baby if a DOCTOR hasn't "helped"? Sheesh.
2007-10-22 00:17:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
Your baby's doctor is assuming that he knows how hungry she is. Please fire him and find a new Pediatrician ASAP. Let your sweet little girl nurse as long as she likes. Don't worry about her getting both sides at every feeding as you can alternate from one feeding to the next if that suits the two of you better. It sounds like you could use some support from other mothers who have been there so check out the links below. You are wonderful to be giving your daughter the best. I hope you are encouraged by lots of women with great answers. Good luck to you and congratulations on your little girl!
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/frequency.html
http://www.kellymom.com/
2007-10-22 00:22:21 · answer #7 · answered by viento 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I didn't have much success breast feeding, but I firmly believe in demand feeding...as in when baby (especially a newborn!!) is hungry s/he eats as much and as often as s/he wants. I'm not entirely sure how to know when baby is done with one side and ready for the other....one of the challenges I had with breastfeeding. But I'm sure others have plenty of knowledge. But to be told to limit time on one breast and then between feedings even if baby seems hungry is a way off in my opinion.
2007-10-22 00:22:59 · answer #8 · answered by sarah 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am a midwife, you need not to time her at all, this went out about 15 years ago. Empty one side first, so baby is able to access the both the fore & hind milk. if you limit the time, she maybe only getting the fore milk and will not be satisfied and will not settle easily. Empty 1 side first this maybe enough to satisfy her, then if baby still appears hungry, offer her the other side. babies are pretty good at regulating their own needs. All babies are different. The feeds will become shorter in time, as baby becomes more efficient at emptying the breast.
2007-10-22 00:21:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor doesn't know you or your child nearly as well as you possibly could. Not all babies are the same, so you need to do what you feel is right. The only negativity that could come, is that your baby could be bigger, but breast milk is a high quality protein enriched food, which will also help in your child's bone growth and muscle growth. Also, if anyone wants there baby to be skinny, they shouldn't be having babies.
2007-10-22 00:19:47 · answer #10 · answered by Cory D 2 · 7⤊ 0⤋