FTM breastfeeding help!

Rpaulino89

im a FTM to a baby boy just born this past Saturday! I have been trying to get him to breastfeed but he's having a hard time latching on so my husband decided to buy me a pump to see how it went. It actually worked perfect for me. I get to pump and he gets to eat but now the problem is he has become very restless this past night and doctor had told me it was because he was hungry. My question is how many ounces should I be pumping for each boob for my baby boy!? And should I feed him every 2 hours instead of 3?

randa923

Definitely feed him every two hours when they are that little. Mine is 5 weeks old and still eats every 2-3 hours. As for how many ounces I can't help you because I have no idea what my LO eats. I do know he can down a 3 ounce bottle without any problems. Also you may not be pumping as mich as your LO is eating. I hardly get anything when I pump, but my LO is satisfied when he eats. My LO was losing weight when we came hone so I would breastfeed him for 10-15 minutes on each side then we had to supplement with 1 ounce of formula afterwards. I had to pump to make sure my breasts were empty after each feeding too. It helped him gain weight and made him stop screaming. Maybe you can give him what you pump then supplement with an ounce or so? Good luck to you! And congrats!

Birthinrox

I would try to see an IBCLC to help your baby latch, it's frustrating but it's not too late. A bf baby should take 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours. Restless baby does not necessarily mean hungry baby. Newborns are fussy and don't necessarily sleep well. I would try a pacifier before supplementing with formula, which will decrease your supply. Kellymom.com has great info on pumping and normal newborn nursing. Please check it out and get some help from an expert. Sadly pediatricians know very little about breastfeeding unless they seek it out.

KonaCoffeeBean

Don't worry about intervals, just feed on demand. Be ready to feed as soon as you see hunger cues. I'm a heavy pump user, but I still prefer to nurse at night and on weekends, once breastfeeding is well established, it's much easier to feed directly than by pumping. Unless you are open to becoming an exclusive pumper, I would invest time into fixing the latch issue now. Start by seeing an LC.

candyland33

I suggest seeing a LC.

kerris713

I also think you should talk to a LC. Have you tried a nipple shield? It could help with latch issues. Also I would try to not use a pacifier since the sucking will release the same hormone that signals fullness so it could affect nursing cues and supply. Does he look like he's rooting? Are you swaddling him? Does he not like a wet diaper and needs to be changed more? Go through a list of things and if everything checks out fine then he might just be blowing off some steam from the day and needs to cry. Just hold him and know that everything will be ok.