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

[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