How do you know he is getting enough?

[happyfamily123]

I am so frustrated! He never seems to be full from eating! He will nurse for 30-45 minutes and still doesn't seem full. Lately I've been giving him an ounce or two of formula after these long feedings and then he is content. WTF?

My husband will always give him formula and he just told me 'he is never happy after he nurses' and it made me brake down into tears! It just is so frustrating to me, I want bf'ing to work but it just isn't!

Tonight I fed him for 15 min at 5 15 min at 530 and 30 min at six and now my husband is feeding him formula! He kept falling asleep thats why only 15 minutes.

I've also noticed that lately he isn't having as many wet diapers! Like he went all night long without a change! And has maybe had two changes today!

Help veteran mommas!

 

[Mervs Mum]

Every time your husband gives him formula you are another step away from BFing. When he does you are telling your boobs that your baby is full and they dont need to make more milk! So you will NEVER satisfy him on your own as you are not sending the correct signals to make more milk. You need to keep putting him to your breast and your supply will adjust over the following days.

He will be content with just your milk if you keep putting him on. Top us are fine if you want to combine feed but your husband isnt helping your supply by giving formula - thats the reason he's never satisfied!

 

[sjnams]

You and your son are still in the tough early stages of establishing breastfeeding and as mervs mum says, by introducing the formula you are confusing your body and your sons feeding habits. Your husband needs to stop with the top ups and every time your son appears hungry, put him to your boob. This tells your body to produce milk and helps your son learn how to breastfeed efficiently.

The early weeks are tough, frustrating and it can be demoralising and it will seem like you are constantly feeding, but it will get better and the gaps between feeds will gradually get longer....this can take untill your baby is over 6 weeks old before it happens though, so be patient and get comfortable on your sofa and breastfeed your son, you can do it!

Good Luck!!

 

[everhopeful]

I went through something similar to this but it was just my boys way of getting my supply up. Stick with it - I know it is hard but just try to trust your body. It will produce enough for him if he keeps stimulating it! Try not to give a bottle, the more he nurses on you the more milk you'll supply.
Good luck!!

 

[Shifter]

The evenings in particular can be tough as they often cluster feed, trying to fill themselves up for a long sleep. I remember feeding Jack almost non-stop between 5 and 11pm those first few weeks. It was exhausting but it did get easier. We introduced one top up a day but we cut them out after a few weeks and after a couple of days we didn't miss them and my supply was fine.

You can do it, but the top-ups need to go.

Keep an eye on those nappies though, your LO could be getting dehydrated, so keep offering breast and see if you start getting more wet nappies.

 

[Samantha675]

These ladies have said it. It is so true. It is amazing how much time a new baby can spend at the breast. But just trust your LO to give your body the ques it needs to produce the milk that he needs. Right now his body is using up sooo much energy. For the first time he has to do all the work, breathing and thinking and moving. Plus he has to 'work' for his food. Before now he had what I like to call 24 hour womb service. Then to top it off he is growing like crazy. Hang in there hun, your body can do it, you can do it!!!

 

[Samantha675]

Oh and diapers are the big key to knowing if he is getting enough. As long as you get lots of wet and dirty diapers, you are doing great!