Concerned baby isn't getting enough milk

hilsy85

LO is 5.5 weeks old and over the last several days, he has been sleeping longer and longer stretches during the day. It's not uncommon for him to go 4 hours from the start of one feeding to the beginning of the next, and I would say he usually eats maybe 7 times in a 24 hour period.

When he does nurse, he sucks strongly for the first 5 minutes or so, and then unlatches himself. I put him back on, he sucks for 30 seconds, and then unlatches. This can go on for another 8-10 minutes. Eventually, I usually get frustrated and figure that he must not be hungry any more (he doesn't make hungry cues--sucking on hand, etc. If he does that, I re latch him). If I switch him to the 2nd side, he'll suck strongly again for maybe 3 minutes, and then the same unlatch/re latch business.

I'm concerned that between his long naps and his limited eating time at the breast, he's not getting enough milk (and I know I'm producing plenty of milk). He was in the 30something percentile for weight at his 1 month appt (and 80something for height). The pedi didn't seem concerned at all. He also has plenty of dirty diapers (6 wet/poopy diapers by noon today. Any advice/thoughts? Am I worrying over nothing?

TJ1979

I would recommend doing a few weighed feedings.  Perhaps rent a scale so you can check several times a day, or even do a 24 hour check.  Baby needs around 25 ounces per day.  If LO is eating 7 times a day, baby needs a little over 3.5 ounces per feeding.  It's totally possible he is getting that amount that quickly, but it's also possible he isn't.  I think weighed feedings would be your best bet at getting a solid answer.

hilsy85

Thanks, I"ll talk to the pedi about doing that...I'll also see if we can rent a scale from anywhere by us.