I'm having a hard time with my milk supply I believe. I have been nursing him since he was born and he never seems satisfied. It's really hard especially at night time because he is constantly crying. I started giving him formula (He'll drink 4 oz no problem) and he's been sleeping for 3-4 hours. Doctor said that since I started the formula he is gaining too much weight. I almost want to stop breastfeeding because it's SO frustrating for me. My son was 7lbs 6 oz at birth. 2 Weeks later he was 8lbs 4 oz. And now, 4 weeks old, 10lbs 4oz. Any suggestions??
2007-11-16 06:50:43 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Of course he'll be able to drink out of a bottle no problem, even a baby that has just taken a full feed will often drink another ounce or two from a bottle because there is no work involved. At around 4 weeks, there is a growth spurt, and it can seem like you are nursing all the time, but you really have to persevere. If you start to supplement it will negatively affect your supply. Keep nursing, your body will increase supply to meet his demands. It will get better, and he will soon be able to stretch out to longer periods between feedings.
He's been gaining a lot of weight, so I don't see how you could be having a problem with supply. 6+ wet diapers a day is also a good indication. You should try to find a lactation professional in your area for face to face consultation.
It is hard sometimes, and you just have to make sure that you are taking care of yourself as well. You can do it.
Best of luck!
2007-11-16 07:05:51 · answer #1 · answered by josi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear that you're giving up on breastfeeding. I think many women would do much better and have more success if they educate themselves thoroughly about what to expect. The first month is always the roughest... then it gets easy. It's a shame you won't experience the pleasurable stage of nursing (2 months plus) when it makes your life SO much easier. What advice are you looking for here? I'm not sure if I understand your question. Breast milk is best for your son. My son grew quickly while being breastfed too... it's because it's ideal nutrition. It's only bad if babies get really fat on formula. Breastfed babies grow just as they're supposed to. And they are protected against all kinds of infections, their SIDS death rate is lower, their chance of cancer is lower throughout their entire lives. It's a big deal. I would be especially worried about weaning at this point especially since we're entering cold and flu season for the next several months. You really should continue to provide your baby the immunities during that time. If you can suck it up and stick it out for your son... that would be best. It is your choice however.
2016-05-23 10:31:59 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried seeing a lactation specialist? It could be that he is not properly latching on. I would call your doctor or hospital and ask to speak with the lactation specialist. Also, if your doctor has not suggested ways to help you figure out the breastfeeding thing, I would get a new doctor. I personally believe at this age, the more chunky they are, the better. One they are adorable when they have a some fat on them, and two, they will work all that baby fat off when they start to crawl, walk and run. You are doing just fine, just speak with someone who can help you with the breastfeeding, and until then, keep giving him a bottle. If it turns out that you are both happier with the bottle then do that, it's OK. Best of Luck!
2007-11-16 07:00:57 · answer #3 · answered by TAS 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest contacting your local La Leche League group for some help and support - they're really great. If you start supplementing with formula, your milk supply will decrease. What makes you think your son is not satisfied when you nurse him? Are you letting him nurse on cue, or are you trying to schedule his feedings? Small babies have very tiny tummies and often need to nurse much more frequently than scheduled feedings allow.
2007-11-16 07:00:15 · answer #4 · answered by daa 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is NORMAL! Give yourself a chance. Stop the formula and feed your baby. Breastfed infants sometimes eat every 45 minutes, it's what they do!! It doesn't last forever, It gets a lot better at 6-8 weeks.
The older they get the easier it gets to nurse. Be patient, give your baby the best shot.
2007-11-16 06:59:26 · answer #5 · answered by maegs33 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yea you could either talk to a lactation specialist about your milk supply. there are teas and stuff you can drink to make more milk come in and the baby could be latching on to your boob wrong. another thing is a breast pump helps your milk supply a lot. if you decide to stick to formula i would probably just cut down on how much milk you give him. my baby is 4months old and can barly finish 4 ounces of milk
2007-11-16 07:01:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the midwife. If you and the baby are happier with bottles, that's fine, it won't harm him, and he can bond with Daddy too. You might need to change which brand of formula you use, is all. Oh, and be very careful about measuring the powder, don't be tempted to put an extra scoop in, or used heaped scoops instead of level ones, so that he sleeps longer - that's really the only way he'll gain too much weight.
Email me if you want.
2007-11-16 07:04:22 · answer #7 · answered by who me? 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He has been gaining wt fast. Have your breast milk tested. He is drinking a lot of formula for his age You can add just a little bbcereal to bottle. If it doesn't work try the old fashioned Carnation/Karo syrup formula. Ask grandma about it.
2007-11-16 07:10:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋