breastfeeding moms

iluvmylab · December 2011

My LO is two weeks old tomorrow and wants to nurse all the time. Should I still be pumping after I feed him to increase my supply? He eats every 1-3 hours. Usually more often during the day and every 2.5-3 hours at night. I feel like I'm not making enough milk because he nurses for so long and my boobs are always really soft. But everything I've read tells me that he's probably fine if he's pooping/peeing like he should and gaining weight. Any insight?

karaknr · December 2011

Im not nursing yet but Ive read a ton of books on it and they say that as long as your LO is emptying at least 1 breast per feeding, and is pooping, peeing and gaining enough then extra pumping shouldnt be necessary. He is probably just hitting his "3 weeks growth spurt" a little early and cluster feeding. But his increase in feedings will also increase your supply to exactly where it should be so extra pumping could potentially just make you engorged. But if you arent sure Id call a Lactation Consultant and ask her, that will definitely help:)

mbf124 · December 2011

Sometimes my baby wants to eat all the time during the day as well. I asked my lactation consultant and she said it's normal and fine. as long as the diapers are wet and dirty several times a day, you shouldn't worry. She recommended pumping inbetween feedings so I have some milk stocked up. If she eats at noon and then again at 2 or 3, I'll pump at 1. hope this helps!

march17 · December 2011

Your body will produce exactly what you need for your baby. As long as he pees and poops throughout the day you can be sure he is getting enough. Are you able to pump any extra after a feeding?

StephNJohn2008 · December 2011

My son does the same- I'm constantly nursing. I have an oversupply though so I'm not pumping because I don't want my body to think I need more milk bc it's too much as it is.My son will clusterfeed for hours then sleep for 3-4 hours.

brandywine2010 · December 2011

I bet he is hitting his first growth spurt. We talked about this in my breastfeeding class last week. I think you are doing the right thing by letting him nurse while he is hungry right now. You can always pump if you feel the need, but you don't want to wear yourself out, either.

Best of luck to you!

tosh24 · December 2011

BF your LO whenever he wants to eat is exactly what your baby needs. I honestly don't even bother looking at the clock when I feed. Half the time I couldn't tell you when he last fed or for how long - I just feed DS whenever he wants. As for the soft breasts after feeding, that's a GOOD thing. You want LO to be emptying your breasts so that your body is getting the right supply cues and so you don't get mastitis. Sounds like everything is going as it should

(on phone....sorry no paragraphs)

gina_bo_bena · December 2011

LO will naturally increase your supply. Them eating like that gets your body to make more milk to get ready for their growth spurts. You can pump if you want, but it's not necessary. My LO nurses for a while too. It's normal at this time.

During their growth spurts, it will feel like nursing is ALL you are doing, and that's good! It sucks, but just grab a book, water, and some snacks. As long as there are plenty of wet/poopy diapers then you're all good. Smile

TheBrowns · December 2011

I agree that if he is peeing and pooing then he is getting enough. I think I was nursing my boys 12-18 times per day during that first month. I didn't pump, just kept feeding the baby and making sure I had enough to eat and drink. Can't wait to be nursing again soon!

StacieJane · December 2011

What you are describing sounds totally normal to me!

Nursing all the time is so common in the first few weeks. I remember feeling like I never got a break from it. You don't need to pump to increase your supply ... your body will respond to how much he is nursing. And there's no such thing as an "empty" breast ... as long as he's still sucking, he's still getting milk. You're doing great, mama!

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