How Much Should He Be Eating? - New Albany,IN

You've gotten some great advice below. One thing I would add -- it may be that your positioning is a little off, and this is negatively affecting how effectively he is able to nurse. I got the book "Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy" by Laura Keegan (available at www.TheBreastfeedingBook.com), and highly recommend it. The author says that she learned some things with her fourth baby that she didn't need with her other three, so just because you've done well before doesn't mean you know it all now. :-)

Some babies have a high need to suckle -- even when not hungry.

I am a bit of an over-producer, so gradually found out that I need to "bloc nurse" -- keep the baby on one breast only for three hours (if he nursed, and then an hour later, wanted to nurse again, he was put back to the same breast), because he was getting too much of the watery fore-milk and not enough of the fatty, satisfying hind-milk. Some moms are told to switch breasts every five-ten-twenty minutes, but this may be the wrong advice for some women. What I've heard is better advice, is to keep the baby on one breast until he has emptied it, and *then* switch to the other breast if he seems hungry.

One way to build up your milk supply is to pump (even if you get nothing, or very little) for a period of time after each feed. I donated breastmilk to a friend for her adopted baby, and was able to dramatically increase my supply this way. It took a lot of time (sometimes I would sit and pump for 30-60 minutes after nursing, getting as little as an ounce... at first), but it worked. (If you're going to do some serious pumping like this, I would highly recommend borrowing or buying used a good-quality double pump, because it works twice as good and twice as fast.)

1 mom found this helpful

If you supplement at all with formula you will be undermining your ability to up your milk supply. Breast milk works on supply and demand so either allow him to nurse even to the point of the breast being empty so it knows to produce more at the next feeding...a lot of times you can have several milk letdowns in one sitting, even when you think there couldn't possibly be any more left. If you are strictly bottle feeding with breast milk and not having him latch on, pump, pump and pump so your breasts know they need to make more. Drink more water and look into buying a lactation tea to help your body.

1 mom found this helpful

Even if you "feel" empty, the breasts are constantly producing milk. Keep feeding him. The more you nurse, the more your body will understand to meet the demand.

IF you start with the formula, the biggest problem many people run into is the bottle nipple gives more milk, more quickly... so your baby might preffer that just because he is being satiated more quickly.

Feed him every hour & a half or two.

Try "Mother's Milk" tea. It has helped many women.

Dont get discouraged, it is a learned art, for both of you.

1 mom found this helpful

First of all, he is three weeks old and eleven pounds, so he's not starving. Good job! Make sure he is getting the fatty hind milk and not just the foremilk, as that is the milk that will satisfy him more. However, since you said he is emptying you out completely... Some babies are like this and what you can do, since you are pumping anyway, is put a little bit of rice cereal in his bottle. There are just some babies that need that extra boost to feel satisfied, and it keeps you from resorting to formula. It's no big deal and nothing "wrong" with either of you.

I hope this helps! Let us know what you decide and how it works out!

L., I had the same problem but I had a very hearty eater and I was an older mom who just couldn't keep up! I tried a natural herb first called fenugreek to increase my milk. It works in two ways - first, it does increase the milk production and it also makes it even more tasty for the baby which should increase milk as well. When that quit working, I was prescribed reglan (metocloproprimide) to increase the milk production. Between the two therapies and some supplemental formula, we made it through 5 months when I just dried up naturally. Good Luck to you both!!

You said you have been pumping have you gotten what you would have when you were nursing your girls? If so I would talk to your pediatrician and see what they think. If not I would talk to a Lactation Consultant and see if they can help you. If you are in Lexington I might be able to help you find someone good. The one at the hospital you delivered at would also probably be happy to help. A great website for breastfeeding info is www.kellymom.com

It is all supply and demand, the more he nurses, the more milk you make, if you suppliment your breasts will never "catch on" to how much he really needs, and will not increase their supply.
Certain herbs, like cinnamon and ginger, as well as decongestants taken for cold/allergy sx tend to dry the milk supply, others, like Fenugreek, Hops, Borage and Blessed Thistle help increase it. "Traditional Medicinals" makes an herbal blend tea called "Mothers Milk" that will also help. Don't forget to stay well hydrated yourself, with lots of plain water in this hot weather!
An 11 lb baby requires more milk than a smaller baby, right off the bat, so try to relax and bear with this time of adjustment. Feed him every two hours through the day, spacing to every three or four during the night, or more often, if he acts hungry before the alotted time. If you feed him before he gets really hungry, he won't get so frantic when it "runs out". A baby should rarely have to cry to get your attention, to let you know he is hungry. Pay attention to the little signs; rooting, nuzzling, sucking on fist, thumb or other object, or just restlessness, or searching with eyes or mouth.
Also, it's important he nurse as much as possible, at least until your milk supply is well established. No pacifiers.

Hello, thank you for being a BF momma! I have nursed two children so far and hoping for another in the near future. 1st) are you letting him nurse on both sides every feeding or just one? if you press on your breast and still get milk them they are not totally empty. Are you rotating breast between feedings? If you baby is gaining weight then he is just fine without formula. I don't want you to worry, when nursing I always wondered if my babies were getting enough, but they gained weight always. Babies also take growth spurts where they want to eat all the time. I never gave either of my children cereal before 6mts, but their are mothers who pump and put a little cereal in the bottle. I think this is up to you and you need to do what you feel is right for you & your baby. for tons of information with questions & answers on nursing you can call your local La Leche League or visit www.llli.org/nb.html there is also if you feel your supply is low (you know the more frequently you feed the more often you will need to to avoid engorgement) Fenugreek is a herbal supplement that is proven to increase breast milk. you can buy at GNC, Rite Aid or another pharmacy. I have used it with my second child and it really does work great. it has a maple syrup smell to it and you will notice the smell while taking it, but at least it is a good smell. Best of luck to you and if I can help in anyway you can email me personally and I will be happy to give you my number. ____@____.com

Hi L.,
If you're not having discomfort with nursing, I would recommend nursing on one side until he's consumed all your hindmilk, which is richer and more filling than the first, more watery bit on each side. Even if that means more nursing on the first side. I used to keep track of which breast emptied completely by putting a little safety pin on the side of my bra that I would nurse from first at the next feeding. If you completely empty yourself out, your supply will steadily increase to accommodate his needs. Drink lots of water, avoid pain relievers, of course. Another possibility is that he takes longer than your girls to 'feel' full. Watch to see if he settles down into satisfied a few minutes after he's done nursing, even if he doesn't seem satisfied as soon as you're finished. Also, watch your level of physical activity. Some moms lose production when they physically work harder. I couldn't rejoin sports teams or work out at the gym until after I was done breastfeeding my boys. I hope you have success soon.

I had the same issue with my boy (now 4 months). It seemed like no matter how much he ate, he was still hungry. I nursed him on demand for weeks and weeks, but he was never satisfied. He also grew way faster than my girl, at his last check-up he'd grown 3 inches since his last appt. 6 weeks before, and has already doubled his birth weight. I supplemented with him also, but only after he had nursed and I was "empty". I know that you never are truly empty, but there is such a thing as raw nipples after a while!Eventually things evened out, and pediatrician said it was ok to start him on cereal early. It took him about a week, maybe two to get used to it (at a little less than 4 months) but when he did he really ate like a champ. Also, you may want to consider that there are growth spurts along the way, and he may be needed the extra. If you've nursed before, you're judgement about when to suppliment etc, is probably the best.

The quality (as well as the quantity) of the milk you produce is in direct relation to what you ingest. Make sure you're having a lot of protein, adequate fats, and dairy products, yourself.

I'm sure you know that the more he nurses, the more milk you'll make, and consequently the hungrier and thirstier you'll be. You really ARE eating for two.

To produce more milk you can drink 1 cup of fennel tea and 1 cup of fenugreek tea a day until your milk becomes richer and will naturally fill him up. If this doesn't help see a lactation consultant. They can really help and it's much better than resorting to formula.

Hope this helps,
J.
Joyful Mom of 3

Things to increase your milk supply: oatmeal, herb called Fenagreek, but the best thing to do is make sure baby is nursing every 2 hours. Remember though, babies tummy could be upset and the baby could still be acting hungry. But then again the baby could be going through a growth spurt. You have to make that call. Remember when you give the baby a bottle its that much less your body is going to produce. Your body will get use to what the baby needs to eat by how often you feed baby. Good Luck!

Hi,
I have a 4 month old and I only breastfeed....the best thing to do is let him nurse a lot! The more he nurses the more you will produce. He is probably just going through a growth spurt and it will settle down soon. It will seem like he is attached to you 24/7 but this will pass and then he will probably sleep more than usual b/c then he will be doing all his growing from all the extra milk he has been drinking. Hope this helps.

Make sure you are drinking enough water and good fluids, milk, juice, smoothies etc... Make sure you are consuming good foods, fresh/frozen veggis and fruits, pasta, rice and lean protiens. My middle son weighed 10.6 lbs @ birth, I know they lose weight at first but should be back to birth weight by 10-14 day range. My son ate a ton, all the time. My husband says that for the first 6 months he was not sure what he looked like because he was always attached to Mom! It really was not that bad, LOL but he did eat more than the other kids. Relax and enjoy the extra time with your baby. Keep good snacks handy, nuts and always drink while you nurse.

He might just be a comfort nurser (LOVES to nurse for comfort and entertainment) A sign of that is if he spits up more than you thinks is normal. My daughter was this way.
I wouldn't recommend using a bottle except in rare instances. If given half a chance, any baby will develop a preference for them since there is no wait time for let-down--then you'll have a horrible time getting him back on the breast.
As far as increasing milk-supply--Oats work very well. Oatmeal, cheerios, oatmeal cookies etc. Preceed carefully at first tho--sometimes it can work a little TOO well lol!

Right around 3 weeks babies hit a growth spurt where they never seem to get enough...no matter how much you feed him.

I would skip the formula and nurse through it. It will help build your supply up to meet his needs. Otherwise it becomes a vicious cycle of you don't have enough milk so you give him formula and you gave him formula so he doesn't get enough milk.

Good luck and keep in mind there is another growth spurt between 6-8 weeks!

Against the doctor's advice, I started giving both of my children rice cereal in thier formula. Only about a tea spoon to start with. I did not have a problem. My youngest was about 2 weeks when she got her first taste of cereal.

An 11 lb baby should get 22 oz per day (2oz for every pound). Maybe he's not actually hungry but just wants to suck.

Fenugreek and Mother's Milk (brand name) tea can help increase your milk supply. Also, your doctor can give you a prescription for Reglan which will increase your supply. Drinking plenty of water, eating and rest/relaxtion can also help. Pumping after he nurses can also stimulate your body to produce more milk.

Sorry my response is so short but I have two little ones to get back to. Good luck and kudos for breastfeeding.

The supplement Fenugreek helped me. I supplemented my baby with formula from birth here and there to reduce the stress on me and to keep him full. Stress does influence how much milk you produce. A couple of ounces of formula at each feeding will not hurt anything!

My baby (11 months old now) also wanted more than I was supplying and I had to supplement with formula while I built up my supply. My doctor had me take fenugreek (an herbal supplement you can buy at Whole Foods or other health food stores). The down side is that it makes you smell like pancake syrup. Literally. The up side is that it increases your milk supply. At least, it worked for me. I only had to supplement with formula for a few days before we were back on track. Good luck!