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Tiggeruth
I am a mom :-)
Member since 6/06 3433 total posts
Name:
Heidi
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Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
Yesterday nothing seemed to sooth DS who is 4 weeks other than BFing. He would only sleep for a few minutes at a time. I tried soothing him other ways but nothing was working. He was wetting tons of diapers but essentially after nursing him all day I was tapped out. He was still hungry and it was late so I gave him a bottle (2oz) of formula and he was satisfied and fell right to sleep.
What I can't figure out is that most days I seem to have enough milk but maybe 2 times a week I need to give him formula.
Am I doing sonething wrong? Is it a growth spurt and my supply just hasnt caught up on these days. Was yesterday just an off day bc of the near constant nursing?
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Posted 6/3/14 5:41 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
LulaBell
:)
Member since 1/06 3508 total posts
Name:
J
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Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
I don't think you're doing anything wrong. Somedays they are just hungrier than others, especially when they are hat young. I would make sure I drink plenty of water to keep production up. Keep up the good work!
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| Posted 6/3/14 7:42 AM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
It could be hunger but it certainly could also be for comfort or he could be overtired and just have a hard time settling down. Production definitely tends to slow down at night but there's always something there if they really want it. You could try just swaddling and bouncing him till he falls asleep but sometimes even after trying that for a while the only thing that worked for DD was nursing yet again. I don't think a few ounces of supplementing in a week is going to hurt your supply in the long run but it probably isn't necessary either. Sounds like you're doing great!
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| Posted 6/3/14 7:49 AM |
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IVFmiracle
Complete
Member since 12/12 4088 total posts
Name:
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Re: Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
Doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong. Breastfeeding is challenging. You're LO could be going through a growth spurt or it could be that he was having a clingy day. Our LOs go through that sometimes. In fact, I bet your supply will be better as a result of the cluster nursing.
Definitely make sure you are drinking enough water and eating things like steal cut oatmeal can also help.
If you are still concerned, you could also see about getting a LC. insurance companies may cover it. They will come, weigh the baby before and after a feeding. They also observe a feeding and will let you know when the baby gos from nursing to just comfort sucking and what to do when that happens.
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| Posted 6/3/14 9:06 AM |
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Full-of-Hope
LIF Toddler
Member since 12/10 393 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
You are not doing anything wrong. My DD nursed constantly for the first three months. I knew that I had plenty of milk for her (because she was nursing so often, my body was making it). Breastfeeding is extremely challenging, and since you can't "see" what your LO is getting, you always find yourself questioning whether or not they are getting enough. The fact that he had many wet diapers indicates that he is absolutely getting what he needs. I would say that he is nursing for comfort. My DD did this from day one. He just wants to be held/snuggled by his mommy! Hang in there. It is exhausting but it gets easier. You are doing a great job!
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| Posted 6/3/14 1:48 PM |
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MrsD121011
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 1460 total posts
Name:
Elicia
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Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
Sounds like he was cluster feeding or ordering more milk as my DH calls it. I wouldnt supplement at all. I know its exhausting but those are the days you curl up on the couch with movies, snacks and oodles of water and just let the little one nurse away. Its building your supply and feeding thier growth spurt.
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| Posted 6/3/14 2:05 PM |
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Ltdentway99
LIF Adult
Member since 9/06 1752 total posts
Name:
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Re: Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
You are not doing anything wrong at all. Formula twice a week is fine. The baby could just be a little fussy and wants a quick drink. Just keep doing what you are doing. 
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| Posted 6/3/14 3:14 PM |
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cateyemm
Twins!
Member since 7/10 8027 total posts
Name:
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Re: Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
you're not doing anything wrong. my twins were in a constant growth spurt from 0-10 weeks. it was crazy.
the baby could be comfort nursing or legitimately hungry, either way, bfing satisfies that. What's really imporatnt to keep in mind is that it's not that your supply is low, even if you "feel" empty. Cluster feeding is a compltetly normal and biological response to continue building up your supply, which should stabilize around 12 weeks. Hang in there, it gets easier!
Message edited 6/3/2014 3:47:32 PM.
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| Posted 6/3/14 3:46 PM |
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Jbon630
LIF Adult
Member since 12/11 1340 total posts
Name:
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Re: Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
It's totally normal. Keep nursing, baby is regulating your supply.
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| Posted 6/3/14 4:08 PM |
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Re: Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
Posted by MrsT809
It could be hunger but it certainly could also be for comfort or he could be overtired and just have a hard time settling down. Production definitely tends to slow down at night but there's always something there if they really want it. You could try just swaddling and bouncing him till he falls asleep but sometimes even after trying that for a while the only thing that worked for DD was nursing yet again. I don't think a few ounces of supplementing in a week is going to hurt your supply in the long run but it probably isn't necessary either. Sounds like you're doing great!
ItA with all of this. It sounds totally normal. They go through growth spurts and comfort nurse and it's hard to tell what they need sometimes. When in doubt, I offer the boob! Lol. Also, if you just let him keep sucking at those times instead of giving formula, it will tell your body to make extra milk at that time. (Not that giving 2oz of formula is a big deal!) :)
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| Posted 6/3/14 9:50 PM |
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Leb
LIF Adult
Member since 12/09 4166 total posts
Name:
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Breast feeding /supplementing/ comfort nursing
The first two months I cannot even tell you how much tv I watched! It definitely gets easier as they get older! You're doing a great job! I probably wouldn't give formula at all bc it is about supply and demand. My ped told me not to worry about how much dd is getting bc your body is making milk as baby is drinking. Drink tons of water, and when you think you've had enough, drink some more. I found mothers milk tea worked well for me too.
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| Posted 6/4/14 9:39 AM |
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