Transitioning to EBF baby lost weight

lussosarah

Hi everyone, my baby girl was born 6 1/2 weeks early. I wasn't given much of an opportunity to Breast feed while she was in the NICU and even though I pumped religiously I've had some production issues. Since at home I've tried to put her to breast as often as possible, I've power pumped, used fenugreek and moremilk. It's helped production enough that I could provide about 80% of her intake as breast milk (the rest formula). Last week she started refusing formula. I also noticed that the formula (alimentum) has made her super gassy. About 4 days ago I decided to try to Exclusively breast feed in hopes that I would eventually start producing enough. The first couple of days were rough. She would get frustrated and tired after a few minutes abut now she's really starting to get the hang of it and can spend up to 15 minutes at each breast. I pumped last night and noticed that my supply has gone up quite a bite...despite it all we had her 2 month check up today and her weight is down by about 1-1.5 ounces since 4 days ago. Has anyone else has this experience when transitioning to EBF? My doctor recommended going for another week to see if she gains the weight, but I'm really nervous about her not putting on the right amount. Has anyone successfully supplemented breast milk with formula? I really want to EBF but I'm trying to figure out the right balance.

anxiousmommy85

Up your water intake and drink Gatorade and mother's milk tea plus nurse on demand for the next week. The more you practice, the smoother it will go and baby will pick her weight up in no time.

amandanicboone

Oatmeal!! I have it for breakfast and then I grind up oatmeal and use the oat flour for cookies - nice sweet treat that helps milk production. Lots and lots of water! (There's also Brewers yeast - special cookie recipes call for this to help with supply. I haven't had to use it but I've seen it all over online to use to help with supply)

And don't worry just yet, especially if your doc is not worried and wants you to try for another week!

Even if you don't get to the point where you don't have to supplement at all.... Props for sticking with it and doing as much breastfeeding as you can to give your baby the best!

babyciggs15

I had the same problem when BF. LO was losing weight. I started pumping instead and switched to bottle. It was easier for the both of us personally bc I was able to track how much she was eating and she prefers the bottle. I pump every 3 hours. If I don't have enough (some times she goes through these cluster feeding phases but not too often) I will give her formula. She doesn't seem to mind this and she's been gaining a steady amount of weight. I make just enough to support her feeding. I'm starting work soon so formula will be a daily thing.


I've made the lactation cookies and the HMothers milk tea and they both helped! Only negative side was the recipe I found for the cookies had a lot sugar. Also the tea, it says to have 3-5 cups daily! Does anyone know if they sell this tea by bigger qty?

StephanieLBerg

babyciggs15 said:

I had the same problem when BF. LO was losing weight. I started pumping instead and switched to bottle. It was easier for the both of us personally bc I was able to track how much she was eating and she prefers the bottle. I pump every 3 hours. If I don't have enough (some times she goes through these cluster feeding phases but not too often) I will give her formula. She doesn't seem to mind this and she's been gaining a steady amount of weight. I make just enough to support her feeding. I'm starting work soon so formula will be a daily thing.


I've made the lactation cookies and the HMothers milk tea and they both helped! Only negative side was the recipe I found for the cookies had a lot sugar. Also the tea, it says to have 3-5 cups daily! Does anyone know if they sell this tea by bigger qty?

I'm currently taking More Milk Plus capsules and drinking Mother's Milk Tea daily to help regain my supply back. However, I have only been drinking one cup at night before bedtime, but taking the capsules as directed and I've seen a huge change already in the last 2 days. The key is to just persevere and push through the struggle. Feed or pump often and always for longer than your supply lasts. When I pump, I usually express all my milk from one side in less than 5 minutes, but I'll keep pimping for at least another 10 minutes to stimulate my body to think that baby needs more. When she's nursing, I always let her stay on for as long as she wants until she pops off, or until she goes to sleep, then I switch sides and do it all over again. She usually nurses for about 15-20 minutes on each side. Stimulation is key, however, do work on your latch because baby can express your breast milk much more efficiently than ANY pump can. Good luck!