i need some much needed information!!

[bumbblehorse]

My son is 3 months old and I do pump his milk. He is at 4 oz every 2-2.5 hours. He is doing very well according the the Dr. For the past two weeks, he has been getting really fussy after he finishes a bottle but then quiets down after a few minutes. I believe his stomach is finally letting him know its full and there is no need to fuss. Does this sound about right?

Next question. I want to try to extend his bottle feedings even longer but I am having a hard time dealing with his non stop crying when the 2 hour mark hits. Again he is getting 4 -4.5 oz every 2 -2.5 hours. I know that breast milk digests much quicker than formula but how much is it him or me?

As there are many books out there, i would rather hear it from someone who knows the situation personally.

[SFam]

are you exclusively pumping? if so, your supply might not meet his needs. pumping does not offer the same stimulation as nursing. if you are exclusively pumping, i wonder if it might be possible to try to nurse him. it could take a good deal of effort of he's used to a bottle, but may be worth it because eventually you will likely lose your milk (or not have enough when he hits a growth spurt) and have to supplement.

as for fussing after feeding, some ideas: it could be he needs more milk, it could be he is gassy (do you burp him after?) or it could be he still wants to suck but doesn't want any milk (try a pacifier?)

are you feeding him by looking at the clock or by noticing his signs for hunger? sometimes babies go longer or shorter between feedings. try to pay more attention to his signals than to the clock.

good luck

[FlippyHippy]

I'd also suggest ignoring the clock if he seems to be fussy/hungry before the "correct time". The times doctors assign are based on averages, and even a baby is who normally right at 2 hours can have a day where they use more energy or are about to grow, and need more food more often.

You can't spoil your baby by feeding him too often if you follow his cues. Just as you'd change his diaper if it was even just a bit wet and it seemed uncomfortable to him, even if it didn't seem like long since you'd last changed him. I'd say try it and see if that's it.

And if you can nurse, I'd say try that when you could. The physiological effects for you and him are different from pumping to nursing.

[boobs4milk]

3 mos is prime growth spurt time! try upping what he gets by .5 oz and see if that helps. i don't think my bf babies have ever gone more than 3 hrs without eating, though!

[EmilyG]

I agree that ignoring the clock may be your best bet. My baby eats as frequently as once an hour sometimes and other times goes 5-6 hours. I just feed her when she's hungry. It all depends on them. During growth spurts they'll need more food more often, and other times may be happy with less or less frequency.