Possibly dumb questions...

[poorlittlefish]

So, I am pretty far into some sleep deprivation here so if these questions seem dumb or illogical, please just ignore that part!

Some background, I had a 2.5 yo DD whom I breastfed for a year after having a breast reduction. It was a hard experienice involving weight loss, pumping after every feeding, supplementing and some formula. I was able to work up to a full supply after about 3 months.

I had another DD on 6/19 and she has been gaining "okay"--4.5oz per week (all same scale--I have one at home). In general she is happy and alert (as much as a 4 week old can be, anyways) and seems content after feedings. Beacuse of the low gain though, i have been taking galactagogues and attempting to get her to eat every 2 hours during the day and no more than 3.5 at night.

The thing is though, she doesn't seem to want to go that short of a time period between feedings. If I try to get her to eat at 2 hour internvals, I am forcing her and feedings take an hour or more. If I wait until she tells me she wants to eat (closer to every 3 hours) she eats quickly and well. Same at night, I have been setting my alarm clock to feed her and no matter what I do, can't wake her enough to eat well. If she wakes me up (after 4-5 hours), she eats great! I worry though, about stretching the time between feedings and what it will do to my supply. Can I let her go or will that hurt my milk supply?

I have been pumping once overnight and once in the morning to boost my supply and get something for the freezer (I got back to work at 7 weeks). I have 60oz in the freezer which is way more that I will need. can I stop pumping or will that hurt my supply? I was nervous that I would have to supplement again so that is why I was stocking up.

For the past 2 days (out of parania on low weight gain) I supplemented 1oz after 2 feedings each day. That did bump her weight gain but she spit up a lot after each bottle. THat is her bodies way of telling me that she is too full, right? So, should I stop with that even though it helped with her weight gain?

I had such a messed up experience BF my first DD that I feel like a new mom again. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[akind1]

I know with DS he was an every 3-4 hour baby from the beginning (well, past the first week or so) If she isn't interested, it is most likely that she isn't hungry.

FWIW, I read somewhere recently that larger breasted women (I know you had a reduction, but might still qualify. I myself am a 40 G or so) don't really MAKE more milk, but have the ability to STORE more, so babes might get enough to go longer between feedings. I wish I know where I read that!

though if your babe seems content and IS gaining, I think she is probably doing just fine!

[smpayne]

Low weight gain according to who?

I'm no expert, but wait until she is hungry, don't make nursing a traumtic experience for her or yourself. I wouldn't stop pumping (you could adjust when) just because you may need a little extra once you go back to work. Sitters are notorious for overfeeding.

Our bodies are kinda funny, what didn't work the first time can kick in and work just fine the second time around.

[terra-pip]

If your baby is gaining well (has she regained her birth weight and then maybe a pound on top of that?)(what does the doc or pede say about it?) content, putting out 6 -10 dipes...wet and poop...and generally happy...could you trust you are feeding her fine?

Most newborns will settle into a 2-3 hour rhythm during the day and a 4-5 hour at night. Did you experience some engorgement? Leaking? Feel milk let down at regular times a day? Feel pretty full at night and in the morning?

If your babe was really not getting enough she would be more fussy ...not content, I'm thinking.

And the pumping isn't going to hurt your supply...and if you're able to even pump and store well then I would say your milk is good.

Relax. Anxiety can have an effect on milk production. Drink some Mothers Milk tea..raspbery leaf, borage, or fenugreek tea. Take your prenatals, eat well. Maybe have a dark beer or glass of red wine when you sit down to nurse once every few days or so....and just breathe!!!

[poorlittlefish]

Thanks ladies.
To answer your question, she is 4 weeks old and was 9lbs 9oz at birth and is now 10lbs 2.5oz. She was gaining slow according to Kellymom which said she should gain 5-7oz per week. She puts out 6 soaked diapers per day and poops every 4 days. The pooping has been ok'ed with her ped though since she her bowels are working and her poops are huge when they do come.

I don't leak or feel engorged but I do feel fullish...tingly in the morning or when it has been a while.

[smpayne]

Under the table on Kellymom it also says that for some babies 4-5oz per week is ok. These are rough estimates and will obiously be different for each baby.

[rightkindofme]

I would pump for a while longer because having a large freezer stash will be a big help when you go back to work. It sounds like your kiddo is gaining enough weight that I wouldn't be paranoid. Everyone grows differently.