Breastfeeding
Duffgurl
member
Advice needed please help
Duffgurl
member
Hello,
I gave birth on 3/17/15 and have been EBF. My DS weighed at 7lbs and 9oz. I can't remember how much he weighed when we left but at his 1st doctor visit he weighed at 6lbs and 6oz. We had a reweigh in in two days and when that time came for that appt. he gained 2oz. We had another weigh in a week later and he gained 5oz. They wanted us to come back again in week which was today and he gained 2oz. The doctor said he wants me to supplement with formula at least 7oz a day. I am so frustrated and confused with this. I want to EBF but also want our LO to be healthy and growing. The doctor said I must not be producing enough but I EBF. Our DS is always on my breast. Even if he falls asleep and I put him to bed he wakes until he latches again. Then he falls asleep...almost as if my nipple is a pacifier. I have been taking fenugreek, mothers milk and eating oatmeal. I try to drink plenty of water and eat. I've tried pumping when he is not on me and I only get about 1/2 a ounce to about 1ounce from each breast. I guess I am asking what else should I do? Should I still breastfeed at least 20-30 mins each side and then supplement with a ounce to 2ounces after? Should I pump more? What would you do? This has been a hard journey and I just wish my breastmilk was flowing like crazy so I didn't have to ask all these questions. Sorry for the rant. Looking forward to all of your advices ladies.
Thanks,
Duffgurl
I gave birth on 3/17/15 and have been EBF. My DS weighed at 7lbs and 9oz. I can't remember how much he weighed when we left but at his 1st doctor visit he weighed at 6lbs and 6oz. We had a reweigh in in two days and when that time came for that appt. he gained 2oz. We had another weigh in a week later and he gained 5oz. They wanted us to come back again in week which was today and he gained 2oz. The doctor said he wants me to supplement with formula at least 7oz a day. I am so frustrated and confused with this. I want to EBF but also want our LO to be healthy and growing. The doctor said I must not be producing enough but I EBF. Our DS is always on my breast. Even if he falls asleep and I put him to bed he wakes until he latches again. Then he falls asleep...almost as if my nipple is a pacifier. I have been taking fenugreek, mothers milk and eating oatmeal. I try to drink plenty of water and eat. I've tried pumping when he is not on me and I only get about 1/2 a ounce to about 1ounce from each breast. I guess I am asking what else should I do? Should I still breastfeed at least 20-30 mins each side and then supplement with a ounce to 2ounces after? Should I pump more? What would you do? This has been a hard journey and I just wish my breastmilk was flowing like crazy so I didn't have to ask all these questions. Sorry for the rant. Looking forward to all of your advices ladies.
Thanks,
Duffgurl
Re: Advice needed please help
Babies should typically gain an oz per day early on. But it's not a straight line gain. More of a stair step. Is your LO gaining thay on average? They say by 2w they should regain birth weight but it's not a necessity... Mine didn't, she gained 8 oz in one span, then 3 oz in another, but then by 1 month she gained additional 2lbs...
If you're nursing round the clock - which you SHOULD do at this point - then it's normal you won't pump much.
I would first evaluate how much baby has regained at this point, he's almost a month old right? Then if he's gaining, give yourself a week of round the clock feeding and see at his 1 month appt if he's up. If not, then put your plan and pride aside and supplement. Remember, you'd be supplementing with FOOD not rat poison. Baby might actually need that.
But seriously, get all the facts and numbers straight first and see what the actual gain is. And try to chill. Stress is just going to hurt.
My first was slow to gain. It took her 3.5 wks to hit her birthweight. Did you have an epidural or an iv by chance? It's proven that baby retains fluid from that just like mom so it inflates birthweight. That could be a factor.
I would highly recommend seeing an IBCLC before deciding if you want to supp. Has your pedi done weighed feelings where weight is checked before and after? Does your baby seem satisfied after nursing? Does your any spit up tons? Could reflux be at play here? How are the poop diapers? Any rashiness or mucasy look?
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.