Talk me down, ladies...

SuzyQq02 · March 2014

So we had some issues with weight loss in the beginning with LO. All signs point to it mainly being a supply issue with me, which seems to have resolved given the weighted feeds and pumping output we're getting. We worked with an LC and were on a feeding schedule, but recently got the go ahead to stop waking every 2 hours during the day and let her feed more on demand.

I've still been waking her pretty often because FTM and paranoid, but today was the first day I let her go longer based on her hunger cues. She'd been getting 9 feedings a day (down from 10 on our original schedule) and it looks like today we may only get 8.

Someone please reassure me that 8 feedings in a day is within the realm of normal for a 7 week old and my kid isn't going to shrink overnight from having one day with one less feeding!

ShePersisted · March 2014

I know you want reassurance but if think this is best discussed with your pedi as he will probably weigh in his weight, growth and overall health before saying it is okay. If the pedi seems fine ( in the grand scheme on weight gain) then I think there is nothing to worry.

ziggy903 · March 2014

The NICU put us on 8 feeds a day from birth.
It's going to be okay

Soap1 · March 2014

I'm in the paranoia boat with you (see my post below about LO falling down into the 4th percentile). I told my pedi today that he nurses 6-7 times a day, and the pedi said that's perfect!

SuzyQq02 · March 2014

Hg45 said:

I know you want reassurance but if think this is best discussed with your pedi as he will probably weigh in his weight, growth and overall health before saying it is okay. If the pedi seems fine ( in the grand scheme on weight gain) then I think there is nothing to worry.

Sorry, I should have clarified... my pedi is fine with her eating on demand at this point, with whatever that looks like for her. She wants us finding her natural sleep/wake/eat patterns now that shes gaining. This is just me being paranoid that her natural pattern will mess up her gain.

shellbell3845 · March 2014

My 5 week old eats seven times a day. We also had weight gain issues, albeit briefly. My supply wasn't great, but it's gotten a ton better which led to fewer feedings that were more efficient.

Your kid isn't going to shrink overnight, and I think she'll let you know if she's hungry. This could be a new normal for her. I'd pay attention over the next few days and then call your LC or pedi if you still have questions or concerns. (Personally, I call my LC once a week just to check in, chat, and ask any questions. She's a great source of information, reassurance, and encouragement, and I hope yours is too!)

ShePersisted · March 2014

SuzyQq02 said:

Hg45 said:

I know you want reassurance but if think this is best discussed with your pedi as he will probably weigh in his weight, growth and overall health before saying it is okay. If the pedi seems fine ( in the grand scheme on weight gain) then I think there is nothing to worry.

Sorry, I should have clarified... my pedi is fine with her eating on demand at this point, with whatever that looks like for her. She wants us finding her natural sleep/wake/eat patterns now that shes gaining. This is just me being paranoid that her natural pattern will mess up her gain.

Great- I think my point was that if the baby's dr was okay then you are good and nothing to worry. Sorry, I just misread that you worked with your LC on getting the go ahead so just wanted to say if his dr is ok then you should not worry.

SuzyQq02 · March 2014

Thanks, ladies! I know you're right, and she'll let me know if she needs more!

Now just crossing my fingers that she still sleeps well tonight with eating like she has!

SuzyQq02 · March 2014

I think part of my problem is we've been scheduled for such a length of time I'm worried I won't pick up on "hunger signs"... as it is, she sometimes goes from dead asleep to screeching for food, no early hunger signs to be found! I just need to be confident that she'll let me know!

Altreed · March 2014

I think 8 feeds a day sounds totally reasonable for a 7 week old! But of course pediatrician would know best if you are concerned.

slwprincess · March 2014

8 feeds is fine. Besides she's getting more and more efficient each day! You're doing great!

MamaAllison · March 2014

Keep up the good work and you are fine momma! I know the weight gain issues can be scary. 8 feeds is plenty sufficient!!

ziggy903 · March 2014

SuzyQq02 said:
I think part of my problem is we've been scheduled for such a length of time I'm worried I won't pick up on "hunger signs"... as it is, she sometimes goes from dead asleep to screeching for food, no early hunger signs to be found! I just need to be confident that she'll let me know!

I totally understand- we've been scheduled since birth and DS does the same stuff. We still *mostly* keep to the schedule but sometimes I'll give him a "snack" if he's giving me hunger signs in between.
Of course- we're FF so I know how much he's getting. I imagine that if we were BF I would go more on-demand like you! I think sometimes they sleep through early hunger, so they wake up and start screaming because OMG STARVING

SuzyQq02 · March 2014

ziggy903 said:

I think part of my problem is we've been scheduled for such a length of time I'm worried I won't pick up on "hunger signs"... as it is, she sometimes goes from dead asleep to screeching for food, no early hunger signs to be found! I just need to be confident that she'll let me know!
I totally understand- we've been scheduled since birth and DS does the same stuff. We still *mostly* keep to the schedule but sometimes I'll give him a "snack" if he's giving me hunger signs in between. Of course- we're FF so I know how much he's getting. I imagine that if we were BF I would go more on-demand like you! I think sometimes they sleep through early hunger, so they wake up and start screaming because OMG STARVING

Haha, that's exactly it... its like eye flutter, scream WHY IS THERE NO FOOD IN MY FACE? It would be adorable if it wasn't so loud and high pitched. ;-)

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