So went to see GP Friday as I was concerned about DD she was upset all the time and thought I should take her up get her weighed and go from there....
So to find out she has only put on 900grams since 6 weeks I was told to either start solids and top-up after every breastfeed with formula... (I also have a herbal mix from the naturopath to boost my supply as my boobs aren't full they don't leak or anything and if I try express in-between to help it boost or if DD is fed EBM whilst I am on a 4 hour shift I try to express as soon as I get home and nothing comes out )
We are out of EBM as I was trying to top up with that now I have a problem she has sometimes lately refused breast and only wants to be fed from a bottle and with EBM not formula to the point she sucks at the bottle scrunches her face up and spits it out.
I am stuck and don't know what to do she even went a whole day from 3am to 11pm that night with no BM no FF no Solids nothing (had her up the hospital and said she was having an "OFF"day) she plain refused to latch on and screamed at me and put a bottle in and refused to have the formula, I really wanted to make it with Breastfeeding and I need some more opinions please to help increase supply or do something DH puts a lot of pressure on BF and wants me to do it till she no longer requires to be BF
What have her weight gains been like up until now? To me, 900 grams in 6 weeks sounds pretty good, that averages about 150 grams a week which is quite normal for a baby that age. Just because your boobs don't leak doesn't mean your supply is down. I've never been a leaker, never had to wear breast pads. The amount you can express is no indicator of supply either, I was crap at expressing, at best 20mls or so. It just never worked for me, but my supply is fine.
Best indicator to whether your little one is getting enough is to keep an eye on her nappies. How many wet nappies does she have in 24 hours? At that age, they also become more active and aware of their surroundings so can sometimes be more interested in what's going on around them rather than feeding. You could try feeding in a dark room or use a cover or just in a quiet area away from any distractions. This age is also I think a growth spurt age where they can be super fussy, upset, feed lots and as soon as you realise it, things have settled down again!
Some things to help boost your supply are fenugreek and blessed thistle (from chemist or health food shop), and make sure you keep your fluids up, drink lots of water. Assuming her output is fine, I'd say your supply sounds pretty good to me, that weight gain is good. Keep hanging in there, take it one day at a time and you'll get there, promise
eta..oops I suck at maths...or just can't read...since 6 weeks! It's still a good gain though, MadB is right...They slow down at the 3 month mark.
Last edited by Laranna; March 13th, 2011 at 11:10 PM.
Ah stress!
Ok, 900g in about 10-11 weeks...? That's not bad, actually. Weight gains tend to slow a lot after the 3 month mark. It may be that something else is going on, or maybe she's just not quite getting enough. How many wet nappies are you getting these days? That's the best indicator of how much milk is going in.
Not feeling full, or not leaking is totally normal. Feeling full means you have too much milk, as is often the case in teh early weeks. After that your supply settles down and you don't tend to feel full. That's ok, you still make milk as demanded by your baby.
Exressing can be harder once your supply settles down also. And, if you're tired or stressed, it can be hard to get a letdown with a pump. It doesn't necessarily mean you don't have enough milk.
You're working? Do you express when you're away from your baby?
Something else that can happen with babies at around this age is that they can be very fussy adn distracted at the breast. They might feed great at night (and heaps to make up for the day times) but during the day it's a different story. Sometimes also if babies have had bottles they may have a preference for them as they can look around etc while feeding (whereas they can't at the breast). Often these are just temporary things, which pass with a bit of time.
Have you called the ABA? 1800-868-2-868. The counsellors can offer you all sorts of advice and support. Or what about attending your local group meeting - yuou can talk in person with your local counsellors and other mums. You'll be surprised just how many other mums have probably had very similar issues.
The very best way to increase supply is to feed more. The more that comes out, the more you make. I'm not sure what your schedule is like, but maybe you can have a bed & feed day. Just take her to bed with you, forget about everything else for a day, and let her feed as much as she wants.
Massive hugs Miss K - you are doing such a wonderful job and I'm sorry the advice you have received has confused/upset you. I think the Laranna and MadB have given you such wonderful advice. The best thing I can do for you is say go with your gut, if you want to BF then do it. Your boobs were made for this job and if you let your LO attach and suck then more milk will be made - it's like magic Congratulations on being such a great Mum.
Laranna - I was checking her nappies and she only had 2 wet ones the day we took her up the hospital cause 2 wet nappies in 24 hours wasn't cutting it for me.. The day after (sat) she had about 3/4 and today she has had around 5/6 so obviously getting better each day
MadB I only work 1 day/ sometimes 2 days a week 1 day is 3 hours feed bub before and after and 2day work 4 hours feed bub before and after work aswell so no need to express as I am going within her usual feeds...
I have been feeding her every 2 hours today so lets see what comes of that in the coming days I am going to try for a few days....
I haven't called the ABA yet didn't even think you know how you're soo flustered and you don't know where to go and you forget where you can go hehe!!
And thanks Kylz I think I might take you up on that!!!
Not sure what to do.. (long)
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You're doing a great job!
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