Supplementing question

kdoak2015

Hi everyone,

DD is 4 weeks old and we've supplemented since birth due to low blood sugars and not getting back to birth weight/losing weight.
My questions is some nights I can BF her for 30-40mins and then she'll pound back 4-6oz of formula she usually takes 2oz after a feed sometimes every other feed but for a newborn this seems like a tone but she'll take it. I know my supply is a bit low but I'm pumping 1/2oz after feeds. I just don't understand why she's taking so much formula. It's not a growth spurt(well I don't think it is). I'm just worried if she keeps this up I'll never keep my supply and we'll eventually end up on formula completely. Any experience or suggestions appreciates.

wintersong

Feeding issues are so stressful!! I'm sorry you are feeling this when I'm she all you want to do is snuggle up and enjoy your squish.

Couple of ideas:
1. Are you seeing a lactation consultant? They can assess how your baby is eating.
2. Keep pumping after feeds. Keeps pumping until you have a couple of minutes of nothing to keep up the stimulation. Keep nursing first, then bottle defying like you are.
3. Even if you keep supplementing, as long as milk is being taken out you will keep producing. I know that's only sorry off comforting of you are hoping to ebf.

For several weeks as a newborn my son was clusterfeeding seriously from about 4 7pm to 8 or even 10. For us this was normal and I got used to feeding him while eating dinner precariously over his face. However, it made me worried, so I contacted the hospital lactation specialist who put my mind at ease after a few questions.

I can't emphasize enough, if you are worried about your lo nursing efficiently, contact a professional. As internet strangers, we can only offer anecdotes and our own experience, not evaluate yours.

Edited for typos

kdoak2015

Thanks we've been seen weekly by an LC I just don't agree with some of the advice they give(take formula away completely) we did they in the beginning and she lost weight. I am totally pro bfing but not at the sake of my DD not gaining weight.

RachieTK

Maybe you need a new LC. I didn't like the one from the hospital, but loved the one I used once home.

krissyberb

I agree with PPs. We had feeding issues the first 8 weeks. Here's what I learned:
1). Pumping is a learned skilled. Look up "hands on pumping" on Google. There are some videos out there. Get a hands free pumping bra. Try not to stress about how much you're pumping--stress reduced output
2) look into paced bottle feeding. Kellymom.com is a great resource. 6oz seems like a lot for a 4 week old. My 90% 5 month old baby boy loves his food, but he rarely takes more than 5 ounces at a feeding.
3) educate yourself on tongue and lip ties. drghaheri.com has great info on symptoms. Don't trust LCs and peds to diagnose--they are not all knowledgeable.

valerie1132

I would guess that she is taking more at night due to cluster feeding. Think of it as a plus because she'll feel full longer and may get longer sleep stretches. And as others said try another LC for a second opinion. But in the mean time if she'll take it I would give it and pump what you can.

I have the exact same issue, I nurse, pump what I can and offer supplementation on top of that. My daughter had trouble gaining and I worry about my supply (I've done all the things to up it), but she is happier and gaining better now that I supplement, and at the end of the day that's what's important. Good luck!

kdoak2015

Update: so we've been trying to ween off of formula and DD gained less than 2oz in 6 days so I'm clearly not producing enough. I was given a pres for Dom and have been on that for 6 days with no signs of increase supply, I'm also taking fenugreek and have increased my water intake to over 100oz a day. We were giving DD very little formula in that time (6oz a day). I've decided to continue to supplement after every feed again as I'm clearly not making enough for her. During these 6 days was feeding on demand anywhere between 1-3hrs.
My question is the older she gets how do I know how much to supplement? Do I always continue with 2oz. My DD doesn't stop eating she will continue to eat even when she's full so it's hard to determine when she's done(other than she gets "milk drunk" and starts to fall asleep.

doodleoodle

@kdoak2015 I watch for signs such as slowing down on the rate of sucking, looking around at other things, if I put a paci in her mouth she's fine etc. If shortly after eating she starts sucking on her hand or getting cranky I might offer another 1/2 ounce at a time until she no longer shows signs of hunger. I try to slow down feedings so she has time to realize she's full as well.

valerie1132

Again I'm in the same boat. It was hard at first bc I felt like I was giving up, but once I saw her gaining more weight and having a happier demeanor, I knew supplementing was the right thing to do.

My daughter is 4 & 1/2 months, and I nurse first then offer formula. It depends on the time of day. In the am, I usually have a good enough supply to satiate her. In the afternoon and evening, after nursing I offer anywhere from 3-6 oz, depending on how long she nursed. Sometimes she's frustrated and won't nurse, so then it's 6 oz usually. And then I just try to pump as often as I can. At this point I'm just proud of myself for sticking it out, and I give her what I can! She's also a big comfort nurser so I still feel needed haha!! Good luck!!