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Breastfeeding
hilwithonelary
member
no longer supplementing... now I have questions
hilwithonelary
member
I supplemented per the advice of our pedi from last Thursday through yesterday, when he said that we could go back to breastmilk only. Now I have a couple of questions.
DS latches on quickly, but I have to fight him the whole time to stay awake. He sucks for a little bit, then falls asleep, then I wake him up, and we start over. He will always give me at least a few sucks if I encourage him, but otherwise I think he would just hang out attached to my breast forever. How do I know when he's really done?
I'm afraid that with the formula supplementing, my supply isn't what it could have been. I picked up a rental Medela Lactina on Monday (free with my insurance!), but I'm not sure how to go about it. I've pumped a couple of times for about 15 minutes after feeding, and I got 0.5-1 oz total. Do I need to pump after every single feeding? Or how often do you think is necessary to make sure I keep up/build my supply?
Hilary
This discussion has been closed.
Re: no longer supplementing... now I have questions
At one week, they will be way sleepy, so just try to keep him awake. I used to feed DD in just her diaper (the skin-to-skin contact helps too).
Honestly, letting him hang out and nursing/sucking for long periods of time is one of the best ways to build your supply (you need the stimulation). He's preparing you for the next growth spurt. I'd say once you can't wake him up at all (or his arm is completely limp), put him down for a nap (for both of you).
Is he having enough wet diapers and gaining weight? If he is, and if you are able to pump milk after some feedings, I'd say your supply is doing fine. If you can pump an ounce (and it will increase) after some feedings during the day, you can start freezing it (put the ounce in the fridge, then put the next ounce in the fridge, then eventually combine 2-4 ounces over a day or so and freeze). I wouldn't give him any of this pumped milk unless he is still hungry (crying, sucking, etc.) after a feeding - if you give him this milk in place of nursing, that will tell your body that he is eating less per nursing session, but he's obviously not. I wouldn't mess with that until you are through the first couple of growth spurts.
I'd say that since you are paying for the rental, pump after a couple of feedings to start a stash (it will start to add up), but don't go overboard and give yourself an oversupply. And if you have the choice between pumping or sleeping, pick sleeping.
I don't have a problem letting him hang out, but I'm wondering if I should make him switch breasts after a certain amount of time?
I've been taught to let them go until they are done on the first breast and then offer the second. They may or may not take much from the second side.
Until he's a little more awake it might be hard to tell when to switch sides. I used to try the staying awake tricks (tickling, skin to skin, I found taking a deep breath would wake him up) until Drew was completely asleep on one side and I couldn't rouse him easily. Then I'd change his diaper to wake him up again (he was not a fan) and give the other side. He's always taken from both sides.
As pp said, longer on the breast will help your supply. However, if you're pumping 0.5-1.0 oz after a feeding then you're already doing great!