So...I took baby Jake in for his 4 week weight check yesterday. He's up to 8 lbs., 4 oz.. The ped. asked if I had any concerns and I told her that I was still supplementing with the SNS (although not at every feeding). He takes anywhere from 1-3 oz. each time I supplement.
She said to take cues from him. She said if he's nursing and then stops suckling and then is just hanging out at the breast to unlatch him. If he's still hungry (fussing), then relatch him then with the SNS, but not to use the SNS right off the bat. She suggested only using the SNS on one side. Starting on the side without the SNS, moving to the SNS if need be and than finishing again without the SNS.
She also went on to say that breastmilk is about supply and demand. By supplementing, even though it was the breast, you trained your body to make that much LESS milk, so we need to get him back on the breast as much as possible but without the supplement to try and tell your body to make more. I told her that sometimes he's satisfied after nursing but want to nurse again an hour later (he snacks). She said, that for his age and weight that is fine and normal (I guess I knew that, but it always helps for the ped. to confirm it). Anyway...she said that's okay and if I want him to go longer stretches then continue with the SNS/supplement, but if I want to do away with the SNS and formula then I might have 1-2 weeks of 24/7 nursing ahead of me. She said to give him a few weeks and if things don't improve, then I can make decisions from there. He doesn't have to go back for another weight check for 4 weeks!! She said whatever I'm doing is right and since he's my fourth, to just trust my maternal instincts. She said, "I know you won't let your baby starve."
Anyway, her attitude towards everything really impressed me. I did have to ask her (I couldn't help myself) about the mom I visited with in the waiting room who's child had only lost a few ounces and had a relatively bilirubin count but was already told to supplement and was encouraged to use bottles to supplement. She said that after being a pediatrician for so many years she can "read" new parents and she said some parents are looking for validation for their choice to formula-feed. She said some parents aren't really committed to breastfeeding and are just looking for a way out. I told her I was saddened by that. As someone who puts so much work (and $) into breastfeeding, it's sad that some people could have it so easy (maybe) and choose not to. She agreed, but said other than education, there's not much she can do. She did ask me if I was taking fenugreek and told me to ask my dr. for a prescription for Reglan. At least she's trying.
She said to take cues from him. She said if he's nursing and then stops suckling and then is just hanging out at the breast to unlatch him. If he's still hungry (fussing), then relatch him then with the SNS, but not to use the SNS right off the bat. She suggested only using the SNS on one side. Starting on the side without the SNS, moving to the SNS if need be and than finishing again without the SNS.
She also went on to say that breastmilk is about supply and demand. By supplementing, even though it was the breast, you trained your body to make that much LESS milk, so we need to get him back on the breast as much as possible but without the supplement to try and tell your body to make more. I told her that sometimes he's satisfied after nursing but want to nurse again an hour later (he snacks). She said, that for his age and weight that is fine and normal (I guess I knew that, but it always helps for the ped. to confirm it). Anyway...she said that's okay and if I want him to go longer stretches then continue with the SNS/supplement, but if I want to do away with the SNS and formula then I might have 1-2 weeks of 24/7 nursing ahead of me. She said to give him a few weeks and if things don't improve, then I can make decisions from there. He doesn't have to go back for another weight check for 4 weeks!! She said whatever I'm doing is right and since he's my fourth, to just trust my maternal instincts. She said, "I know you won't let your baby starve."
Anyway, her attitude towards everything really impressed me. I did have to ask her (I couldn't help myself) about the mom I visited with in the waiting room who's child had only lost a few ounces and had a relatively bilirubin count but was already told to supplement and was encouraged to use bottles to supplement. She said that after being a pediatrician for so many years she can "read" new parents and she said some parents are looking for validation for their choice to formula-feed. She said some parents aren't really committed to breastfeeding and are just looking for a way out. I told her I was saddened by that. As someone who puts so much work (and $) into breastfeeding, it's sad that some people could have it so easy (maybe) and choose not to. She agreed, but said other than education, there's not much she can do. She did ask me if I was taking fenugreek and told me to ask my dr. for a prescription for Reglan. At least she's trying.
