crying during breastfeeding

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

I don't think your little one is far off track. (though I'm struggling with the pounds and ounces!) It's pretty normal for babies to lose about 10% of their birthweight post birth, and they should regain it by 10-14 days. They will then gain 150-250 g per week in the first 12 weeks, and then the normal growth pattern for babies is to gain about 100 g per week. Babies will double their birthweight by about 4 months - so while I don't know her birthweight, it seems likely that that will be the case.
Feeding 4 hourly is on the lighter side of normal. Would she have more feeds? Sometimes mothers don't think they would, but are surprised to find that they happily take a couple more feeds per day and actually soon start asking for more feeds. Or, if you gave her a break, a burp and a nappy change, would she have another "side"? It's worth a try.(sort of like I finish my meal and am "full" but give me 10 mins or 1/2 an hour for my meal to settle and I'll go a bit of dessert) Many mums who do "feed play sleep" find that they can get another feed in by doing feed play feed sleep. Most of the milk is transferred in the first 10 minutes or so after the letdown, so getting her to take the other breast would be a help.
Making more milk is generally simple - the more she drinks, the more you will make. Good luck - you are doing a great job.
Warm Regards
Barb

[Jac]

Hi there,
Sounds like she might be suffering from a little reflux to me (pulling away from breast, crying, back arching, all while seeming to be still hungry). My son was exactly the same and I was constantly worried about weight gain as he seemed hungry and would cry/appear to be in pain during feeds. Does this sound like a possibility? He is now taking medication to assist with relflux and rarely has a problem with his feeds now (thank goodness). Check out the thread on "colic, teething and reflux" for more info.