Oversupply???? Looking for advice please...

[rufalina]

Here I am just over 3 weeks since DS2 was born, and looking for a little feeding advice. Might be a bit long, but want to get all the info out so you can assist...

I had my MCN visit today and she thinks I have a bit of an oversupply and got me worried...

DS2 was born be elective c-sect on 18/12. I had some prelabour in the 24 hrs prior to his section, but he was not heading down, so I went ahead with the booked section. He can out crying, and was on my bb within about an hour from birth and latched on with some baby lead attachment and we have not looked back since then. I do think he has a slightly lazy attachment as he gets some sucking blisters, but no nipple issues for me as yet. (*touch wood*).

He was 3.47kgs, and 50cm long at birth, and today is 4.46kgs and 54cm long. (eek)

Now DS2 is a pretty frequent feeder, and can need to feed anywhere between 1 and 3 hrs, with a few cluster feeds and a few more spaced out, but probably on average around 12-15 feeds per day. Sometimes he will only feed for 10 mins per side and refuse to go back on the same side, then he will have the other for 10 mins, then break for about 20 mins then repeat. Other times, he will have a longer feed, and can take more like 20 mins on the side then want the other side too, or will just have one side... So he is quite random, but he can go for max 3 hrs between feeds. and will settle well when he is full in the tummy.

He does gulp and is quite a loud feeder, but has what I would call normal poops, and lots of heavy wet nappies in a day.

My MCN today suggested that I might have an oversupply, based on my descriptions of feeding, but I dont feel engorged or dont find that I am leaking... She felt that one thing with oversupply is that he could get lazy and that would cause issues down the track with supply dropping off when he wont work for the feed.

I dont want that scenario to happen. I also would love him to be able to go a bit longer between feeds, as I am struggling with having an 18m old and a constant feeding newborn... Things are not fun at my home at times...

I am trying now to reoffer the same bb a few times, and trying to get him back on, but tonight this resulted in a lot of crying and fussing, and eventually he got back on, but still wanted the second side, which i offered after about 40 mins, but he didnt have a huge feed there. (I am not used to this as DS1 was a slow feeder but would drain both bb every feed over about an hour...) And poor DS1 was neglected during this time, and I hate that for him...

So I guess the point of this very long post is a cry for help please... what do you thing? and How can I work with this????

[Nelle]

I had an awe inspiring letdown with my second. I had to lean right back so he didn't do that initial suck and then almost drown. But it never was a problem for us in the long run, my supply settled a bit eventually but he never went hungry. I too found it a bit weird that my first bub would take 40min to feed (that was approx 20min each side, muuuuch longer at the start, a feed could take an hour), but my second was all done, just one side thanks mum, in 10 minutes.

I'm no breastfeeding counsellor, but if the nappies are wet and he's regular, then I'd just try to enjoy it! If attachment isn't hurting you then I'd say it's okay attachment. And if down the track your supply does drop off for some reason, then we can deal with that then, there are heaps of ways you can encourage supply to increase.

Try not to worry...if he's happy and feeding well, but it's just different to your first bub, just kick back and enjoy it I think. xo

[tippytoes]

Hi Rufalina
Apart from only having one DS, I had a really similar situation when my DS was your baby's age.
Although in the first few days after birth they weren't happy with his weight gain, he eventually hit his stride (he hasn't really stopped either ).
I went to the BF clinic at hospital and she said I had an oversupply - DS was feeding very frequently too just like your DS. She said cause the foremilk has a little more sugar and not as much fat as the hind milk he would not be feeling full for as long. He also had verrrry runny poos and was quite gassy. So he was filling up on foremilk and then needing a top up - all the time! She suggested I gently hand expressed the first part of the milk - usually I did this for about one minute or so. I found his poos did improve and then we were also able to go a bit longer between feeds - before we knew it we had a nice 3-4 hour gap. I must admit this isn't always the case though! DS will often still only go for 2 hours between feeds. I found my supply has settled down and is perfect for us now.
Maybe there is an oversupply and things would be easier for you if you had a longer break between feeds - perhaps try expressing the first part for a while, just a little. This may help reduce gulping too? DS also a big gulper, but not so much now - although I have a fast let own too. I am not sure how I was able to do this without increasing supply (cause BF demand=supply) however it was the advice I was given and worked really well for us?

She felt that one thing with oversupply is that he could get lazy and that would cause issues down the track with supply dropping off when he wont work for the feed

I ca see how that may make sense but again, no problems here at all.

Also, I usually only feed from one boob at a time - seems to be enough for DS.
I don't know if that helped at all Ruf?? Wishing you the best for your BF journey! I bet you two will be just fine! Sounds like your doing all the right things to me (But I am no expert LOL!)
Rach xx

[rufalina]

Thanks Nelle. I was thinking how cool it was to be able to do a feed so fast, and have bub growing so well, and feeling really good about it till this afternoon... You do restore my confidence that where I am is OK.

Rach - that is a good point re the letdown, You have reminded me that I did have to do that in the early days for DS1... The things you forget ... Might give that a go again.

OK... off to feed again, and lets see if I can get more than 2.3 hrs between feeds tonight...

[Nelle]

I'm not sure where you live, but if it's as hot as it is here don't be discouraged if tonight is a thirsty night for your bub. They do get a bit snacky for that foremilk when it's so warm, it seems to quench their thirst. Hopefully it'll be a night with a decent chunk of sleep for you, I just didn't want you to get discouraged if he was a bit out of whack with feeds due to the heat. xo

[Barb Glare]

Dear Rufalina,

The only problem you have is that the Maternal and child health nurse just scuttled your confidence!
If you had walked into my clinic I would be reassuring you that his feeding pattern was absolutely normal and that you were doing a great job - look how beautifully he is growing.
It's a sad state of affairs when you walk into a Health professionals office proud and full or confidence and walk out with a problem
Sometimes we just don't know *normal* when we see it.
Mothers generally do have an abundant supply for their baby in the first weeks. And babies grow quickly. If you look at the WHO charts you will notice that babies are designed to grow more quickly in the first weeks than the current charts indicate.
Over time your prolactin levels drop to a fairly normal level, and your milk supply settles to meet your baby's requirements more exactly. His growth rate slows - normal!
I wouldn't be expressing why bother when you have a good strong baby. Don't stress too much about foremilk and hindmilk - if it comes out of your boob it's fine. You are giving him a great start.

[Snacks]

Sounds like you're doing so well, mate. They are all over the place in those first six or so weeks. I too think that the MCHN is just looking for problems for you, even if she was concerned I think it's too early to think of all the feeding issues you may come across in future! Things are going great now and that's what matters.

I also would love him to be able to go a bit longer between feeds, as I am struggling with having an 18m old and a constant feeding newborn... Things are not fun at my home at times...

It is hard for your DS1 right now. But DS2 will probably settle a little more over the coming few weeks. I found that DD1 needed a lot more loving from other family members when DD2 was just new. Then, once Phoebe was having longer sleeps I was able to spend heaps more time with Natalie again. I find it ebbs and flows, sometimes one needs me more than the other. Phoebe is pretty needy right now and probably things will be different again in a few weeks... It's just the way it is when you're part of a family. What I absolutely LOVE is that they are great mates. Natalie loves her sister to bits even though it seems Phoebe is what takes my attention away from her. And Phoebe, well, no one else gets the smiles, giggles, belly laughter and excited-to-see-you squeals that Natalie gets.
So it is tough at the moment, but things will get better and you will get better at managing the two of them.

[rufalina]

Thank you so much Barb, you are right, I was rattled a bit, but am feeling better after the support here. I guess it just threw me thinking I was setting myself up for trouble, knowing my 24/7 support is running out in a week... I will have support from then, but not the same as I have now... but am now back to feeling like I am going well, and will be able to cope.

And Amy, thank hun. Look forward to catching up on Friday.

Right, so last night he managed 3 hrly feeds, (11, 2, 5, 7.30) so I managed to get in some blocks of sleep myself. And I know with the heat that he will likely feed more, and will watch out for that today. So no more worrying, and back to going with the flow (so to speak ).

[Jennifer13]

Ruf, it sounds like you and DS are doing a fabulous job bfing. I'm not really sure the MCN is even correct that "down the track" you'll have problems with supply, since you've not had any issues with this (did you with DS1?). Supply responds to demand = your breasts will make as much milk as your little man takes out, not how fast or easily he drinks it. If he's not satisfied in 10 mins he'll just keep feeding until he's had enough, so even if your letdown eases off (letdown is not to be confused with supply) it won't affect how much milk he drinks.

So I'd feel free to let that particular piece of advice just slide right on by... :shrugs: Good idea to check with Barb before taking that MCN's bfing advice seriously!

[nicjay]

Hi rufalina,

I would have to respectfully disagree with your MCHN

My DD2 sounds very similar to your DS, was choking when I let down, put on heaps of weight when she was little and would only take one breast at some feeds and both at others. She is now 5 months old and has not gotten lazy at all, she is still more than happy to work for a feed when hungry. When she is not though it is a different matter - she is a don't try unless I'm hungry baby LOL I've tried the reoffering the same BB for various reasons with both my girls and TBH I think its a waste of time. Neither of them have been impressed with trying to suck on a mostly empty boob. All it did was prolong the feed because they still wanted the second one anyway.

Sounds like you are doing a super job

[Acacia]

Hi Ruf,

I'm sorry that your MCHN rattled you like that - she should know better than to create stress for a Mum of a newborn and a toddler!

I think you're doing brilliantly hun I imagine it must be a real adjustment for your DS1, to have to share his Mummy, but I know that you'll find the most lovely and sensitive way to help him deal with that and get used to it, even though I know it must be really hard when so much of your time and energy are going towards feeding your new little man.

You should feel really confident - that beautiful weight gain and amazing change in your LO's length should give you every right to feel confident in exactly what you are doing now - how wonderful!

I know that it must be really difficult at the moment with only 2-3 hours max between feeds, but I hope that will change before long and it's about riding it out until then - I remember what you went through with DS1 when he was tiny, and you rode that out and got through it amazingly, and I know that you can do this too

Sending you lots and lots of sleepy, restful vibes, hun. And just to say how amazing I think you are and a big hug from me and DD to you and your little men.

Acacia xo