[2 in August]

Sorry, I know I'm only hopping on with problems lately. Although I think I've caught up with reading everyone's birth stories.

Anyway, as much as I feel like Ian is nursing well, he has gained no weight in the past 2 wks. He's still 6lb 7oz just like he was on 8-6 when we brought him home. I posted more details on the bfing challenges forum, if any of you have time and helpful advice, I'd appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks again, Jennifer

eta-- http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=504304 here's my other post sorry I forgot the link before

 

[Sailmom]

Have you tried a nursing holiday? I know that with a toddler running around as well, it can be a challenge to find the time and help to do this, but it may help. This is when you take the babe to bed with you for 24 hours, only get up to go to the bathroom. People should bring you plenty of fluid and food in bed and you just nurse, nurse, nurse. Also, how long is he nursing at a time? Is he getting the hind milk, or is he just sipping for awhile and falling asleep? Before he nurses, you could try pumping off a little of the foremilk to make sure he gets the really fattening hindmilk if this seems to be an issue.

Good luck mama! And remember, if he is peeing and pooping, he is getting nutrition!

 

[2 in August]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailmom Have you tried a nursing holiday? I know that with a toddler running around as well, it can be a challenge to find the time and help to do this, but it may help. This is when you take the babe to bed with you for 24 hours, only get up to go to the bathroom. People should bring you plenty of fluid and food in bed and you just nurse, nurse, nurse. Also, how long is he nursing at a time? Is he getting the hind milk, or is he just sipping for awhile and falling asleep? Before he nurses, you could try pumping off a little of the foremilk to make sure he gets the really fattening hindmilk if this seems to be an issue. Good luck mama! And remember, if he is peeing and pooping, he is getting nutrition!

I haven't done a complete day in bed with him. Although we do spend a big part of the day and the whole night together in the recliner together. I "spoil" him and hold him most of the time and when I'm not dh usually is.

He eats for about 10-15 per side sometimes longer if I let him. Against dr advice.

 

[2 in August]

sorry double post

 

[boobyfeeder]

What do you mean against dr advice? Are they telling you to limit the time he nurses on each side? B/c that's awful advice. Nurse him as long as he wants on one side, that way he gets all the hindmilk, then burp him and offer the other side. If he doesn't take it, no biggie, just give it next time. Follow the baby's cues, let him tell you when he's full, not the clock. I had thought that they wanted the baby at birthweight by two weeks? I could be mistaken. The best advice I ever heard was "Watch the baby, not the scale."

 

[Sailmom]

To go along with what the pp said - Is he lethargic and sleepy all the time? Or does he have really good moments of active alertness where he is very watchful of whats going on? If he is interactive etc, then he isn't starving. Talk to the LLL people in your area, and a lactation consultant. When it comes right down to it, Pediatricians aren't really trained in breastfeeding, which is why they can give really crappy advice. Talk to an expert, and consider changing your md.

Good luck mama, I know this has to be hard to hear that you aren't doing your best for your babe from your doc. But if he is active, peeing and pooping, he is getting what he needs from you and your doc should back off a little.

 

[2 in August]

Thanks mommas. Yes the dr is telling me that I am letting him nurse too much and that he's burning more calories nursing than he is getting. Ds was born at 6lb 14 oz so he isn't back up to his birthweight yet. He had 5 wet diapers and 6 poopy ones in the past 24 hrs. He does wake up and stay awake looking around a couple times a day. He usually seems content after his nursing sessions. He does have one cranky period every day, usually a couple hours of screaming and popping on and off both breasts (I know this is normal and don't think it means he's not getting enough.)

Pumping isn't going all that well anyway. I can't pump enough for a full feed, which is what the dr wanted me to do. So I am nursing him then pumping to try to build my supply up.

I also talked to a friend of mine and one of our hospitals has a IBLC on staff (not the one I delivered at) so I'm going to give her a call on Monday and see if she can't watch us to see if I'm letting him latch wrong or something and to see what else she can come up with.

I don't want to starve my baby. I just don't think that I really am. But I would hate to be wrong and starving him. He is a really good baby and seems so content, my dd was never content after nursing and I ended up having to give her formula as a supplement because she would scream bloody murder. Ds just pops off happy or falls asleep. (Unless it's his cranky time.)

 

[onlyboys]

Does he pee? Poop? Tell us about his diapers.

Can you hear him swallowing? Feel your milk letting down?

If you are giving a bottle at all, I'd stop that completely and let him just nurse away!

 

[onlyboys]

double post

 

[veganf]

I thought it was normal for babies to lose weight and then gain back to their birthweight by 2 weeks, which would mean he's normal?? Nate was 2 oz. above his birthweight at 2 weeks and they said that was fine.
I'd definitely go by number of wet/poopy diapers for now, and see where he is at 1 month old. I'd also personally stop pumping and just nurse. And forget what that doctor said about feeding him too much!!

 

[SummerTwilight]

Not that I have any experience to back this up but that just DOESN'T make sense to me that eating too much is causing him to burn all his calories...that CERTAINLY isn't true with adults!

If he is hungry and willing to eat, I wouldn't LIMIT him to make him GAIN weight! That seems counter-intuitive.
Seems to me like he is right there in the healthy range!

 

[2 in August]

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyboys Does he pee? Poop? Tell us about his diapers. Can you hear him swallowing? Feel your milk letting down? If you are giving a bottle at all, I'd stop that completely and let him just nurse away!

Yep, he had 5 wet diapers and 6 poopy ones from 2pm yesterday to 2pm today. I can hear him swallowing and see him suck and swallow. It's more noticable for the first 5min or so. Then he does more sucking and less swallowing. I don't really feel a let down, but I do know that I feel full when he has to eat and then my breasts feel softer and less full after he eats.

I just can't bring myself to give him a bottle so if I give him the expressed milk, I've been using a syringe meant for giving meds to kids. I've only done that twice though.

Hope that helps,
Thanks,
Jennifer

 

[2 in August]

Quote:

Originally Posted by veganf I thought it was normal for babies to lose weight and then gain back to their birthweight by 2 weeks, which would mean he's normal??

See that's the "problem". He started at 6lb 14oz and then he dropped to 6lb 7oz by the time we left the hospital 2 days later. Now he is still 6lb 7oz. That's why the dr is worried because he isn't back up to 6lb 14oz.

 

[peilover010202]

Jen,

Oatmeal can increase milk supply - could you add a bowl everyday for breakfast? Also, make sure you are staying hydrated.

Next, I'd cut pumping for now. It'll really throw your body off this early - plus babe does a better job emptying your breasts thus signaling your body to produce more.

And, this may not be a popular option, but wake Ian very 2 hours to nurse. And, if he's a sleepy eater, change his diaper between sides to wake him up a bit.

And, let him nurse on one side for as long as he wants so he gets the more fatty hindmilk. Whatever he takes on the 2nd side is just a bonus. And, if he hasn't nursed well on the first side - change dipe and go back to that breast.

And PS - do call that LC, it will definitely be worth it.

Good luck mama!!

 

[onlyboys]

Honestly, he sounds just fine!

I think that perhaps you should keep an eye on him--you know, just keep counting dipes, but I suspect you'll see an increase in growth! Sounds like he's getting fed!

 

[2 in August]

Quote:

Originally Posted by peilover010202 Jen, Oatmeal can increase milk supply - could you add a bowl everyday for breakfast? Also, make sure you are staying hydrated. Yes, I used to love oatmeal. I started last night and had more for breakfast. It finally tastes good again. yay Next, I'd cut pumping for now. It'll really throw your body off this early - plus babe does a better job emptying your breasts thus signaling your body to produce more. I've already decided that pumping to feed him is not an option. Now I am pumping a couple times a day after feedings just to try to signal my body to make more. I have both an Isis and a Pump in Style and neither does a good job at all of getting milk out of me. But I figure the extra stim to my breasts couldn't hurt. And, this may not be a popular option, but wake Ian very 2 hours to nurse. And, if he's a sleepy eater, change his diaper between sides to wake him up a bit. He does pretty good at waking up every 1.5 to 2.5 hours. We sleep a little longer (about 3hrs at night). And, let him nurse on one side for as long as he wants so he gets the more fatty hindmilk. Whatever he takes on the 2nd side is just a bonus. And, if he hasn't nursed well on the first side - change dipe and go back to that breast. I've started to do this. I am letting him suckle until he pops off by himself. It's always been my instinct to do it that way. And PS - do call that LC, it will definitely be worth it. Good luck mama!! Thanks!!

jen

 

[peilover010202]

One more thing I forgot to add: with the milk you pump, after it separates in the refridgerator, you can skim the fat off the top and syringe or spoon feed that to him. That will get more fat/calories into him. And, just discard the rest of the milk after you've skimmed the fat off.

If you are okay with herbs, fenugreek is a galacatologue (sp?) so that can increase milk supply. But, I would hestitate using something like that this early in establishing milk supply unless you are prone to low milk supply.

 

[eightyferrettoes]

Peace.

 

[Kindermama]

sounds like he's right on track to me! I don't see what's wrong at all? Everything you mentioned seems good!

 

[taradt]

you can try a nursing mama tea as well, but sounds like Ian is doing great. He isn't loosing anymore. The other thing is when they did the final weigh was you milk in? if not he probably went lower in weight and is starting back up. He could also be getting ready for a growth spurt which will push him up too.

good luck, it is hard not to worry

tara