Can't believe this is happening again! (Barb?)

[Kazmar]

Starving babies etc are VERY lethargic.......

By what you're saying he's alert and happy?

[Antheia]

yeh not letharic at all in fact hes a light sleeper most of the time.

[onthefly]

So, he's awake and alert at least some of the time? If so then he doesn't sound like he's weak with hunger.
When they're little a big poo can certainly affect weight gains. Where is he at now, compared to birth? If he's gaining weight on the whole, then that's a good sign.
Is he growing - length & HC?

[Kazmar]

My girls would always go about 2 wks between poos

[Barb Glare]

Hi,
It is such a shock to have your baby weighed and find that, although you felt things were going fine, your baby has lost weight.
OK, back to the basics. Babies normally feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. They usually poo at least once or twice per day.(after 12 weeks they can go for several days, a week or more or longer and it's normal - but this baby is only 6 weeks old!) for the benefit of other readers (not Antheia) it is not a good sign if a fully breastfed baby under 8 weeks of age goes a long time without a poo. Breastfed babies do not get constipated, so a lack of poo in a young baby is a very real indication that they are not getting enough milk - it needs to be investigated. Nor is it a good idea to reassure mothers that it can be normal for a baby to lose weight. You would expect a baby to be back to it's birthweight by 2 weeks of age and then gain at least 150g per week after that.
Any of these things can be a sign baby is getting not getting enough milk - and in almost every case it's just a matter of implementing a few strategies to ensure baby is getting enough and everything is back on track, but it's not a good idea to ignore it.
Antheia, you mentioned your baby is having 6-7 feeds in 24hrs, but that he is on the breast for 20 hours per day. Can you tell us a bit more about his feeding pattern?
Babies love being close to mum, so many will hang out with their mum, knowing that if her nipple is in their mouth she is not going anywhere. But they are not really feeding for all that time. I wonder if this could be the case with you? Some mums find it helpful to institute a pattern where baby has around 20 mins on 1 side, a burp, a nappy change and 20 mins on the other side - after that he might have a sleep or be happy to be carried in a sling etc. Temporarily, until things get back on track, make sure he feeds every 3 hours - day and night. If you wake him every 3 hours you will find that he will get at least 8 feeds in 24 hours. Many babies have a fussy period in the evening - you can squeeze in some extra feeds then.
I wonder, did you get him weighed with the health nurse? What did she say?
You are doing a great job, and usually these things can be sorted out and mums go on to breastfeed just fine

[maz]

Sorry Barb, I didnt mean to step on toes Im only going on my experience and the guidance I received.

I apologise if any advice I gave was missleading T hon if your worried go to your doctor or a lacto IRL please ..its easier then us trying to 'guess' whats going on KWIM

[Shanti]

Antheia, I know how difficult it is when your baby is not gaining weight and/or losing weight it's really upsetting isn't it. You will overcome all these challenges with the right support, that's for sure.

Is bub being weighed at the same clinic/same scales each time? I found with DD's weight issues we had to ensure she was put on the same scales every time so we knew exactly what her weight was doing..... I think that's really important thing.
Also, in your case, I think it's important bub gets weighed perhaps every 4-5 days rather than weekly just to keep a close eye on things. Can't hurt.

Also, can you get an IBCLC out to your house for a visit? It's so worth the $$. Barb may be able to recommend one for you?

Hang in there

[Antheia]

Ah stuff it. I'm just going to give him formula. I cannot handle this anymore. I can't do anything right and i don't know how to fix it. I don't know WTF i'm doing

Thanks for all your advice but i guess i just don't understand how to BF properly. I wish i had someone here physically to help me. But unfort i do not have the money to spend on an LC or the ABA. I can't even afford my mortgage right now its so f'ed up.

Anyway you don't need to hear my dramas. Just wish i wasn't so useless to my children.