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any way to up calories in your milk?

alison43alison43
in Breastfeeding

Baby Avery isn't gaining weight as fast as the doctors would like.  She went from 6lb7oz at birth to 6lb2oz at discharge, then 5lb11oz two days later.  She is on the upswing, though--5lb15.5oz today, which is six days after discharge (total gain of 4.5 oz in 4 days).

They had us start supplementing with formula after every feed at her first weight check but today the dr told us to feed only formula for two feeds/day.  He said some moms just don't have enough calories in their breastmilk to meet their baby's needs...I don't know if this is worse for us because she was 5 weeks early or what.

Is there any way I can increase the nutritional content of my breastmilk?  I called the LC from the hospital to ask the same thing...

Any advice would be great!

 

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Re: any way to up calories in your milk?

  • madhatter2003madhatter2003

    hmmmm...it's weird he's having you supplement so early. Normally it's ok as long as they are back to birth weight in 2 weeks.

    Oh...just saw the part about being 5 weeks early.  Preemies may need more calories, I think they have special formula for preemies to add to your bm to make it have more calories.

    My two PCOS miracles! Lilypie Kids Birthday tickersLilypie Kids Birthday tickers
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  • seattlestefseattlestef member
    My girls were 5.5 weeks early. I am pumping and fortifing the milk with neosure. Ana is on 22 cal and Elise is on 24 cal - normal breastmilk is only 20 calories. They are both gaining an average of 2 oz a day right now and we have a follow up with a nutritionist tomorrow.  Did your DD see a nutritionist at the hospital? They might be able to help make sure she is gaining the right weight. Good luck!
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  • TM&ABTM&AB
    i agree with pp. You can fortify BM with neosure formula.
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  • JenniC1135JenniC1135

    Ask this on the boards at kellymom.com. They are the experts.

     

    My knowledge tells me, though, that breastmilk is the perfect formula for 99.9% of babies out there, yours included most likely. Maybe your milk took a little longer to really come in, but if it's in now and she seems satisfied after a feeding, I wouldn't supplement.   She's gaining weight, her weight seems good especially for being 5 weeks early...  if she's peeing and pooping appropriately then I would say you're fine!  I definitely wouldn't do formula only for 2 feedings a day because that's really going to mess with your supply getting established, and breastmilk is best especially for preemies who really benefit from the added immunological benefits.   If you give her formula only twice a day, that tells your body you don't need to make milk at those times, and you'll never get to exclusive breastfeeding (assuming that is your goal.)  Your doctor's statement about some women not having enough calories leads me to believe he doesn't know a whole lot about breastmilk and breastfeeding.

     What did the LC say?

    Jenni ~~Alex & Avery ~~ 6/13/06~~Adam ~~3/26/08

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  • alison43alison43

    I hope the LC will call back tomorrow.

    I plan to pump and freeze during the feedings that are formula only--I am able to get 3 oz. in a 15 minute pump session so I hope that doesn't screw with the supply issue too much.  And with any luck this will only be for two days...

    Thanks for all your advice!

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