i can really use some help with breastfeeding and baby weight gain?

Holly Jo - posted on 10/24/2011

Most babies go threw a growing spurt at 4 months. So that is why he is eating so much. He is tring to get you to produce more milk. This will happen again at 6,9, and at 1 year. If his Dr. Is not concerned about his weight then no worries.

Bf as long as you and your son wants too. You are doing great. I do know babies should not be eating rice cereal or food until 6 months old so you might want to talk to your Dr. about that. He might be having tummy problems, or acid reflex at night that is causing him to stay awake.



Breastfeeding moms need 110% support so if you have someone not supporting you, you have to look them in the eye with total respect and tell them I've got this. If you don't support how I feed my son don't tell me how to feed him, because right now this Bf is the ONLy way.

Cara - posted on 10/09/2011

First of all...don't let someone make you feel like you cant BF. If there was a problem your dr would let you know. also, BF babies actually tend to wake up MORE often at night to eat. Since B-milk is actually good for them their little bodies process it faster. My youngest is 8 months old and STILL does NOT sleep thru the night. in fact she wakes any where from 1 to 4 times a night to eat. If you choose to you could use formula at times but if you don't want to and the dr isn't concerned then i honestly would not worry about it. Also keep in mind how much you eat and drink. If you are not eating and drinking like you should your milk may be thinner and have less fat in it as well, making it quicker to digest.

Juli - posted on 10/09/2011

I wouldn't worry about what others say. My Daughter Is a very tiny little girl. she is now 22 months and only 16 lbs. Healthy as can be smart as a whip. Just very active and slow gainer still can wear 6 month pants and 9 month shirts. Some babies are just small!! my daughter ate every hour for the longest time then every 2 hours. It's just cause she was small with a tiny tummy. I have heard of supplementing with a bottle or even pumping (so he can eat and some one else can feed him or you can feed him bottle in public with the healthy stuff).

Toni - posted on 10/07/2011

That's fantastic, I bet that's a weight off your mind :-) both of mine are small as well (my son who is two on wednesday has only just out grown his 9-12 month trousers, I tried some 18 month-2 year stuff on him the other day and it fell off him...so does some of the 12-18 stuff, it's nice though because clothes last so much longer for smaller kids :-)



Eta: no pun intended with the weight off your mind thing lol :-)

Kristina - posted on 10/07/2011

yes. they think hes just a small baby and he will gain weight in his own time.

Toni - posted on 10/07/2011

Are they happy with his growth?

Kristina - posted on 10/07/2011

so i had a wic appointment today they weighed my lo and in 1 month he has gained 12 oz he is now 12lb 12oz 25 1/2 in long

Kristina - posted on 10/05/2011

So recently I stopped taking my birth control and made a appointment for a different one. I have noticed a change in my milk amount. Baby has been more satisfied longer durning some parts of the day. And I started to pump right b4 bed so the times where he needs a little more I have the 1-4oz I need.

Toni - posted on 10/05/2011

Kristina I'm a larger lady with a huge chest and I use a baby sling all the time as my LO is really clingy and gets really upset if I leave her for longer than a minute or two, so without it I'd get nothing done. My sling is just fabric so it adjust to fit anyone and is really comfortable. I can't bf in the sling though as my breasts are too big and it's just not comfortable (and my daughter doesn't feel secure enough for my liking). So if you do want to use a sling don't let being bigger with a bigger chest stop you...you can always ask to try a couple on in the store for comfort purposes before buying one :-)

Monika - posted on 10/04/2011

Hi Kristina,
I had a similar problem with our son, he wanted to feed every 2 hours and he would breastfeed for at least an hour. It was exhausting! After a month I finally started exclusively pumping and once he was bottle fed only he slept better, day and night. I realized that he had a hard time getting the milk out. Who knows whether it was because of his weak sucking reflex or my clogged ducts. He still wanted to be fed every 2 hours for months to come and I was chained to the pump but my hands were free. Our pediatrician was of the opinion that he had fast metabolism which I have as well and suggested to feed him on demand. I encourage you to keep breastfeeding. Your milk provides the best nutrition for him. Your life will get easier as he starts eating more solids. I hope this helps. Remember and you also said it yourself every child is different.

Anna - posted on 10/04/2011

As for baby carriers, they make them to fit all chest sizes, the straps are adjustable. Even very wide men can use them. Regarding your feeding your baby formula, that you should not do because the more more food supplements you give, the less milk you will have. Milk production works on a supply and demand basis. There is a law in the US that allows women to breastfeed in public places. Just sit somewhere in a corner and cover yourself with a blanket and no one will see anything. Why is it OK for women to walk around in G strings and bikini tops barely covering their chest on the beach but not OK to discreetly breastfeed babies? Don't feel shy about it.

Kristina - posted on 10/04/2011

ok well with the whole baby poop thing it was once every 13 days and has gotten to be once every 3 days now it has always been a yellowish brown with seedy things.
i do give him rice or oatmeal cereal ,apples,pears, sweet potatoes and squash. on occasion he does get formula if we r in a place where i cant feed him or if he is still hungry after nursing which isnt very often sometimes he just wants the binky after eating. i think every public place should have a family restroom. now i take a big blanket and feed him him the car and let my hubby finish the shopping if need be. b4 i was alone with 3 kids to do it.

Kristina - posted on 10/04/2011

she did breastfeed but no more then 4 months with her first and second she didnt even make it that far she had to stop due to the med she needed. idk if she read anything on it. my dad even says he is tiny. my husband was formula fed and was a tiny baby my inlaws havent showed any concern they say he is built like my hubby. my mother bfed my lil sis and she said my baby is small but not to be concerned. idk if i could use that carrier i am a large person with huge chest. they dont really make carriers for huge chested woman,

Anna - posted on 10/04/2011

Did your father's girlfriend brestfeed her children? Does she even have any children? Did she ever read any literature on breastfeeding? You need to listen to ppl who know about breastfeeding, not ppl who give you random uninformed advice. Breastmilk digests very quickly, much faster than formula so breastfed babies get hungry much more often. My son breastfed around the clock the first 2 months. My in laws also kept pushing me to supplement and, thankfully, I had brain enough to ignore their uninformed comments and am still breastfeeding my 17 month old son. Around 4 months, my son also breastfed about every 2 hrs. It's absolutely normal. Why don't you try breastfeeding him in a baby carrier such as Ergo, that way, you won't be glued to your chair the whole day. It's very discreet and, unless you bump into another breastfeeding mother, no one will have any idea that you're nursing.

Monica - posted on 10/03/2011

Kristina, I want to give you VERY good advice... forget about the child's weight as each child is different and they are evaluated by professionals on an average chart. You will know exactly if your child is malnutritioned by using this method.

Breast babies is evaluated by their poo. If there is no poo (could be for a week at a time) it means your baby is just getting enough milk and is using all of it. If he has a yellow mustardy poo, it means he's has digested all the milk, but not used all of it... If he has a yellow/mustard colour poo with small white pieces in it, it means he has not even digested all the milk (he's getting too much). If he has a dark green/black poo, it means he is under fed. This all just means, forget the weight and watch the poo... Your child will pick up according to his built and bone structure and that varies from child to child.

Hope this help you.

God bless!

Cookie - posted on 10/02/2011

I have 2 other children 3, 2 and a 4 month old. My house is a disaster too! lol
I would cut back on th solids, especially giving fruits and veggies? your baby is not ready for them at this age. Actually, it would be best to just take them out of his diet.

Giving your baby formula may or may not hel him sleep. Personally, I think it's selfish. I would never give my baby formula unless medically necessary. Breast feeding is the best thing for him. Please don't deprive him of those nutrients! He is not too small, my son ate like every hour and he's great and healthy now! He is definitely getting enough milk. He's just a baby. Babies eat all the time.

Kelly - posted on 10/02/2011

Ok Kristina.. took me a while but I finally found it. Watch this and see what you think after you see how the Dr comes up with the chart. http://www.thedoctorstv.com/videolib/ini...
I hope this helps.
Kellz

Heather - posted on 10/02/2011

Tell your father's girlfriend to mind her own business. Breastfed babies don't gain weight as quickly as formula babies. He is nursing every two hours because he wants to, and that is Completely NORMAL! Do NOT supplement with formula, he doesn't need it. Keep up with the rice cereal mixed with fruit! I used to do that with both of my children and they loved it! They also loved the Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Yogurt! They even make a YoBaby yogurt with cereal!

I wouldn't worry about his eating and weight. As long as you are home and you can nurse him and feed him a few times a day, then keep up the good work Mama! Don't listen to your dad's girlfriend, ever again about this.

Babies will always changed when they want to eat everyday. Like you said he just cut a few teeth. Somedays he won't eat much at all, and somedays, it seems like he will eat all day long. Your little guy is just fine.

If your so stressed out about it, then give him formula and do what works best for you. But not what your dad's girlfriend says that you should do.

Trust me, he is 8 weeks from being 6 months old, you won't be stuck in the house forever, I promise. You could also pump and give him bottles of pumped breastmilk! Don't worry about your house, you can clean it when he is done with this stage that he is going through.

Dora - posted on 10/01/2011

If you are worried that your baby isn't getting enough, then what you can do is breast feed first and as soon as he is done offer him a bottle of formula. I had to do this with my 1st son for 2 wks because he lost too much weight. It did wonders for him. Just so you know feeding every 2hrs is normal. It doesn't mean your son is starving. My 2nd baby cluster feeds like your son does. It is lot of work and can be absolutely exhausting. Do what works best for you, your baby and your family. Good luck :)

Audra - posted on 09/30/2011

We just got home from a two-day visit to the hospital and it seems that above all the nurses there wanted us to a) make sure our son was hydrated (6 wet diapers a day, no sign of lethargy), and b) that he was 'thriving' (not losing weight). Our son had a minor operation on his stomach (for Pyloric Stenosis) so we have some quantity restrictions when it comes to feeding, but the nurses suggested we feed him every 2-3 hours. So it doesn't seem totally unreasonable to me that your son is still feeding as often as he is.

Kelly - posted on 09/30/2011

Hmm.. I put a tbsp of honey in mine..I have a bit of a sweet tooth though. I'm pretty sure that the birth control is route cause of lack of nutritional substance in your milk. The marina is the one with hormones.. the paragard is copper only. You really need to speak to a lactation consultant from a hospital to see if there is anything that can be done to improve your milk supply and nutritional content. Keep posting up and let us know the outcome. We're all rooting for you and your baby boy no matter what you decide.
God bless you and your family,
Kellz

Kristina - posted on 09/30/2011

thin line. evenflo comfort select.doc gave no vitamins for him. i have been trying to drink that tea but i hate the taste. I've been using a heating pad. i am using the pill. i had the mirana iud and it came out on its own. i didnt know and that is how this little one came about.

Kristina - posted on 09/30/2011

Sometimes he is not satisfied. But I'll keep putting him back on. Or if he is really upset I supplement with a couple oz of formula.

Kelly - posted on 09/30/2011

When you say not much.. are you saying a thin line or at least a quarter inch of thick fat on top? My son is now 2 mos.. I've been drinking the mothers milk tea every few days and noticed a difference in my supply..but I don't know if its had too much of a difference on the substance of it. Even though my son has had great weight gain my ped advised tri-visol.. Are you giving him a vitamin suppliment as well? What pump do you have? You may want to try a fairly warm wash cloth on your breast then a heating pad to keep it warm while you pump. This has always given me better results when puming. Here is a good place to get the tea.http://www.drugstore.com/traditional-med...
If you take birth control, smoke or have adult beverages too often your going to have problems with your supply. I'm a big supporter of the Paragard IUD so that I don't mess w/ un-necessary hormonal ups and downs.
I know I ramble on and ask alot of questions but I really want to help..

Toni - posted on 09/30/2011

Pumping isn't a good judge of your milk because it isn't as effective as babies sucking, I wouldn't put too much credit on what you can pump if baby seems satisfied after eating.

Kristina - posted on 09/30/2011

i have pumped and let it separate there isnt much fat on the top. it is different now then it was 2 months ago.

Kelly - posted on 09/30/2011

Kristina .. To be honest with you..I was a bit concerned about what you've stated so durring my sons 2 mo appointment I asked my pediatrician. She said that yes..if your baby were her patient she'd be concerned and that yes your baby is underweight. Breastmilk is 45% fat.. Can you pump for 10 min and then let the milk separate in the fridge? That may give you an better answer than any others we are offering. In the end.. trust YOUR instincts..
Kellz

Mia - posted on 09/29/2011

Hi Kristina, it certainly is hard juggling a new baby with your other children. Do you have a good lactation nurse/baby nurse you can chat to? My boys are all very small, on the very bottom end of the charts but they have good weight gains & track their own line on the chart. I'm sure people think & got sick of being told mine aren't fed enough & should be bigger but they are healthy & happy, my husband & I aren't big people & we weren't big babies either. With regards to sleeping, all of mine are different my bf babies slept better than bottle fed baby. Introducing solids is kinda like breasfeeding, a very sensitive topic & a lot of people have their opinions on both subjects. See if you can visit your lac nurse, they may be able to help you the best. Good luck & keep up the good work!!

Kelly - posted on 09/29/2011

I hear ya..My son is just now 2mos and I'm finally catching up on my housework an hour at a time. My daughter was cutting teeth at 3.5mos so I have felt your pain there too. I think Amy below said the exact same things I was thinking. Is he raising an eyebrow on your new Pediatrician..if not I wouldn't worry too much. I know it's difficult to get out.. but sister.. your not alone. My son is turning out to be one that doesn't want to miss out on anything and won't sleep well or at all when we are out. My husband and i know that we have 2.5hrs to get whatever done until meltdown....lol There have been times I've had to breastfeed while grocery shopping. Udder covers are actually pretty and very handy and they had a special when I got mine just 2weeks ago so check it out. No establishment can kick you out for breastfeeding. Just ignore ppl who stare..
One other question..do you have a wrap/carrier you can put him in while you do things? That may help.
The only other thing I can think of to try is.. If your in an area where craigslist items are in abundance get on it and seek out a good but inexpensive breastpump with letdown function. You can use that in combination with herbal 'mothers milk' tea to increase your milk enough to pump into bottles for him. I use a heating pad on top of a wet wash cloth to ease the milk down a little faster.
I advise this as an option because with my daughter she would bf for a little and fall asleep..not getting full and wake up constantly hungry. With my son, if i can get him to take a expressed milk bottle he sucks it down really fast and is full faster than when he has to suck a little harder and longer on me.
I know that when I can pump 4oz out of me I feel more confident that he's getting enough and that has done more for me than I can really say.
I pray you find your answers and hope this gives you a little help and you don't feel alone.
Kellz

Nicole - posted on 09/28/2011

You shouldn't worry and stop feeding baby foods and listening to everyone else go with what you think and your doctor also I have included this website that has the growth chart for breastfed babies... My daughter is 18months and weighs 20.4 lb and is in perfect health and yes I had to deal with family members telling me I wasn't feeding her enough also hang in there it will get better http://kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/...

Mary - posted on 09/28/2011

Hey Kristina, Hope a few hints can help. I am nanny to twins that are also four months old. Mother is breast feeding both and supplementing with formula and cereal. The initial need was to get them on a schedule ASAP and to get to sleep most of the night.at one month old, Things were getting stressful and the baby can sense that. You might want to try and breast feed for 15 minutes ONLY and then offer 2 to 4 oz of formula. Of course rotate R & L breast when feeding time occurs. Offering the extra formula clues you in and lets you see how much more they need to eat ie. the oz.s consumed after on the breast. Try and stretch the feeding interval to 3 hours and keep this going to get him on a regular schedule. The cereal in the morning is fine, and at night also. Offer the breast feeding after the cereal and at night offer the 2 to 4 ozs also of formula after the cereal and breast feeding. It will take a few days to get this schedule down. The purpose for regular feedings is to allow the baby's stomach to start to hold more so they will sleep through the night. I don't think he is underweight.

Audra - posted on 09/27/2011

All of the advice can be confusing. We are told that our baby should pee/poop so many times a day, eat so many ounces every so many hours, weigh this much at this age...and if our baby isn't perfectly average or predictable, we assume there's something wrong, or that we are doing something wrong. I can understand why Kristina may have introduced solids so soon, to up his weight and perhaps get him to sleep a bit longer - she's been told that her son is underweight and starving. She's tired, he doesn't appear to be sleeping much, and he eats so often that she's finding it difficult to function for her other 2 children. I get it. Kristina, there is some great feedback below - your little man is his own person, so don't base all of your decisions on how you handled your first two. You said you know it's best to feed on demand - I think you have some gut instincts about how to care for your son. Be open to advice, but you are his mother and those instincts are there. It's frustrating to feel like you aren't getting anything done, but caring for your little ones IS the most important thing you can do. Good luck ;)

Toni - posted on 09/27/2011

I would say your LO's weight is fine...my daughter is just over four months old and weighs 12lbs 7oz, she is small but within normal ranges (albeit the lower end of the scale).



My mil often makes comments about how she is concerned my daughters getting enough food and pushes the idea my daughter should be on solids, each time she comments I politely explain my daughters weight gain is normal bf babies often put on slower than ff babies (she compares my child but my son only bf for 3 weeks as he didn't latch and my milk dried up...i couldn't get any out pumping), I also point out it is normal for bf babies to feed more often than ff babies...that doesn't mean they are starving or not getting enough. Finally I tell her my daughter is not ready for solids and I won't be giving her them until she (my daughter) shows me she is as giving anything other than breast milk from the breast can interfere with supply (I'm concerned because of my history with my son).



As long as your child is alert, has regular wet nappys (between 6 and 8), regular bm (anywhere from daily to fortnightly), is meeting milestones and is not in any discomfort there is no reason to give anything other than breast milk for the first 6 months so I'd ignore your fathers gf (like I do with my mi's advice they mean well).

Tania - posted on 09/27/2011

I know what you were asking - and his weight gain and your milk being "enough" could be directly related to you giving solids. That's why so many are bringing up the solids.

Like another person said, it can be normal for EBF babies to have BMs every 14 days or a few a day. You took your baby to the doctor and they found nothing wrong and he wasn't constipated, so now I'm even more confused as to why you are giving solids. Simply because you wanted him to have BMs more often? 3-4 month olds will how what is perceived at interest in solids because they will grab at people's food. If you give a child that age anything, they will put it in their mouth. That doesn't mean they are *ready* for solids. Again, I think you've received adequate information. Like it's been said, as far as his weight, it's relative to the baby. Your doctor isn't concerned about his weight and that is really who you should be asking about his weight because she can see him, and has been him the past 4 months and followed his growth pattern. Good luck with everything.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 09/26/2011

Kristina,

It's completely normal for a breastfed baby to go long periods between BM's. Up to 14 days. It's because breast milk is such the perfect food that their bodies use it all up so there is little waste.



(It's also normal for a breastfed baby to poop several times a day or anything in between. It depends on the baby :)).

Kristina - posted on 09/26/2011

what was asking originally was if he is under weight? and if my milk is enough for him since he eats ever 2 hours and doesnt sleep well at night compaired to my other children at that age. i formula fed my other children and their routines were completely different. i wasnt asking advice on weather or not to give him cereal to fill him up. i just gave info on how his days go. he as never constipated i took him to doc when he was having bm 1 every 13 days and they found nothing wrong.

Tania - posted on 09/26/2011

I think we're beating a dead horse here. You obviously believe what you believe and are not hearing what you are being told - even though you asked for advice.

Infant rice cereal is *fortified* with synthetic vitamins and minerals (that are not absorbed into the body properly). Breastmilk contains real, natural vitamins and minerals (the fiber you eat does not go through to your breastmilk....). Rice cereal is like you eating a piece of fortified bread and saying it's healthy over eating a salad.

Giving 3 month old babies is completely unnecessary and can be harmful (it's great your first two children are healthy, many other children aren't. Some children ride in a car without a car seat and are fine. But, I won't be going without a car seat to test that). They certainly don't "need" solids at that age. If they are hungry, either give more formula (yes, it's expensive, but that's the reality) or nurse more frequently. If a child is constipated work with your doctor on how you can resolve that without solids. People often show no signs of allergies until they are much older.

I am a childbirth educator and studying to be an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and I am genuinely trying to help you and give accurate information. What you choose to do with it is up to you.

Kristina - posted on 09/26/2011

i give him gerber cereal: NUTRIPROTECT™—Nutrition for Healthy Growth & Natural Immune Support
Excellent source of Iron for healthy brain development
6 B vitamins for healthy growth
Vitamin E and Zinc for natural immune support
Calcium for healthy bones and teeth
i guess i dont see how this isnt good for him. i know it doesnt have fiber but i eat fiber foods.
i didnt know i could give him adult oats like that i will have to try and see how he likes it.

i do like giving him solids he does well with them has more bm and is happier. he helps me feed him lol he'll grab the spoon and bring it to him mouth. he nurses same amount of time after his cereal and before it. i understand what your saying about not eating as much after snacking..

and yes it has bothered me that a lot of you say stop solids. my first 2 children had solids starting around 3 months they need it. my 2nd was having 8 oz bottles by 3 1/2 months old. i wait for signs of baby being ready and go for it. they have no allergies.

Liz - posted on 09/26/2011

I give him his cereal between feedings he still has mama milk every 2 hours I'm not useing solids as a milk replacement.

But if you snacked on candy in between meals, would you eat as much at mealtime?

Baby rice cereal unfortunately has very little nutritional value.

If you really feel solids are necessary, I would recommend oatmeal. Just regular plain adult oats, ground fine in a mixer and cooked with water, breastmilk, or formula. It's fiber-rich and highly nutritious and digestible.

Audra - posted on 09/26/2011

First, I just want to say, I know that you're tired and frustrated, and that it can be difficult to function. I don't doubt you'll have a lot of love, wishes, and support coming from those here. I'm still working my way through the other replies, but I wanted to add: each baby is his/her own little person. It's difficult when their habits and schedules differ...it doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. I don't know for certain what role body weight plays for babies, but our pediatrician is of the opinion that babies know when and how much they need to eat. Also, their needs will change from time to time as they grow. 'Babies are built to survive first-time parents.' As long as your son is acting normal (ie. doesn't act super sleepy), he's hydrated, and isn't showing signs of being sick (high/low temperatures, vomiting...) I think you can relax a bit. Before formula, babies have survived on breastmilk alone. I also don't think it's fair to conclude that he's starving. Keep YOURSELF hydrated and feed him as often as he wants to eat. We all want our babies to sleep through the night, and for long periods of time, because we need that rest. It's difficult when they don't. You're doing so well. It's so easy to doubt yourself, and your ability to care for your children, but your body is built to care for them. Let the house go. Find time to tell your other kids that you love them and that you're proud of them for helping you, and to give them a hug - that will go a long way while you are working through caring for your son.

Tania - posted on 09/26/2011

How long each baby nurses varies - some babies are much more efficient nursers than others. So how long an individual baby nurses really isn't an indicator of if they are getting hindmilk.



Kristina, you did ask for advice and unfortunately you are hearing things you don't want to hear (i.e. stop solids). Also unfortunately, most doctors won't say anything against giving solids. Solids at 4 months of age is very young, and that is simply the truth (Try contacting a Lactation Consultant or visit a LLLI meeting for more accurate advice on breastfeeding and solids). If you are comfortable with what you are doing than that is what matters. Unless you are giving a very, very small amount of solids, they *are* replacing milk, which is much more nutritive and contains the fats baby needs. Take care and I hope things work out for the best for you and your fella!

Kristina - posted on 09/26/2011

he will nurse anywhere from 5-15 on each side. i'll keep putting back on the same side during his feeding till i dont see milk in his mouth then i give him the other side. he like to pop off for a moment then go back to eating.

Catherine - posted on 09/26/2011

When I was breastfeeding, I had concerns about the numbers of times my son was feeding. You probably know this already but as breast milk is produced you get the lighter "drink" followed by the richer "dinner". I found I was not allowing my son to feed long enough on the breast to get to the "dinner". He would often become drowsy and I would think "that's fine, he's asleep, he's had enough." I was advised to sit my son up wind him perhaps and generally wake him up a bit then stick him back on the same breast to get to the rich stuff. 10 mins per breast at least. So - my question is: how long is each feeding lasting? Is he getting to the good stuff?

Kristina - posted on 09/25/2011

I give him his cereal between feedings he still has mama milk every 2 hours I'm not useing solids as a milk replacement. Its like a little snack in a sence he enjoys his food. The doc knows I'm giving him food and she says nothing against it. For my baby eating every 2 hours for most of his life so far I assumed he would weight more at 4 months being a baby born at 9 lbs. He wets enough diapers and has more bms now that I have added solids. On milk alone his bm were 1 every 13 days now its 1 every 3 days the doc is happy he is going more often. I appreciate all the advice. But giving my baby solid at 4 months is helping him with other issues. I just wanted to know if others felt he was to small and if I should be concerned. Wondering if maybe he wasn't getting the fatty hindmilk ? And thinking that's y he is small.

Tania - posted on 09/25/2011

Milk does not suddenly dry up. It makes me sad that so many are talking about upping production. Established milk production goes down for a reason. Drinking mother's milk tea will increase production, sure, however if the milk is not leaving the breast, it will re-regulate. Production is supply and demand. What interferes with production in many cases is - solids. So many women introduce them early and they start replacing breastmilk, which contains more fat and nutrients for baby. Thus, production goes down and baby isn't gaining weight. Then mom thinks she is suddenly not producing enough milk. This is heartbreaking. Ladies, we have been breastfeeding since the beginning of time and our entire species thrived on it. (Yes, I realize babies died because there wasn't formula, however that is a rarity.)

Weight is completely relative. How much did he weigh when he was born? Has he been gaining steadily? He has plenty of wet diapers, so he IS getting enough milk. It could very well be that he is so "hungry" all the time because he is getting so many solids and rice cereal (which offers next to zero nutrition, so baby will be hungry very quickly again) and isn't satisfying his actual hunger. I would definitely back off (if not stop completely) with the solids and nurse that baby.

Becky - posted on 09/24/2011

Hi kristina. I agree with everyone who said stop solids. Both because it is not giving him nutrition but because it can lead to allergies and other issues. Also I am conservative when it comes to babies not gaining but it sounds like your little guy is fine. Lots of wet diapers, stooling and the doc is not worried. If he stops having all the wet diapers, loses weight, drops a lot in his weight percentiles or sleeps too much, then its time to worry. I recommend getting support, going to a laleche meeting and trusting your instinct. Blessings

Jennifer - posted on 09/24/2011

I feel ya girl. My son weighed 9.5 lbs at birth and at 4 months he only weighed 12.1. I ebf him and was always worried about his weight everyone kept telling me my baby looked small but he was a happy content baby and his doctor said as long as he is pooping and peeing good and hitting all his milestones that I shouldn't worry. My son will be 6 months next week and i'm curious to see how much he has gained. I started feeding him food when he was 5 months and this little boy can grub!!! lol As for eating every two hrs that is normal for bf babies my son does that also sometimes every 1.5 hrs but if your committed to bfing then that's what comes with it. but he's still a little thing but he has never givien me trouble sleeping in the night since 6 weeks he has slept from 9pm to 7 am so I got lucky on that end. Good luck and I wouldn't worry to much just keep bf him when ever he is hungry

Michelle - posted on 09/24/2011

Listen to your doctor, my son exclusively breastfed until he was a year and then I gradually started giving him organic whole milk, he has alway been on the lower side of the weight chart but I put my faith in my doctor and all the pros that comes with breastfeeding. My son has never been sick, with the exception of the daycare crud and one ear infection and he is now 2 years 2 mths. Don't worry things will work out. Your baby is just not a chunky monkey : )



Also my son didn't have great sleeping habits either, he woke up at least 3 times during the night and (I was a fulltime working mom), however now he sleeps through the night, all the hard work was worth it. As for the solids, my doc advised me to not give him the rice cereal, because he was getting confused between that and my breast milk. Someone posted earlier that your breastmilk has enought nutrients and calories and she was absolutely right!! Check with your doc and see if maybe your little man is having some kind of reaction to the solids?



Good luck and I am sure your son is just fine.

Julie - posted on 09/24/2011

If you are worried about production try drinking NA beer or Mother's milk tea. After mine got to sleep at night I would drink a beer and I'd really notice a difference in fullness in the morning. As for sleep, i swaddled mine as long as i could and when that didn't work we used a swing. My second one I half co-slept with because she would wake up once in the night and I'd bring her to bed to nurse and then we'd both fall asleep.

Kristina - posted on 09/23/2011

Pumping doesn't go well with me at all I'm lucky if I can get 2 oz. Once my milk regulated I stoped being able to pump. At first I could do a 6-8oz bottle. He does get cereal in the evening at dinner time.
He has around 6 wet diapers a day.