Pump Day

JWSchwarz

I was so worried I wasn't producing enough milk because my baby has been so fussy and wanting to eat like every hour (or nonstop for several hours). One day i think he was attached to me for 3 hours straight. So yesterday we did a pseudo "Pump Day".  

First, this seems to have corrected his crazy eating (for now)  and he's back to eating every 3-4 hours and even had a 6 hour stretch last night. He's gaining 2 oz a day so we aren't too worried about him going so long. Second, It's relieved all of my insecurities about how much I'm producing (insecurities which our Lactation Specialist put into my head...grrr). 

To do this you have to estimate how much milk your LO should be getting at each feeding. We estimated 30 oz a day so 4-5 oz a feeding (I have a chunky 10 lb baby boy). You also have to do it at several different times in the day to get a good estimate. 

We introduced the bottle to LO last week but DH is the only one that can get him to take it. So, Instead of our 3am feed, DH got up and fed LO and I went and pumped. I was pretty surprised to get 6 oz and LO only ate 4 oz. So, no supply issues at 3am. Next was 7:30am. Same story (except I think I pumped a little less). We tried this again around noon and in the evening, and every time LO is eating an oz or two less than I pump. We did this at different times since milk production fluctuates at different times of the day and we suspected a sharp decrease around afternoon which we thought could be causing his crazy eating. But, now I can pretty confidently say I am not starving my baby! 

This might be a different story in a couple weeks when my LO hits 12 lbs and starts wanting a big gulp size of milk every day. Sigh.

 

megaloo27

If he eats too often he is just getting the fore milk which is less filling, therefore he will be hungry again sooner. Make sure he empties your breast at each feeding not just "snacking"

JWSchwarz

Snacking would be nice..he was literally eating 10-15 minutes each side every 60-90 mins (timed from beginning of feed) for half the day. So eventually he just literally sucked me dry. Vicious cycle. Plus he has reflux which means I have to hold him vertical for 30 minutes after he eats or he'll puke. Anyway, the bottle seemed to reset things so he's back on track (knock on wood). Good thing he's cute:)

jnk062602

10 days is a common growth spurt day, so that might be it too. Fyi- the next one should be at about 3 weeks. And don't worry about when he grows - keep putting him to breast and your supply should keep up. Sounds like you have a great supply right now. Keep up the good work!

jnk062602

Oops - on my phone and I thought your ticker said 1 WEEK 3 days, sorry!