Supplementing advice

canarygirl

I have a long and lean baby (13 weeks) who continues to gain weight at a very slow rate. Our ped has done a great job of monitoring his growth carefully before recommending supplementing with formula. However, at our appointment this morning he did finally recommend that we supplement for a few weeks while I work to build up my supply.

His recommendation is to supplement 1-2 oz after 4 of his feedings each day. I will pump to make up for the additional feedings and also start on Fenugreek.

I'm devastated by this but know that I need to do what's best for my baby. My biggest worry is that he is going to love the bottle more than the breast. I'm not ready to be done breastfeeding!

Am I crazy for being so upset? I obviously want what's best for my baby, so if he's not getting enough from me right now I understand this is necessary. Is it possible that I only have to give formula for a week or two? Just looking for some advice and reassurance.

Thanks.

TheAnalyticalMommy

This is a breastfeeding board so I know you're going to get great advice about how to help baby (if he had any growth issues) with gaining weight without supplementing. I just wanted to jump in and say though that if you decide the right thing for you and your baby is to trust the dr. and supplement for a few days or a few weeks, IT'S OKAY. You are not crazy for being so upset but it's okay either way.

You're the mommy, and you have to do what's right for you and your baby. I know this time around when my dr. said to supplement I was heart broken. When he saw how I felt he suggested we come back again the following week and decide then. In the mean time, I was able to boost my supply and his weight gain took off like crazy (he is now 80th percentile for weight). BUT, had we come back and he said to supplement, i probably would have because I saw that he was trying to work with me and wasn't taking the decision lightly.

Sarah053009

OurBundleOfJoy said:

This is a breastfeeding board so I know you're going to get great advice about how to help baby (if he had any growth issues) with gaining weight without supplementing. I just wanted to jump in and say though that if you decide the right thing for you and your baby is to trust the dr. and supplement for a few days or a few weeks, IT'S OKAY. You are not crazy for being so upset but it's okay either way.

this was my first thought. I had to supplement for a couple days before my milk came in. my son has breastfed ever since. you know what is best for you and your baby. there's no shame in whatever you need to do. 

sprky79

Are you pumping at all?  I'd try seeing if you can pump right after nursing and see if you can produce more.  Also, the fenugeek is a great suggestion as is I know there are recipes on line for cookies you can make that are supposed to be good for supply.  Also I am told that 1 dark beer like a guinesss a day is good for your supply. And don't worry about pumping vs. EBF.  BM is BM is BM!

If baby is continuing to grow and gain weight, and is making enough diapers in a day, then unless baby is barely hanging on to progress growth wise, you are probably ok.

jwittwer

canarygirl said:

I have a long and lean baby (13 weeks) who continues to gain weight at a very slow rate. Our ped has done a great job of monitoring his growth carefully before recommending supplementing with formula. However, at our appointment this morning he did finally recommend that we supplement for a few weeks while I work to build up my supply.

His recommendation is to supplement 1-2 oz after 4 of his feedings each day. I will pump to make up for the additional feedings and also start on Fenugreek.

I'm devastated by this but know that I need to do what's best for my baby. My biggest worry is that he is going to love the bottle more than the breast. I'm not ready to be done breastfeeding!

Am I crazy for being so upset? I obviously want what's best for my baby, so if he's not getting enough from me right now I understand this is necessary. Is it possible that I only have to give formula for a week or two? Just looking for some advice and reassurance.

Thanks.

^^ this is the EXACT same thing I'm going through with my LO at 10 weeks. She's eating at least 9 times a day, and I'm pumping at least 6-8 times while taking blessed thistle and fenugreek. I've used all my freezer stash of pumped bm so I am having to supplement with formula afterwards. I'm really hoping to see a difference soon. Have you taken any of this advice? Have you noticed any difference?