amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

tmrhopkins · 11-03-2006, 06:59 PM

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

Megmama · 11-03-2006, 07:08 PM

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

Both of these will come to you if you need it!

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

lovencloth · 11-03-2006, 07:19 PM

ITA with megmama

Liba · 11-05-2006, 09:56 AM

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.

Magoo · 11-07-2006, 08:13 PM

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?

Gypsylily · 11-08-2006, 10:24 PM

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.

Christie · 11-19-2006, 06:08 PM

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.

Breeder · 11-24-2006, 08:07 PM

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!!