Ask:
How do you know if your milk supply isn't keeping up with your baby's appetite?
Like, my SIL told me that she had to stop breastfeeding her son (7 months old now) because her supply wasn't keeping up with him so he was still hungry after feeding on both sides, and would get angry. So she started doing formula during the day and BF at night.
Answer:
Your baby will tell you. Watch him/her. If they are always wanting to nurse it can be a low supply problem or a comfort issue. Look at their weight. If dr is happy, and kid is happy there are no problems.
Answer:
Don't forget that it's about time for your baby to have a growth spurt (if I'm remembering your delivery time about right)! Babies usually have their first growth spurt at about 4 weeks. During a growth spurt the baby will nurse more often and may seem a little cranky, but actually this the baby's way of telling your body to produce more milk! This usually lasts for 24-48 hours. Many moms think they aren't producing enough during this time, but it's just an adjustment period. As a BF counselor, I find that most women quit BF during the common growth spurt periods because they think they are not producing enough milk when actually this is just nature's way of adjusting to baby's new demands.
You'll know you aren't producting enough if baby starts to lose weight. HTH
Answer:
If the baby just isn't gaining weight, and seems so unhappy at the breast, trying to get more, turning away, there may be an issue. But it may not be low supply, it may be a latch on problem. It's especially necessary to eat fresh fruits and veggies and enough of everything, plus drink a lot of water and rest when nursing, especially in the beginning. Easier said than done. Pumping doesn't tell you if you have a low supply - baby is much more efficient. If in doubt, check w/the doctor and a lactation consultant. Many will talk to you over the phone. Also, if you have a breastfeeding store, like Bestfed nearby, they have trained people on staff who can help.
Your SIL would be better off nursing during the day, too, if possible (is she working?) to keep the supply up, and can still supplement w/formula - it doesn't have to be all or nothing. BUT, moms have to do what they have to do and go w/what they feel. If she hasn't asked, it may not be something to challenge her on.
Answer:
Try pumping more. It should make your body produce more milk. It can also give you an idea of how much youre putting out.
-Lucky
Answer:
Well, my daughter is actually 8 weeks old today.
I noticed that after we got down here after our move, she was starting to try and eat more. (it may've been a week or so after we got here) Normally, she was eating right around every 2 to 3 hours. (except at night, she'd sleep a little longer between feedings)
Now... it's every hour to an hour and a half that she wants to eat. My FIL told my husband that since it's getting warmer she might be eating more frequently for shorter periods of time. Which she has kinda been doing.
But... I'm jus not sure you know?
Answer:
Does she fuss after a feeding? Is she falling asleep at the breast? How many wet and dirty diapers does she have a day? Have you noticed a change in her stools? Have you changed your eating/drinking habits? Are you supplementing with water or formula? Does she nurse from one or both breasts at each feeding? Do your breasts feel soft after a feeding? How long has she been doing this frequent nursing? I know this seems like a lot of questions, but the answers will help figure out was is going on.
I looked up the exected growth spurt ages in La Leche Leagues Breastfeeding Answer Book. They suggest 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. However, another source we use at the WIC office says 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 4 months. So, it is still possible that this is a growth spurt. Usually, the increased frequency lasts from 24-48 hours but it can last for as long as a week.
Also, is she swallowing at every nursing? Can you hear her swallow? It is possible that she is using you as a soother for comfort. Since she started this shortly after you moved, it could be her way of adjusting to the new environment. I know it seems odd that a new baby would react to a move, but babies can be sensitive to these things. She may just want extra snuggle time with Mommy. So, check for swallowing.
I hope this helps. I'll check back and see if you give any more info and see if I have any more suggestions to offer based on your answers.
It is VERY UNCOMMON for moms NOT to be able to produce enough milk. You hear that moms don't produce enough milk often because moms use that as an excuse to stop breastfeeding or start supplementing without feeling any guilt associated with that decision. The fact is, no one should feel guilty about how they feed their baby as long as they are providing adequate nutrition. It is okay to choose formula (artificial breastmilk). Don't let fear of others opinions of you play a part in your decision.
That being said, I am a huge breastfeeding advocate. So, I will help anyone that I can to breastfeed as long as it is mutually beneficial to mother and child.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Balboa
Well, my daughter is actually 8 weeks old today.
Wow! It doesn't seem like it's been that long since you delivered! Time just flies by.
BTW, sorry about some of my typos. Sometimes I think faster than I type!
Answer:
Does she fuss after a feeding?
Sometimes she'll fuss after a feeding when I sit her down. She did it occasionally before too. She usually stops when she's picked up, or if one of us will walk with her around the house.
Is she falling asleep at the breast? Not really. When she unlatches/ comes away she seems asleep sometimes. Until I move, then she opens her eyes.
How many wet and dirty diapers does she have a day? I'm not completely sure. At least 7 diapers a day.
Have you noticed a change in her stools? No change
Have you changed your eating/drinking habits? Haven't changed anything really.
Are you supplementing with water or formula? No.
Does she nurse from one or both breasts at each feeding? Before she would only nurse from one side at a time. Then, when she started nursing every 1- 1 1/2 hours she'd still nurse on one side for shorter (10-15 minutes). Now, she's been nursing on both sides. At most, 10 minutes on each side.
Do your breasts feel soft after a feeding? yes
How long has she been doing this frequent nursing? I think 2 weeks at least. It wasn't until maybe last week that she started doing both sides when I'd nurse.
Can you hear her swallow? I've never really been able to hear her swallow. Which I've read that I want to make sure I can hear her to make sure she is eating/ getting the milke. But, she's gained more than 2 pounds (after losing the bit after being born) , and has enough messy diapers during the day.
Answer:
there are 2 things that come to mind..
She is going through a growth spurt
or she is just wanting more milk at that feeding.
Keep in mind your body makes what she takes..... so if she wants you to make more she will take more so your body will make more some time this means she will be on you all day. It take 3 days to establish the diffrent milk supply. As in she will be chowing down all day for about 3 days and then on that 4 day you may notice A LOT more milk and fullness and your body may make to much so the baby will eat what they want at a feeding and you will re adjust to what she is taking and this will repeat itself many times over the next few months.