NEED HELP 3 day old needs formula suppliment- losing weight

amber_tynan

My 3 day old was 5 lbs 3.5 oz when born and has lost 11% body weight.  He needs to eat and my milk hasn't come in.  DH is going to the store to get some formula now and I need help!  I'm using an s&s. 

So- who has done this?  How much did you give?  How often did you do this?  My LC didn't seem very concerned, but another LC said he needs to eat now, he's basically not thriving.

DSteed-to-be

Went through the same.  I was told to offer 30-50 mL (1 to 1 3/4 oz) after BFing 15 mins per side....that lets him get your BM and help your milk come in and he'll still get the fullness he needs after feeding from you and following up with the supplement.

 

GL!

clynn58

check out https://kellymom.com/

but I think he will be fine if you just keep breastfeeding him. Your milk will come in and it can take up to 7 days. If you are going to give him formula give 2oz at first. 

flutiefrostie

11% is a lot! We supplemented with an SNS at first, too. It's kind of a PITA, but my milk came in well and DS was EBF after just a couple days. I highly recommend them and will use it again if my supply ever dips. We just put 1 oz in it, so I'd start there, and you can add more if you need it.

seresaleigh

My milk came in on day 3, just keep BFing baby.  Cup feed if you want to avoid nipple confusion.  Keep in mind baby's stomach is the size of a marble right now, 1oz-2oz every 2-3hrs should be enough. But keep trying with the breast. It is so worth it. 

christie.h

I would def supplement if your LO has lost 11% was only 5lbs 3oz to start. My LO was 9lbs at birth and lost nearly 20% in less than 4 days. We started supplementing 1.5oz after every BFing session of 15mins per side, and my milk came in late day 5. As soon as it was in, DS was getting enough from me and wouldn't take the sup bottle because he was full.

Now we are EBF and it is great. Hang in there and don't stop BFing because you need to stimulate your body and teach your baby. You're doing the right thing by nourishing your baby when he needs it!

violetblue72

Just happened to check this board... same thing happened to my DS.  My milk didn't come in until day 5 (had the flu when he was born, hospital gave me cough medicine - not a good idea!) so we had to supplement for almost a week.  It looks like other posters gave you the amounts, I can't remember.  I just wanted to let you know not to worry about supplementing, your baby needs it now to gain weight, get through the jaundice, etc.  I remember being so concerned about it because everyone tells you that they won't nurse afterward, etc.  Well, I just stopped BFing DS last month... we had a 15-month run and I never gave DS formula again after that first week or so, I didn't need to.  

Hang in there!

violetblue72

I don't know if anyone else mentioned this but I just remembered that I would nurse immediately before offering the formula so that I could keep my milk production going, or more accurately get it started.

Payne2B2008

We also had to do this & still do as our little man is to skinny (If only I could have that problem). Don't feel bad about it. To start with we gave him 2oz most times he didn't eat that much but. I had my hart set on EBF but after having to take some meds that killed my milk supply I got over it & had to keep reminding my self that whatever is best for Baby is best.

sherthebear

I used the SNS too for a week or so. I would supplement with expressed breast milk, I would put about 2 oz in the bottle, DD usually took about 1-1.5oz. For the first few days I did it for every feeding and pumped afterwards to help up my supply. After a while, my LC had me do every other feeding during the day. I only had to do it for a week since by then my supply increased enough. SNS was very helpful way to supplement since it helped to up my supply. It was a PITA, but I have a really good supply and didnt have to introduce a bottle right away. Now my issue is getting her to use a bottle from time to time. GL!

Meg41208

flutiefrostie:

11% is a lot! We supplemented with an SNS at first, too. It's kind of a PITA, but my milk came in well and DS was EBF after just a couple days. I highly recommend them and will use it again if my supply ever dips. We just put 1 oz in it, so I'd start there, and you can add more if you need it.

We did the same.  My DD was small at birth (5lbs 14oz born at 39w) and had lost over 9% of her weight when we were discharged from the hospital (we were 1oz from not being discharged) and continued to lose so I sought help from a LC.  We put 1oz in the SNS and when my milk came in on day 5 I stopped using it and she had gained back her weight and then some by day 8. 

peeper72

We had the same experience. Massive blood loss at birth slowed my milk and damaged the supply. SNS was a PITA as has been pointed out already. We started w/ 1 oz. Your pedi should be able to give you a total volume for the day.