How Much Is Enough?

Hi J. - congrats on the new baby! I'm not sure how common this is but it took my milk over a week to come in and I also had to start supplementing with formula when my daughter was about 3 days old because she was loosing too much weight. If she's not getting enough that could be why she seems to be eating non-stop. I too pumped and it helped some, but even once it had "come in" I just wasn't producing enough for her. I agree with the others below, a lactation consultant is your best bet to figure out for sure what's going on. I went to one and even though I was nervous I felt much better afterwards just knowing that I wasn't doing anything wrong. For me breastfeeding was probably the most difficult part of being a first time mom. And though I wanted badly to breastfeed my daughter I made it ten weeks before I decided supplementing, trying to Breastfeed and pumping was just too much to handle. My daughter did great on formula and was (is) very healthy, so don't feel guilty, do what's best for you. Good luck!

I recommend that you contact La Leche League. They have a lot of great resources on pumping your milk and building your supply. If your daughter is getting plenty of milk, they can reassure you that you are doing a good job. You can find information on the web at www.llli.org. There's a section where you can look for local groups near the top left of the page.

You have already received lots of good advice -- but make sure you aren't switching from breast to breast too quickly. Let the baby empty one breast completely if you can. If you switch too soon, she will never get the nutrient-rich "hind" milk and she won't gain weight properly.

Also, take care of yourself, keep taking prenatal vitamins and eat right. Newborns eat all the time - much more than might seem reasonable to you. My first baby nursed constantly - I thought I would never get off the couch! Keep up the good work.

It is frustrating but she is going through a growth spurt during this time that will boost your milk supply as she gets older. As they get older they drink more, so they nurse constantly during that time to boost your milk in the following days. This is what is supposed to happen. Just nurse her a lot. It's not that your not producing enough, she is just growing. Also the more you actually nurse the better she will get. Make sure her mouth is open enough and she is taking in a lot of your areola. Breastfed babies do eat non-stop but it's so worth it. Just stick to it and know that it's ok to be frustrated. Lots of mothers (including myself) get frustrated with it, even my dog who is nursing puppies gets frustrated with them too. I always just took the baby to bed with me and let them nurse while I was sleeping. Good luck to you!

I had the same problem. When I left the hospital we were breastfeeding fine until I started pumping and also using bottles. I also had to suplement formula but you may want to try switching nipples on your bottles. I switched to the playtex nipples with the bottles you put a little bag in. That helped a lot! Once my son had the new bottles he started latching on again. I called the La Leche group for help and they had a lot of advice. The number I called was ###-###-#### and her name is Melissa. She had a lot of good advice. Good luck to you two!

J.,

Keep with it and nurse your baby as often as she cries for it. The more you do it, the more your milk will increase. It also took me a week for my milk to come in and I was freaking out at first. My boy seemed like he was hungry every hour for a while. Eventually, he slowed down. If you are still having trouble I would suggest calling the lactation consultant at Kangaroo Kids in Webster Groves. They are a great help! Good luck.

I think the advice you have gotten is great. BF doesn't work for everyone. I did want to add that with frustration, the BF becomes more difficult and your let down will be slower. When I start to get frutrated, I would stop the nursing session for a few minutes while I walked, sung and loved on baby. Then we tried again. With my first I learned that she was lactose intolerant so we couldn't BF. My second was doing great until I got sick and then I couldn't produce enough and we ended up switching 1/2 BM and 1/2 formula for a few months and then fully over to formula when my body finally dried up due to the lack of supply/demand. I plan on trying again with the BF when I have another child but it does take time and it can be frustrating. But your child will sense your frustrations and not eat as well.

J.,
The more you allow for her to eat, the more milk she will have for the next feeding. You have to build up your supply to meet her needs. I feed my son until he was a year and my daughter is almost 7 months old and is still going strong on the nursing. What worked best for me is to let her eat as much as she wants and then pump for 15 minutes on both sides. You will have more milk then she can eat, but you will also be able to build a supply that you can store when you go back to work.
One thing that some moms aren't aware of and the reason that some quit at around 7 weeks is that your baby will hit a growth spurt. You will feel like she isn't getting enough to eat, but believe me she is. Once you make it over this bump, at around 7 weeks, you can make it through anything!!
Good Luck to you, I wish you the best with it all.

If you haven't yet, please go see a lactation consultant. The first week or two are really critical for breastfeeding success, so please get help if you can. And keep practicing even though you are pumping. It's frustrating, but worth it. I had a really hard time with my first, but everything I read and tried really helped me to be successful with my second. From what I've seen, the hospital LCs will help you as much as you need, even if you didn't deliver at that hospital. (I rented a pump from a hospital that was closer to me than the one I gave birth at, and the LC there helped me as well.) Good luck!

When my daughter was a newborn she had the same problem and my hospital had a lactation specialist who provided us with a kit provided by the state of Oklahoma that you put formula in and hook onto your breast which helps your baby learn to nurse. You should call your hospital and ask about this I cannot remember the name of the kit but they should know what it is.

It's important to check with your doctor to see what he/she says about whether the baby is getting enough to eat - based on how she is gaining weight. When my daughter was born, I just wasn't producing enough milk, and we ended up needing to supplement with formula. I continued to breastfeed until she was a year old, but she also got a bottle with some formula after each feeding. At first, I would nurse her and then had to pump immediately just to keep my supply built up (or increase it). It is important to have a good pump. I used a Medela Pump In Style. They are expensive, but they are worth it if you are going to need to pump for awhile. The best advice I can give you is to do what you & your husband feel is best for the baby. You will get all kinds of advice and it can be very frustrating. Continuing to nurse my daughter was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am really glad I did. Just remember that formula fed babies can be perfectly healthy too and you have to do what is best for you & your baby. One thing my OB/GYN did tell me is that the longer I continued to breastfeed my daughter, even if there was a limited supply, the better it would be for my next child. He said it would help to ensure the supply would be better the next time around. Also, be sure to ask the lactation nurse at the hospital as well as talking to the ladies at LaLeche League for advice. They can be very helpful as well. Good luck!

Hi J.,

Congratulations on Breastfeeding your baby. You are giving a gift that will last a life time.

I, too, would reccommend that you talk to a lactation consultant. Call your hospital, mine worked with me with no charge, plus ran a breastfeeding mom's group! I had trouble in the beginning (sleepy baby, etc), to be sure, but with the guidance and support, made it for as long was the World Health Organization reccommends!!

In order to increase your milk, you would want to nurse baby more frequently. Or pump (even if not much is coming). When you nurse more frequently or pump, that stimulation tells your body to make more milk. If you give formula instead, you are actually decreasing your milk supply.

I remember I thought - for goodness sakes, this is what breasts are for - why does this not at all seem to come natural?? But, it just takes a little time! In the beginning, remember their little tummy's start at the size of a pea, then go to marble and eventually the size of their fist - look at how little milk that really is. So, then it seems to make better sense why they want more! I would try to feed her every two hours during the day. There are growth spurts where she'll eat like a horse and never seem to stop, it's really good to look that up and find out when it happens so you are prepared.

It gets so easy! You just have to give it like 6-8 weeks - then it's like a switch flips! Relax and enjoy this mommy time. You're doing awesome and everything you are feeling and worrying about is very normal.

Give that lactation consultant a shout, find a breastfeeding mom's group - and check out www.KellyMom.com (no relation to me, I wish it was!!!). That website has a lot of great information.

Hang in there

First of all congratulations on making the decision to breastfeed. Like the other moms, I would suggest sticking with it and feed your baby as often as he demands. Also, drink lots and lots of water. I was also very frustrated in the beginning and had to supplement some but my daugther and I eventually got the hang of it and are closing in on a year of breastfeeding. You might also contact a lactation consultant, they can be very helpful and encouraging. Please stick with it if you can b/c it is truely the most precious gift you can give your baby and the bond that the two of you will create is indescribable. Good luck and happy holidays!

Is she not latching on properly? Something that I found helpful was to actually, gently pull down her lower jaw slightly and then insert your nipple. This gives a good wide area to nurse on. The other thing that was helpful was talking to a lactation consultant. She was great. Newborns can eat as often as every hour. Don't worry, this doesn't last long. Their little tummys just can't hold much more than that. Don't give up! It's the best thing for your little one, and it's made JUST for her.

You are not alone dear. I was so frustrated with my first one. She never seemed to get enough either. After about a month, I started giving her a bottle right before bed to suppliment her. By the end of the day I was drained and there was nothing more to give her. Here are a few things that I learned in the process.

1. You can NEVER pump as much milk as your baby can suck. What worked best for me was to pump a little bit before I nursed. This not only helps to get the milk flowing so that she didn't have to work so hard, it also allows the baby to get that "hind" milk that is so good for them.

2. While you are trying to establish you milk supply, it will be a little touch and go. Let her nurse whenever you think she is hungry for the first couple of weeks. She will not get on a schedule right away. Just pay attention to her cues and you will figure out when she is hungery and when it is something else.

3. Some babies need to eat every 2 hours some every 4 and it will be different for each child that you have. My first was every 3 hours for 15 minutes on each side, my second, every 2 hours for 10 minutes on one side!

4. Sometimes when they think they are hungery, they just need to burp. If she is spitting up a lot, she is not hungery, she just has a bubble. Sometimes those bubbles really hurt them and they don't know how to get them out on their own.

One more thing, if you are having trouble latching on, you might try a "breast shield". I could never get my babies to latch without one. They are made by Medela and you can find them at Target with the rest of the nursing supplies. I always used the bigger ones.

Hang in there! You will both get the hang of it and it is SO worth it.

I stopped breastfeeding both of my children really quickly because I was so worried about how much milk they were getting. I think also I just wasn't comfortable breastfeeding and pumping was really frustrating for me...I think a better pump might have helped...maybe you should look into how effective the pump is that you are using.
Of course you have to drink allot of water.
And your milk supply builds up gradually so you will produce more milk as you go.
If you are pumping exclusively then that might be an issue too...I know the child stimulates something that creates a reaction in your body causing the milk to flow...that is why after your milk comes in good your breasts leak when you hear your baby crying or your body thinks it is "time" for a feeding...try keeping your baby close while you pump.

I didn't stick with the whole breastfeeding thing, but everyone says it takes time. I go to a wonderful website for pregnancy/child care. It's www.americanpregnancy.org - once there, go to the discussion forums. There is a whole section for breastfeeding moms, I would highly recommend you check it out.
C.

J.,

If you haven't tapped into the wisdom of the LaLeche League, do it today! They can really help you get your little one breastfeeding well. The hospital you delivered at should have a local contact number or you can look them up on the web.

J.

Please call LLL. They have helped so many women through so many breastfeeding problems. They have the most up to date information and helpful mom voulenteers. Also, go to a meeting if you can, mother to mother support is so helpful.

LLL helped me with many breastfeeding problems. The mothers are wonderfully helpful and really enjoy helping a couple make it work...

here is the website
http://www.llli.org/

here you can find your local leaders to call
http://www.llli.org/Web/Kansas.html

J.,
If you are ready to stop nursing, you have nothing to feel bad about. it's really up to you.

Yes, supplement with formula is necessary for some moms, especially late in the day,when the stress of the day impedes milk production sometimes. Some moms can't pump all their milk out and are better off nursing directly--others can pump gallons and only pump 2x a day (lucky ones!).

If you choose to continue to nurse, keep drinking lots of water and rest as much as you can and eat well. Your body needs an extra 500 calories a day to product the milk to feed your baby. If you don't eat enough, you can't produce milk. Being too active will also curtail milk production. TAKE IT EASY until your milk supply is established (I think it takes at least 2 weeks, maybe more).

is your baby gaining weight? that's one way to tell if she's getting enough to eat.

Best wishes to you and good luck!

Are you letting her nurse directly? Or are you pumping and giving her that? The first week to ten days can be difficult. They want to eat all the time because they are building their (your) milk supply. If you're pumping and giving her that, it probably will be giving her less than she needs. Its kind of a supply and demand type thing and baby demands more than the pump. Good luck to you and I hope everything works out :-)

Please don't give up. Breastfeeding is so important. Sometimes it takes a while to fine tune your breastfeeding relationship. Try contacting the la leche league in your area.

J. most moms find the first few weeks of breast feeding frustrating. Think of it this way, she has never had to suck for her food before. There are as many changes for her as for you, the difference is that her life depneds on getting this thing called eating down. Have you gone online and checked out the different holding positions. I know with my daughter-in-law she had to hold her baby girl like a football under her arm with head at the breast. So many little ones are tongue suckers and their tongues get in the way of getting the nipple in their mouths. Bottles are a little easier as far as not as much work to get the milk.

Breast feeding is not for mothers who don't want to take the time necessary that is involved in nursing. I always looked at it as a time to bond with my babies. Knowing that the first year of a babies life is one that moms are focused on their babies and not much free time nor time to do major projects, will help enjoy your baby more. Some babies sleep longer than others, mine would sleep for 2 hr. at time during the night, not hardly any during the day. Many of the lessons in life we learn from our children. They start out teaching you patients. Hang in there and when you feel frustrated, think of how much you love this precious baby girl, that frustration will melt away.

I went through the same thing. My son never did get the hang of it. I wish I knew then what I know now. I needed a lactation consultant to come and help me. I would have given anything to breastfeed my son. Now there is a consultant that moved into my area so the next time I have a baby, I am definitely using her. Good luck, and if it doesn't happen for you, like my doctor said, it is not the end of the world. My son is a very healthy little boy and did fine on formula.

Well, your baby will be a fast grower, just like mine was (is). Breastfed babies need to be fed on demand, anyone will tell you that. And, it sounds like your doing that, so you are doing the right thing. Are you sure she is getting full when you breastfeed her? And are you burping her, sometimes they get some air and think they are full and will fall asleep, but they are full of air and not milk. Then, after laying on their back for a while(air risesto the top-a good way to get her to burp) they sometimes wake up needing to burp, then after they do their ready for the other half of the feeding that started and hour ago. This is just an idea, but when I was breastfeeding and had the exact same question, my doctor told me that your baby will tell you when she's had enough. My doctor also told me to feed every hour if thats what he wanted. At this young age, let your baby be the boss when it comes to feeding. You should be proud that she is a healthy eater. Babies will only eat so many ounces every 24 hours, so don't worry.
To tell you a little about me: I breastfed for almost four weeks. But, I'll admit, the pain got so bad and because I'm single and could not mentally deal with dreading the feedings, I switched him over to formula. He is now two months old and is drinking 7 ounces, which is realy a lot for a two month old, but everyone tells me not to worry, that he'll eat what he needs and every baby is different. So, you will have a lot to worry about from now on when it comes to your child, so don't worry about this! Give her all she wants, and be grateful, sounds like you have a healthy baby.
Sorry this is so long, but I love to write! If you ever have any formula questions, or any others, feel free to email me at ____@____.com. Congradulations!

Hello J.! Breastfeeding a newborn can be very frustrating and tiring. Just be assured that by her sucking more often at the breast she is ensuring that your breasts establish a plentiful milk supply. By feeding her on demand you will continue to ensure that your supply is plentiful for her. Supplementing with formula can be dangerous to your milk supply because she is sucking less at your breast and staying full longer and this signals your body to produce less milk. I know, in the beginning it seems like all your doing is breastfeeding (and yeah, you pretty much are) but it will get better. Try to find support and information to help you get through it. You may want to contact your local La Leche League. They are great and have helped me through a multitude of breastfeeding issues. Just stick with it! It's soooooo worth it! Here's the link for LLL:
http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html

Good luck!
K.

J.-The first thing I would do is see the lactation consultant. She would probably weigh the baby to check weight gain, and watch you nurse to see how she is doing. With my daughter, she latched on well at the hospital (before my milk came in), but once I got home it was a disaster. The lactation consultant said she was having trouble with milk transfer. (She was born at only 35 weeks-I guess this is common with little ones). Anyway, using a contact nipple shield did the trick, and I only needed it for about a month. Then she started nursing well without it. I just want to encourage you that you & your baby can get the hang of breastfeeding despite a rough start. If I did not see the lactation consultant when I did, I am certain my milk supply would have gone down, and my daughter would've needed formula, at least initially if not long term. I am so grateful we were able to get some good advice in the nick of time.

J.,
I never made enough milk and I was never able to release any milk when pumping. The doctor said some womam just can't relax enough to. But looking back on my lifestyle, I think it's because I've been chronically dehydrated. Do you drink enough water?

S.

All I can say, without knowing your body's specific makeup and your baby's true feeding needs, is Keep Trying! You may have a harder time than other mom's you know at breastfeeding, but I assure you that Everyone has a very difficult first week, if not first month, at breastfeeding. Some babies have a hard time latching on, and others have a hard time swallowing as fast as the mom's milk comes in. Everyone's different but the best advice I ever got from anyone was Keep Trying and don't give up because it Will get easier. And once it does, you'll be so happy you kept going.

Also, has your milk dropped fully yet? If not, you'll have lots to give her soon--more than your breasts can handle probably. And if so, your body may just need to get into the swing of supplying the amount that your baby demands. But I'm guessing you'll both make it through just fine. Just don't stress out because stress always has bad affects on your body. Good Luck!

Don't give up!! Usually, a baby is much more efficient at getting milk from the breast than a pump, so that is no surprise that she is wanting more than you express. It took my first one 3 weeks and my second 10 weeks to get it right even after I had a lactation consultant at the hospital and a home visit. Some babies and mommas are pros from the beginning, others need lots of practice. I, too, had to supplement with formula a couple of times at night when my second one would "cluster feed". But this got better after about 3 weeks. (seems like an eternity, but it will come and go before you know it!) It is true that you should put her to breast as often as possible to increase supply, but your sanity is also important:) I found that as my girls' mouths got larger, the breastfeeding got better. Initially, I wasn't helping them latch well, but then my second one just had a really tiny mouth and it took more time. It is frustrating, but it is also incredibly rewarding, so hold on:) Plus, your precious little girl is only 1 week old. She's learning, I promise, just give her some more time. By all means, feed her however you need so that she is fed, but please, don't give up.

A Little about me: I work part-time and stay at home part-time with my 2 yr old and 5 month old- both girls! I am married to their daddy-my biggest supporter and best friend.

The more you supplement, the less milk you will produce. Your body responds to your baby's appetite. Feed more often until you get your milk supply up and try to be patient. (I never could get much from pumping since the nipple stimulation isn't quite the same from a pump). It doesn't happen over night, but it is worth the sacrifice and hard work. I breastfed my son for 9 months (when he decided a spoon was more exciting) and it was not easy, but the first 6 weeks are the toughest. You may get in touch with the Le Leche League and join a support group. Other breastfeeding moms will be very helpful resources. YOU CAN DO IT! Please don't get frustrated or give up. And don't expect to sleep through the night right away; the nighttime feedings help build up your milk supply too. Not that you have time to read it now, but consider reading "On Becoming Babywise" by Gary Ezzo. It has great advice for feeding routines and new parenting. Good luck.

Are you breastfeeding at all or exclusively pumping?

A one week old virtually eats non-stop, you may feel like they aren't getting enough and supplement, but in most cases you don't have to. In fact, supplementing can hurt your milk supply. The first 3 weeks are the hardest, constantly feeding, but it helps build your supply and is the most important time for breastfeeding.

I've been breastfeeding for almost 6 months now and I can tell you the hardest part was the first month and then one day you realize how absolutely easy it is all of a sudden.

The best way to tell if your baby is getting enough while breastfeeding is to count the wet and dirty diapers. At a week old the baby should have right around 7 wet diapers.

My little boy also had a hard time with breastfeeding and while mine was not an issue of whether or not he had enough, it was that he could not latch right and I was VERY sore. I considered MANY times quitting and doing strictly formula. Through the help of lactation consultants, breastfeeding group, and friends we have made it through the hard part and he is now 4 months on Christmas Day. I would advise working with a lactation consultant and finding a support group. The hospital I delivered at offers free lactation services and a breastfeeding group that meets 2x a week. If you would like to know the hospital and contact info I can give it to you. Just let me know! Try to stick with it as it is worth it once you are over the initial hump. Just know you aren't alone with breastfeeding problems.

Important thing is to drink lots of water, helps the milk supply, and if the baby wants to nurse let her nurse as much as she wants the more she nurses the better the milk supply will come in, sit in a room playing music and relax get comfortable while nursing and pumping. The important thing is to nurse nurse nurse. Have you had any breast surgerys implants/reductions if so it may effect the milk coming out, but you will know if she is getting the milk she needs to have so many soiled/wet diapers in a day.

PM with any questions you may have

Good luck hope all goes well and congrats on the nursing, remember if you have to supplement breast milk then do formula its ok. dont get discouraged the milk will come.

Hi J. - and congratulations on your new baby! My advice is to talk to a lactation consultant - hopefully available at the hospital you delivered at - and soon. They are a great resource. If you want to continue breastfeeding I would recommend not supplementing as it will cause your supply to decrease and soon you will be feeding more and more formula until you are not breastfeeding anymore. I know the first weeks are difficult - you feel like a milk machine and are exhausted from feeding constantly. However, that is how your milk supply gets established. I also know how painful it can be, but stick with it - it really does get much easier. After a couple of weeks your daughter will be in more of a rountine and it will be easier. The pain (if you have any) will go away completely after a couple of weeks. I visited the lacation consultant at my hospital following my second baby, and she was a great help. They also had a support group that met once a week for new mothers where you could go and get free advice from several lactation consultants, plus talk to other new moms.

Stick with it, you will be so happy you did. Breastfeeding is a very rewarding experience for the mom, as well as being better for the baby. Good luck!!