FTM with a feeding question

Helmink0804 · May 2014

Our little girl is a week and half old and has been doing really good these last couple of days with formula and the bottle, but sometimes she cries her eyes out and we think she's hungry and we give her the bottle and she stops crying but doesn't take anything and falls asleep.

My hubby's grandma, my Aunt, and my mom said they use to give water in a bottle between feedings to keep on track. Has anyone else heard of doing this? We're wasting formula bc she's not eating she's just playing with the bottle. Giving her the bottle is the only thing that stops her from crying.

I plan on asking her pedi when we go there Tuesday, but thought I would see if any of you are dealing with this or do this or have any suggestions to what else to do?

Thanks in advance!

artroyer · May 2014

A pacifier doesn't work? I've always heard not to give water until they're older because it will throw off their water levels and nutrition (maybe someone else can elaborate...I can't remember all the details). Why not put the bottle in the fridge until the next feeding? I know it says that if they've drank some that you can't save it, but we always did with DD1 and there was never an issue...

MrsT2008 · May 2014

Do not give water. I echo pp, have you tried a pacifier?

AnnieA75 · May 2014

She is way too young for water. Grandmas, Aunts, and Moms may suggest it, but no. Try a pacifier and definitely see what the Pedi has to say.

Helmink0804 · May 2014

We've tried a pacifier. She sucks on it for a little bit- realizes nothing is coming from it and starts crying again.

MrsT2008 · May 2014

Keep trying the pacifier. Sometimes it takes a little time.

Helmink0804 · May 2014

Thanks ladies. We'll keep trying the pacifier and I'll ask the pedi if there's anything he can suggest.

cbrust · May 2014

DD does the same thing. We have found that she will only take the avent soothie pacifiers, have you tried different kinds?

sthomas1222 · May 2014

Absolutely no water. I'm surprised they didn't go over that with you in the hospital. It's very dangerous, potentially fatal. Maybe make an extra 1/2oz-1oz & set that aside knowing she'll want that little bit more? (No clue as I didn't FF). Pacifier, swaddling, rocking, white noise, walking around... Lots of choices, just try things until you figure it out.

Nmooney1 · May 2014

MrsT2008 said:
Keep trying the pacifier. Sometimes it takes a little time.

Or try a different style of pacifier.

bumpuser10194737 · May 2014

Like others have suggested, I would try a few different types of pacifiers. Definitely no water.

Hope you have some success soon!

mrspopsicle · May 2014

Do not give water. I agree with trying different pacifiers. If that doesn't do the trick make a two ounce bottle of formula, pour a half ounce in a different bottle and offer her that. You can always add more and the bottle she didn't eat from can be saved in the fridge for the next feeding. Also, sometimes when they are so little, if you wait too long to feed them they've worn themselves out before they ever get anything. Crying is a late sign of hunger - watch for rooting, eating hands, etc and feed then.

SMM1986 · May 2014

I agree, no water. DD is almost 3 weeks and just took a pacifier today.

usernewname · May 2014

My mom mentioned to give him water and I was like uhh that makes zero sense.

But I'm an 80s baby where formula was the way to go and little was known about loosing weight before gaining and how supply works so that's all she knows.

brizer21 · May 2014

Agree with the others... Try different paci's... My DD only likes the soothies too.

How often are you feeding her? Is she staying awake long enough to get enough food?

Also- crying doesn't always equal hunger.. Try googling "decoding newborn cries" I found this very helpful in soothing my newborn. HTH, good luck!

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