Weaning off supplements question..

MrsTurbo · January 2013

My DS is 10 weeks old, and has been on supplements for about a month now. They range anywhere from 2-6 ounces. Every time I pump, after a nursing session or to replace a feeding, I get at least two ounces, but never more than three. I've been nursing, then giving a bottle, then pumping, and it's getting exhausting. I'm pretty sure that he's just getting used to the bottle because it's easier. I want to wean him off the supplements, but I'm just so confused on the best way to do it. I want to make him nurse more, but don't want to starve the poor kid!

I had to start supplementing because I almost quit BF because he had a lot of reflux/colic issues, and it was REALLY hard with 2 other kiddos. I really don't want to quit, but I'm getting so frustrated with the whole thing. I'm not eating any dairy currently, and am taking Fenugreek.

I would appreciate ANY advice. Thanks!

alie78_80 · January 2013

Do you work? If you are at home, or any time you are at home, just have him nurse on demand for as long as he wants. Your breasts are never completely empty and at 10 weeks LO will eat until full (he won't overeat like he could with a bottle). Having LO nurse is the BEST way for you to increase your supply.

If you work, then make sure you are drinking enough water and getting the calories you need during the day. Try adding regular oatmeal once a day and/or lactation cookies (the oatmeal and brewers yeast also help with upping supply). Try adding another pumping session during the day to try to make up the difference.

If LO is eating every 3 hours, 3 oz is all he might need. The typical amount for a BF baby to eat is 1 oz each hour (1.5 oz per hour on the high side). So if you pump 2 oz and its been 2 hours that's exactly the correct amount you should get.

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Weaning off supplements question..

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