Supplementing.

mengstrom

I have had to use supplement in addition to breastmilk bc my little guy wasn't gaining enough weight. Now he is gaining great, but I'm supposed to supplement if he is still hungry after nursing, which has been 2-3 times a day. He has started to pull off the breast and cry. I think he is doing this bc he is so hungry and isn't getting what he needs I'm starting to wonder if I should just alternate breastmilk and formula. I hate that he seems so hungry after nursing. Anyone else having this issue? I've tried to pump more after nursing to increase supply, but sometimes I don't get anything.

stow2009

We are in the same boat, its pretty hard at times. Just remember, your job is to feed him the best way youcan. Our little girl has been nursing and then getting supplemented, and we are slowly lowering the amount we supplement. Pumping isnt always a great measure of how much hes getting, since hes a better pump than the machine. Our hospital has a program where you weigh baby before and after eating to see what they are getting. Maybe that would help?

mengstrom

We bought a baby scale, so I will try that! Thank you for the encouragement!

gulimz

Same boat. As long as my little critter is full and happy, I'm happy too. At first I felt guilty, but now I'm over it and know I'm doing my best to keep my baby happy and healthy

cosplaymom

If your supply is low, try taking Fenugreek supplements. They really helped me! Also, eat oatmeal once a day and drink lots of water. You could also consider eating 4-5 small meals instead of the usual 3 big meals (add an afternoon snack and a midnight snack).

Whenever I need to supplement I make sure to nurse first, then top it off with a bottle of formula. Second choice would be to pump instead and give a bottle. Keeping nursing the priority helps maintain and eventually increase the supply until supplementing is unnecessary.

Right now I just supplement when DD spits up everything and is hungry again before my boobs recharge. >_<