Nursing Check In

[db7211]

So, it seems as if my supply is okay during the day, but late afternoon/early evening/nighttime it sucks. How long should I let him nurse when he's clearly not swallowing to get my breasts to produce more milk? I'm supplementing anyway, just wondering how long to let him nurse before I give him the 1-2 oz of formula.

[cheeseandrice]

Oct 26, 2015 21:20:11 GMT -5 db7211 said:

So, it seems as if my supply is okay during the day, but late afternoon/early evening/nighttime it sucks. How long should I let him nurse when he's clearly not swallowing to get my breasts to produce more milk? I'm supplementing anyway, just wondering how long to let him nurse before I give him the 1-2 oz of formula.

Cluster feeding late afternoon /early.evening is totally normal. Expected, actually. Can you try hand expressing while he's nursing to see if that helps?

Add the formula if it gives you peace of mind. But the more you let him nurse the more itll help increase your supply.

It's hard. I went through similar worries (on top of weight gain issies) with my first. Do what works for you.

[db7211]

Oct 27, 2015 22:12:18 GMT -5 cheeseandrice said:

Oct 26, 2015 21:20:11 GMT -5 db7211 said:

So, it seems as if my supply is okay during the day, but late afternoon/early evening/nighttime it sucks. How long should I let him nurse when he's clearly not swallowing to get my breasts to produce more milk? I'm supplementing anyway, just wondering how long to let him nurse before I give him the 1-2 oz of formula.

Cluster feeding late afternoon /early.evening is totally normal. Expected, actually. Can you try hand expressing while he's nursing to see if that helps?

Add the formula if it gives you peace of mind. But the more you let him nurse the more itll help increase your supply.

It's hard. I went through similar worries (on top of weight gain issies) with my first. Do what works for you.

That's the thing, I wouldn't worry if he was cluster feeding, but I have to wake him for every feeding, every two hours. He doesn't tell me when he's hungry. And I've never been able to hand express, even when engorged. I do massage my breast while he's sucking though, sometimes it seems to get him to be able to swallow a little more.

[cheeseandrice]

What makes you think he needs the extra formula? Babies will drink more than the need sometimes especially with a faster flow from a bottle. We ran into that with DD1 a lot.

How's his weight gain? Do you have somewhere you can do a weighted feeding? Pumps are terrible indicators of output so try not to let that discourage you! It's hard.

As far as nursing. I don't think he needs to be swallowing to help stimulate your production? I'm not sure, but I'd think the sucking will be just as beneficial.

[cheeseandrice]

Hugs, Brady. How do you feel about formula? If you're really passionate about BFing don't feel like you have to try it. But maybe pick up a small pack of the ready to feed bottles and let your H take over one or two feeds a day. You can either pump that session or sleep. I really truly don't think one missed nursing session will screw your supply forever and it sounds like you really need a breather.

That routine sounds exhausting. I'm sorry. Im team MIL right now. Unless baby has dropped too far below birth weight. Then talk to the LC about something more manageable or supplement for a little while until you regain traction.

You're doing fine. Don't let anyone (including yourself) make you feel otherwise. It's hard!

[bradysalon]

cheeseandrice I took MIL's advice and things have been so much smoother. In fact, last night I got 4 hours of sleep and then another 3 hours. I felt like a new person. He was also up a few ounces at his appt so that made me feel better.
Are you coming to Facebook?

[cheeseandrice]

Oct 27, 2015 23:56:44 GMT -5 bradysalon said:

cheeseandrice I took MIL's advice and things have been so much smoother. In fact, last night I got 4 hours of sleep and then another 3 hours. I felt like a new person. He was also up a few ounces at his appt so that made me feel better.
Are you coming to Facebook?

Good!

I'm in the group