If you bf and supplemented

What was your feeding schedule like
I have on and off days with DS - he is only a week old. But he is small - 6 lbs 5 oz, and even thought I try to feed him every 2 hours during the day, it doesnt seem as if he is getting enough. He has to go back for a weight check on Monday.

I think he might be one of the babies who just doesnt take to breastfeeding..

Re: If you bf and supplemented

The hospital made me supplement while there because DS was jaundice. After each nursing I would give him 2oz of formula.

DS went for first ped appt when he was 6 days old and was almost a pound lighter than birth weight. Ped wanted me to supplement as well.

I decided not to supplement and just stick with the BF. When they are hungry they will eat.

Fast forward, he is now gaining a little over 6oz a week which his ped is super happy about and DS has never had a bottle. During the night I can get a solid 5 hour stretch from him.

Again, when they are hungry they will eat. I never watch the clock with him anymore. When he wants it he lets me know

Re: If you bf and supplemented

It has been awhile since I was there, but I didn't make enough BM and also DD had trouble latching on at first. So, I offered her the breast every time she was hungry (except for one bottle feeding at night that was all DH!), and after I would make 2 oz of formula. She would take as much as she wanted. Sometimes the whole bottle, sometimes just a few sips. Whenever I offered formula I would also pump after, so that my body knew she needed more. I never made quite enough for her, but she did very well on that regimen. Eventually, I was able to do all breast feeding except one or two supplemental bottles during the day. I would also keep an eye on wet diapers- they should make 4-6 a day. They will let you know when they are hungry, but that doesn't mean that you will magically make enough for them. I know I didn't, and so formula supplementation worked for me. Also, pumping each time increased my supply so I was able to breast feed for 9 months. Good luck!

Re: If you bf and supplemented

Were you told to supplement? I only ask because the beginning is very important in the development of your milk supply. The more you nurse - the more your milk "should" come in. If you could maybe pump (somehow) when you are supplementing then this will help your supply get stronger. Then when you feed him you might begin to produce more.

Re: If you bf and supplemented

How many wet/dirty diapers are you getting? If you're getting the number you should, baby is getting enough. I wouldn't supplement until the doctor tells you to b/c it can affect your supply. The first couple of weeks are the hardest but it gets easier!