if I do breast milk and formula? I seem to be loosing my milk supply and my little guy is hungry a lot. He is almost 5 weeks now (6 weeks preemie) and weighs 7 lbs 8 ozs at the last dr. visit on Tuesday.

How much should be eating?

I guess I might worry too much. As long as he is gaining and having lots of wet/poopy diapers and seems content that's what counts.

I try to get him to the breast but he just won't latch on correctly.

Tawnya

1st...you are caring for your baby so you are Never a bad mommy...keep that in mind at all times, lady..you have been through so much!!

2nd..can you call your local LLL or a lactation consultant for latching help? That might help you feel more secure about things :D Both of these will come to you if you need it!

Many hugs, mama..he's so beautiful!

ITA with megmama :hug:

I third finding a good local LC to work with as soon as you can.

I was told that babies need two ounces of milk per pound per day, so about 15oz total per day for a 7 1/2lb baby. That said Avraham Chaim is still having sucking and swallowing problems and is getting about 15oz a day and is 11lbs and growing pretty well. It also depends on the milk and the baby's activity level.

Iwanted to add that I had a 27weeker and he had nursing problems too. I ended up taking him to a chiro on the suggestion of my LC and that coupled with the LC got him nursing correctly. While he was bottle feeding I pumped milk for him and pumped often. Maybe you need a pump to help maintain supply?

I do breast and formula, mama. I just can't seem to get a full supply. I have tried hard, and am at peace with it.

Are you able to take herbs? Fenugreek is supposed to be good as is Mother's Milk Tea. Oatmeal helps, too. :)

I second the suggestion to contact LLL - a leader might even come to your house to help with latching.

:rub:

No worries,

I had to supplement for a few months and was still able to breast feed most of the time. (About 6 out of 8 feedings) Still I would find a lactation consultant, their advice is worth its weight in gold.

If a lactation consultant is out of the question due to finances, I would try to beg, borrow or steal a breast pump to help keep your supply, and possibly increase it.
It works for me, but I know it dosent for everyone.

Hugs to the good mommy!!