intro and worried

thatgirlnicki

Hi ladies. Sorry this is long. Ive been lurking here since the birth of my second child seven weeks ago. We've had numerous breastfeeding challenges (tongue and lip tie, oversupply,shallow latch, reflux etc) tongue tie was clipped but her latch still isn't perfect and she breaks suction often. Ive worked with an IBCLC frequently and it seems all I can do is have it clipped again. In reluctant to do so and my pain is minimal. My main concern is that shes not nursing enough. She nurses for 5 minutes or less about 7-9 times a day and will scream and push away if offered more. She currently is still sleeping at 7:30 am after a few swallows at 4 am. Weight gain is on low end of normal but im worried that she was gaining quickly until my supply regulated last week. She took 2.5 ounces at a weighed feeding last week which can't be enough with 7 or 8 feedings. Pediatrician and LC have said shes fine and gaining enough but my instinct is tgat she isntm. I worry that she is refusing to eat due to reflux pain and my supply will dwindle by the time somebody agrees with me. Shes currently on Zantac 2x per day. Is it possible that she would sleep and be content all while not getting enough calories? I try to feed her as often as possible during the day now. Anybody have similar experiences? Thanks for your input! I hope im worrying for no reason but I can't shake this feeling!

thatgirlnicki

Forgot to add that I dont think she's refusing to nurse more because my milk stopped flowing. I can see milk in her mouth at times.LC says that I have OALD which may aggravate her reflux.

flcl

Breastfeeding is hard work.  For us, it seemed like there was a new challenge to troubleshoot through every week in the beginning.  I don't have much experience with reflux, but I'm sure other moms will chime in to help you with that.  My LO had a tongue tie and latching was always very painful until we got the tongue tie fixed.  Immediately afterwards, LO latched great.... until I had OS and OALD.  It was just too much for LO so he would pull off screaming  I would just put a washcloth to me whenever I would let down.  When it slowed, LO could latch back on and eat with no problems.  OALD "fixed" itself as he got bigger/older and my body became more regulated.

Try not to worry too much as the pedi and LC both say she's getting enough food.  I was always nervous LO wasn't eating enough since he nursed so quickly but he had plenty of dirty/wet diapers and that's always a good sign.  Also, just because your LO ate 2.5 ounces during that one weighed feeding doesn't mean that that's all she's getting each feeding.  Watch her hunger cues, feed on demand and keep an eye on those diapers...GL!

thatgirlnicki

Thanks. Shes refused the breast since 1 am but took 3 ounces pumped milk by bottle. I can't starve her for the sake of nursing so I'm thinking that might be the end of nursing for us. Im completely heartbroken that im here again after giving up at 6 weeks with my first. I dont know how long I can sustain pumping and bottle feeding with a colicy baby that refuses to sleep. I wish could do it.

Pankers

2.5 oz times 8 is 20 oz a day, so depending on your LO size, it is probably fine, and the LC and doctor are not worried.

opheliainwaders

just want to second @sing2phins - there's a whole host of reasons why she might be "off" today - just keep offering, and see how it goes. I wouldn't really worry unless you see a dropoff in wet diapers (at which point, check in with your pedi and/or IBCLC for advice). If you can, just spend some time today chilling out with her - rest, nurse on demand, and do skin-to-skin. GL!

thatgirlnicki

Thanks and I dont want to give up. Im just struggling with constant challenges and the rejection is hard to take. I actually think that 2.5 oz feed was a longer one for her. She's been sleeping since that morning bottle now. Im trying to stay calm but I am struggling. 3 oz in 12 hours surely is not enough.

opheliainwaders

How is her diaper count? I agree that's not enough, but see what the afternoon brings - you may want to wake her to feed, too.

Also, don't forget that the time of day can matter more than the length of nursing time re: volume. If it's morning, she's likely getting more, faster, than if it's late afternoon, that sort of thing.

Hang in there, mama!

thatgirlnicki

Diapers were ok until last night she was dry for 4 hours at least. Shes had 2 or 3 wet diapers since then.