Under- or Over-feeding?? Please help - confused FTM

VToman

How do you know when you are over or under feeding?

I'm a FTM and our LO is 4 weeks old. We feed her 3.5 to 4 oz every 3.5 to 4 hours. But, sometimes, especially at night, that just doesn't seem to be enough! She cries, roots when I'm trying to burp her,makes sucks faces and will suck her hand until she gives herself a hickey! Our pediatrician said to offer a pacifier to see if it helps, but that's been hit or miss. I have broken down and given her a little more a few times. One time, she ate 6 oz at one feed! I know that's a lot but she finally calmed down and went to sleep.

So, how do I know? She's never displayed the classic "I'm full" cues and I think she would eat until the bottle was empty no matter how much was in there!

WillyBean

6 oz in one sitting is quite a bit for a 4 week old. Do you know her average total ounces per day? I would base your concerns off of that rather than the ounces per feeding. I think our formula said 20-24 ounces per day at that time but I can't remember (seems like a lifetime ago!). I feel like at that age they aren't always as consistent with each feeding so sometimes they drink more or less.

Also, does she spit up in between bottles? That might make her extra hungry. My son never seemed to be full either but he would spit up. The pediatrician said he had acid reflux and couldn't tell the difference between the pain of acid versus hunger pains, so he kept wanting more bottle. Maybe check into that? Good luck!

VToman

I would say she shows the signs of having acid reflux, but the last time we went to the Dr's office, the nurse practitioner didn't really say much about it other than to sit her upright longer and prop her up a bit to sleep.

She does take more or less throughout the day. For example, after that 6 oz feeding, the next time she ate - five hrs later - she took a little under 3 oz.

Yes, the charts do say between 20 and 24 oz. in a day. She's probably getting slightly bit more than that...maybe 26 oz? I know those charts are guidelines, but I'm wondering how much wiggle room is there. I just want to do what's best for her.

SLGILL1978

I agree, six ounces is a lot. Unless your baby is going through a growth spurt then it's normal for them to eat more. Have you tried feeding less ounces more often or just on demand? Try feeding 2-3 ounces every two hours or just give that on demand. 

redfallon

We always fed on demand instead of trying to schedule anything. My daughter made her own schedule eventually.

CLB426

Our son eats 30-32 oz per day and is 3 weeks old. He will eat anywhere from 2.5-5.5 oz per feeding and eats every 3-4 hours. Our pediatrician said he is completely normal. He was born at 37 weeks 1 day. Our older son who is now 3, (born at 37 weeks 3 days) only ate 1-3 oz/ feeding at first for 15-20 oz/ day. Different babies but both healthy! Check with your pediatrician. Ours said feed the baby when he's hungry as much as he wants.