how long do i feed for?

hi.

i am a new mum to a little boy who is 4 weeks today. he was 6 weeks early which meant he had to be in hospital for the first 2 weeks of his life. anyway i started bf him in hospital but he was also having top up bottle of 50mls too. when we bought him home they wanted us to bf him 15mins each side, then give top up bottle, then for me to express so he would put on weight.

what i want to know is how long do i feed him for on both sides as we want to eliminate the top up bottle of EBM and formula. will still express post feeds but want to just bf him now completely. i cant seem to find any information on the ABA website and i am so confused.

thanks

Maybe ring the ABA so you can actually speak to someone 1800 6862686.
Im no expert but maybe just allow him to feed as long as he wants of either side as long as he hasnt gone to sleep?

thanks. might do that. its just so confusing. plus he is having some spills between his feeds which makes us think he is having too much.

I agree with Minny on giving the ABA a call. They will be really helpful.

I'd let him feed for as long as he wants on one side. When he starts to fall asleep or his suck changes to light, feathery sucking, take him off, burp him and change his nappy. Then offer the other side for as long as he wants.

You're doing a great job so far and congratulations on the arrival of your little man :)

thanks eluned!!

Congrats on your little one's birth! It sounds like you are really doing a great job, despite the initial challenge of his early birth.

The ABA will more than likely have great advice. I'd just add that the best way to cut out the top ups is to bf your baby every time he looks in your direction for a few days. As long as he has been fine with weight gains and is having plenty of wet and dirty nappies try to bf as much as possible without the bottle. Maybe even go to bed with him for a weekend and do very little else other than feed, feed, feed. Your body will increase your supply when he is emptying the breast more often.

Let us know how you are going and GL with getting to exclusive bfing!