Any experience with a newborn cluster feeding?

[3goofyboys]

First, I want to say huge hugs to you ! Those first few weeks are so hard. It will get better! In my limited experience, no other part of parenting has been as hard as those first few weeks. I agree with the other posters, please don't worry if your house in not clean or if you're letting things slide in other areas, you have your hands full keeping that little one fed, do that and don't worry about anything else (easier said than done, I know).
Does the hospital you delivered at have a lactaction support group or a La Leche League? The hospital I delivered my older DS in had a twice weekly support group that was my lifeline. I was able to do weighed feedings so I could see exactly how much he was getting and it was great to chat with other breastfeeding moms and with a lactaction consultant if I had any questions. I would definitely see if those services are available near you.
Keep plugging away what you are doing is so great for your baby!

 

[janey99]

Thanks everyone for your support!

DS had his first doctor's appointment today - he was 8.13 at birth, 8.4 when we left the hospital, and 9.10 today! The doctor said they are happy if babies get back up to their birth weight by 2 weeks, and he's gained 13 ounces above that - he really is sucking the life out of me!

The ped. and I discussed supplementing him with formula, particularly in the late afternoon and evening when he has been depleting my supply all day long. This was after we did some pumping and determined that by late afternoon, I am only producing around 1oz per side in the interval between his feedings. She convinced me I was not a bad mom because I needed that little boost of formula. I just felt like I had to do it all myself, and also really guilty that I couldn't - I'm trying really hard to get over that! (Both with the BFing and all the other things to do with my house and family)

I gave DS a bottle of formula this afternoon, and he sucked back almost 4 full ounces - far more than the barely 2 ounces I would normally have for him at that time of day. After that he fell asleep and has been sleeping for almost two hours - it's like a miracle!

I'm also going to pump to increase my supply and stockpile some BM so I can give him that in the bottle instead of formula if possible. I guess on the positive side, the ped. said if he will be having a few ounces of formula every day, she doesn't need to prescribe vitamins for him, since the formula has vitamins missing from BM.

I really appreciate everyone's help. I will keep everyone posted. I noticed there seem to be a couple of other new moms on the thread - feel free to keep it going for everyone's mutual commiseration/support!

Jane

 

[MommyBryn]

Glad he's gaining well! And keep up the good work...you're doing an awesome job!!

Do you have someone near you who could donate you milk to supplement him with? (if that's something you're comfortable with) Not that it's likely, but if you're by chance anywhere near me I pump and donate. LOL

Also, I wouldn't worry about the vitamins & formula. I'm of the firm belief that breastmilk isn't deficient in anything.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

You must be exhausted! My heart goes out to you. I BF both my kids until they were each 14 months old. I can imagine how tired you are.

My advice: read "On Becoming Babywise" during your marathon BF sessions on the couch. It's a lifesaver and it's brilliant.

 

[cntrygal]

Get rid of the formula, with the baby gaining that much wait he doesnt need it at all. The drs often say that because it is easier for them to tell, how much the baby had. I never used any formula for either of my kids, nursed the oldest for 19 months and my younger one for 26 months. I was only 18 when i had my oldest and in my senior yr of high school. (on my own his dad has only ever seen him once for about an hour) Even brought him to my finals so i could nurse on demand, he went with me to college and i even nursed him in class ( it did help that i was an early childhood major) i did pump for him and he did occassionally have a bottle of breastmilk, i also donated to the milk bank for several months. This time will pass......i know it is tough....but some day you will look back and wish for the sleepless nights due to breastfeeding .......especially when he is out on dates. I know it seem so far off now, but those years fly by.

Enjoy this time with him and continue to nurse on his soon to be ever changing schedule. this stage will pass. And sleep when ever he does. The sling is a great help.

Best of luck and congradulations on the new little one

 

[perkinsrose]

Thanks everyone for your support!

DS had his first doctor's appointment today - he was 8.13 at birth, 8.4 when we left the hospital, and 9.10 today! The doctor said they are happy if babies get back up to their birth weight by 2 weeks, and he's gained 13 ounces above that - he really is sucking the life out of me!

The ped. and I discussed supplementing him with formula, particularly in the late afternoon and evening when he has been depleting my supply all day long. This was after we did some pumping and determined that by late afternoon, I am only producing around 1oz per side in the interval between his feedings. She convinced me I was not a bad mom because I needed that little boost of formula. I just felt like I had to do it all myself, and also really guilty that I couldn't - I'm trying really hard to get over that! (Both with the BFing and all the other things to do with my house and family)

I gave DS a bottle of formula this afternoon, and he sucked back almost 4 full ounces - far more than the barely 2 ounces I would normally have for him at that time of day. After that he fell asleep and has been sleeping for almost two hours - it's like a miracle!

I'm also going to pump to increase my supply and stockpile some BM so I can give him that in the bottle instead of formula if possible. I guess on the positive side, the ped. said if he will be having a few ounces of formula every day, she doesn't need to prescribe vitamins for him, since the formula has vitamins missing from BM.
I really appreciate everyone's help. I will keep everyone posted. I noticed there seem to be a couple of other new moms on the thread - feel free to keep it going for everyone's mutual commiseration/support!

Jane

Very surprised to hear the vitamin rec. by your dr. American Academy of Peds. recommends breastfeeding for the first year becauses of its perfect nutrition.

My dr. didn't suggest vitamins for baby until AFTER i stopped breastfeeding at 6 months.

Its my understanding that baby will get all it needs from breast milk even if that means depleting the mother's calcium, etc.

If this is true, seems most important for the breast feeding mom to be taking a multivitamin & calcium supplements--as well as plenty of water.

Past years, i've come to realize how much personal philosophy & oppinion is involved in the science of medicine.

 

[monorailsilver]

(((Hugs)))

I remember those days too. I have 3 kids (7, 4.5 & 2). I nursed them all & did those cluster feedings a few times for each one.

I didn't give up though so don't give up. I know it is hard at first & you feel like you can't do anything.

Can you try a pacifier?

I remember setting limits (I know a no-no, lol). I would nurse on one side about 10-15 min & then flip over to the other side & nurse until I had enough or which ever kid was pretty much passed out. Then I would keep the kid (mainly my 3rd was the milk hog), close to one of the 'girls' so she could still smell it, LOL.

But yes I remember those days of nursing for what seemed like an hour at a time. But with my 3rd, I can tell you I enjoyed it especially when my dh came home.

I would have dinner ready & he would have to serve the 2 kids & bathe them while I just sat & nursed & then at bed time, he would get the older 2 ready for bed & put them to bed & I would be sitting there nursing either on the computer or watching TV...ah..heaven..LOL!

And I also agree on ditching the formula. He is gaining weight, really well & I wouldn't think he needs it. I know it is helping you but if you pump your dh could take a feeding or even your 9 yo.

Oh & with my 3rd, I was determined to not have to pump alot when I went back to work-> I only work 1 daya week as a nurse & taking a break to pump isn't always easy when at work.

So after my milk came in I started pumping first thing in the am-like around 6am. That was the only time of day I pumped. I got out on average 8 ounces every day. So by the time I went to work, I had about 60-80 ounces frozen.

Again, ((((Hugs)))) and don't give up. Nursing is wonderful & I think I was the most relaxed when I nursed.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The ped. and I discussed supplementing him with formula, particularly in the late afternoon and evening when he has been depleting my supply all day long. This was after we did some pumping and determined that by late afternoon, I am only producing around 1oz per side in the interval between his feedings. She convinced me I was not a bad mom because I needed that little boost of formula. I just felt like I had to do it all myself, and also really guilty that I couldn't - I'm trying really hard to get over that! (Both with the BFing and all the other things to do with my house and family)

I wouldn't supplement with formula. For one, he's gaining plenty of weight so it's not as if he's not getting enough milk. Secondly, pumping is NOT a good measure of how much milk is left in your breasts. The pumps, even the best hospital grade ones, are not as efficient getting milk out as your baby. You could pump until you couldn't get any more milk out, then try to nurse your son and he'd still get a decent amount of milk out. I had a lot of trouble pumping so I'd pump first and pump as much as I could. Then I'd nurse DD and she'd be able to fill up and I could tell there was still milk left. Pump to build up a supply of breastmilk for bottles, but you don't need to supplement with formula.

I guess on the positive side, the ped. said if he will be having a few ounces of formula every day, she doesn't need to prescribe vitamins for him, since the formula has vitamins missing from BM.

Very surprised to hear the vitamin rec. by your dr. American Academy of Peds. recommends breastfeeding for the first year becauses of its perfect nutrition.

My dr. didn't suggest vitamins for baby until AFTER i stopped breastfeeding at 6 months.

Its my understanding that baby will get all it needs from breast milk even if that means depleting the mother's calcium, etc.

Breastfed babies often need an iron supplement because they can't get enough from breastmilk. Formula is fortified with iron so that is what your DS would be getting from the formula. DD's pediatrician had me give her PolyViSol with iron as a supplement because I was exclusively bfing.

I'll have to disagree with the PP who recommended the "On Becoming Babywise" book. This method can cause huge issues with breastfed babies, and other babies too. Please do some research on this method first if you are considering it. Here's a link with some info on the method: http://www.ezzo.info/Aney/aneyaap.htm

Relax about the house and your 9yo and DH. You need to rest and take care of your baby.

 

[Juliet25]

I wouldn't supplement with formula. For one, he's gaining plenty of weight so it's not as if he's not getting enough milk. Secondly, pumping is NOT a good measure of how much milk is left in your breasts. The pumps, even the best hospital grade ones, are not as efficient getting milk out as your baby. You could pump until you couldn't get any more milk out, then try to nurse your son and he'd still get a decent amount of milk out. I had a lot of trouble pumping so I'd pump first and pump as much as I could. Then I'd nurse DD and she'd be able to fill up and I could tell there was still milk left. Pump to build up a supply of breastmilk for bottles, but you don't need to supplement with formula.

ITA with everything you say. No wonder our breastfeeding rates are so dismal in this country if an infant presents in his ped's office with good weight gain and mom is advised to supplement. Introducing formula this soon only signals to your body to produce *less* milk.

I have an 11 week old, so I know how frustrating it is at times to breastfeed non-stop. I also have a 5 year old, and I also know that the newborn stage passes quickly.

 

[disneybridetobe]

ITA with everything you say. No wonder our breastfeeding rates are so dismal in this country if an infant presents in his ped's office with good weight gain and mom is advised to supplement. Introducing formula this soon only signals to your body to produce *less* milk.

No joke! You'd think that a Ped's offfice would know better, but no.

You can do it! You know what's best for you and your baby. (This coming from a formula-feeding mommy... I quit at 4 mos)

 

[tinker&belle]

Stick with it...I know it is so hard, but the cluster feeds tend to go on for a day or two and then ease up and then you will have another in a few weeks.

As for formula feeding, we started using formula at 4.5 months as a supplement(against what I wanted, but my supply couldn't keep up.) Unfortunatley now she won't nurse anymore, and I wanted to nurse into toddlerhood. Try sticking with it, and leave the house for you DH and DS, or just let it go (I know it is hard, but the benefits are so important.)

 

[disney_family_1247]

It's a phase, so please don't give up on breastfeeding. I'm currently nursing baby #3, and I know that these things don't go on forever.

You might try waking him up once in the night to feed, but personally, I would rather sleep and nurse all day than wake up at night . He's growing and needs lots of milk. It sounds like he's nursing enough to get the hindmilk, which is higher in fat, but maybe he's not. Don't switch sides at every feeding. Let him nurse on one side only and then on only the other one at the next feeding. That might help.

Check out www.llli.org and www.kellymom.com for lots of good information. You can also call the lactation consultant at your hospital.

 

[perkinsrose]

Quote:
Originally Posted by janey99
Thanks everyone for your support!

DS had his first doctor's appointment today - he was 8.13 at birth, 8.4 when we left the hospital, and 9.10 today! The doctor said they are happy if babies get back up to their birth weight by 2 weeks, and he's gained 13 ounces above that - he really is sucking the life out of me!

The ped. and I discussed supplementing him with formula, particularly in the late afternoon and evening when he has been depleting my supply all day long. This was after we did some pumping and determined that by late afternoon, I am only producing around 1oz per side in the interval between his feedings. She convinced me I was not a bad mom because I needed that little boost of formula. I just felt like I had to do it all myself, and also really guilty that I couldn't - I'm trying really hard to get over that! (Both with the BFing and all the other things to do with my house and family)

I gave DS a bottle of formula this afternoon, and he sucked back almost 4 full ounces - far more than the barely 2 ounces I would normally have for him at that time of day. After that he fell asleep and has been sleeping for almost two hours - it's like a miracle!

I'm also going to pump to increase my supply and stockpile some BM so I can give him that in the bottle instead of formula if possible. I guess on the positive side, the ped. said if he will be having a few ounces of formula every day, she doesn't need to prescribe vitamins for him, since the formula has vitamins missing from BM.
I really appreciate everyone's help. I will keep everyone posted. I noticed there seem to be a couple of other new moms on the thread - feel free to keep it going for everyone's mutual commiseration/support!

Jane

PERKINSROSEE Very surprised to hear the vitamin rec. by your dr. American Academy of Peds. recommends breastfeeding for the first year becauses of its perfect nutrition.

My dr. didn't suggest vitamins for baby until AFTER i stopped breastfeeding at 6 months.

Its my understanding that baby will get all it needs from breast milk even if that means depleting the mother's calcium, etc.

If this is true, seems most important for the breast feeding mom to be taking a multivitamin & calcium supplements--as well as plenty of water.

Past years, i've come to realize how much personal philosophy & oppinion is involved in the science of medicine

I wouldn't supplement with formula. For one, he's gaining plenty of weight so it's not as if he's not getting enough milk. Secondly, pumping is NOT a good measure of how much milk is left in your breasts. The pumps, even the best hospital grade ones, are not as efficient getting milk out as your baby. You could pump until you couldn't get any more milk out, then try to nurse your son and he'd still get a decent amount of milk out. I had a lot of trouble pumping so I'd pump first and pump as much as I could. Then I'd nurse DD and she'd be able to fill up and I could tell there was still milk left. Pump to build up a supply of breastmilk for bottles, but you don't need to supplement with formula.

Breastfed babies often need an iron supplement because they can't get enough from breastmilk. Formula is fortified with iron so that is what your DS would be getting from the formula. DD's pediatrician had me give her PolyViSol with iron as a supplement because I was exclusively bfing.

I'll have to disagree with the PP who recommended the "On Becoming Babywise" book. This method can cause huge issues with breastfed babies, and other babies too. Please do some research on this method first if you are considering it. Here's a link with some info on the method: http://www.ezzo.info/Aney/aneyaap.htm

Relax about the house and your 9yo and DH. You need to rest and take care of your baby.

PERKINSROSE I thought infants had enough iron stores until they are aprox 5 months old. That's why many formula manufacturers offer a Formula WithOUT Iron?? Anybody know for sure about this??

Didn't mean to suggest vitamins are never necessary. I used them at aprox 6 months on . But, if you're continuing breastfeeding past the time when you introduce food, so much of American processed food is iron-fortified. If you introduce baby cereal at the average time--6 months or so there's iron in that. I did use baby vitamins with iron (and still give my older kids a multivit w/iron) only because we do not eat red meat--though fairly certain they get enough iron from fortification & enough B vitamins in food also.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I thought infants had enough iron stores until they are aprox 5 months old. That's why many formula manufacturers offer a Formula WithOUT Iron?? Anybody know for sure about this??

Didn't mean to suggest vitamins are never necessary. I used them at aprox 6 months on . But, if you're continuing breastfeeding past the time when you introduce food, so much of American processed food is iron-fortified. If you introduce baby cereal at the average time--6 months or so there's iron in that. I did use baby vitamins with iron (and still give my older kids a multivit w/iron) only because we do not eat red meat--though fairly certain they get enough iron from fortification & enough B vitamins in food also.

Perkinsrose, I'm remembering now that I didn't start the PolyViSol until either 4 or 6 months. You are correct that newborns have a store of iron and don't need a supplement until later. DD was exclusively breastfed until 6 months when we introduced solids. She never had a drop of formula. However, we struggled with an iron deficiency. She just wasn't getting enough from table foods, despite eating the iron fortified cereals. She didn't like, and still doesn't like, red meat. I introduced her to kidney beans because they are high in iron. She'd eat bowls full of them, but still have low iron. It was extremely frustrating.

 

[hsmamato2]

You are building up your milk supply still. Maybe a sling will help so you can do what you need to do while holding the baby. You would be surprised what you learn to do while nursing! I can cook entire meals with one hand! It will level off. I think you just have to get used to nursing on the move. Congrats on the new little one!

2nd the sling.....it could be he doesn't even need to nurse that much,but some babies need a LOT of skin contact with a parent..... I used a sling a LOT with ds1 who was very 'high need'
have you read William Sears books? I learned a lot about keeping my sanity......
also could be that baby is big,and hungry! it usually levels off though...... keep little one in sling as much as you can,and spend time doing what else you need to do with baby along for the ride....aaaaah,the days of vacuuming with a little sling buddy........

 

[janey99]

Hi everyone - checking back in.

I think the continued discussion is great, but I definitely don't want to start a war between exclusive BFing and formula use/supplementing!

Also, for clarity, there is no chance of me giving up on BFing - I BF DS9 for 13 months! However, he was no where near as voracious as this baby and even today is a very light eater in the 10th percentile of weight.

The formula supplementing seems to be going OK - it takes a different technique - DS has to be more upright, and get burped more often (I guess maybe he formula is richer, or comes out of the nipple faster than BM?). He does seem more content - he is having some periods of quiet wakefulness, rather than wakeful screaminess, after he eats either BM or formula. As I mentioned, he is also napping for longer during the day.

Pumping at home went a little better also - I got a total of 5 oz from one session. As soon as I have a few lots of that saved up, I will try to keep ahead of the game and use that for the supplemental feedings rather than formula. Thanks to the poster who mentioned pumping once each day just for saving, and stockpiling for going back to work. When I go back to work, it will be for only 2 days out of 7, so your technique might work really well for me. I'm curious, though, on those days where you were away, obviously your baby had plenty of food, but how did you cope with no "draining" for the whole day? Did it effect your supply or cause you to get engorged? That would be my concern.

Jane

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Both my DD's were the same way. My nickname was "The Milk Truck".

I just did it, y'know? It was miserable, I was really tired, my nipples were so sore I cried every time they nursed (they're 18 mo apart) for the first month. But they needed it, so I did it. I learned I was made of pretty tuff stuff and that I can do things that are really challenging.

But it gets better, they stretch out longer between feedings. I started mixing rice with breast milk to give them something in their tummies that took longer to digest at about 6 weeks.

But, after the first month I really enjoyed breastfeeding and bf'ed both kids for about a year until they gave me up

It was hard as hell at first, but I got through it and I have two healthy kids. Even my ****s are ok today-I was worried about that too, but they're fine.

 

[perkinsrose]

Perkinsrose, I'm remembering now that I didn't start the PolyViSol until either 4 or 6 months. You are correct that newborns have a store of iron and don't need a supplement until later. DD was exclusively breastfed until 6 months when we introduced solids. She never had a drop of formula. However, we struggled with an iron deficiency. She just wasn't getting enough from table foods, despite eating the iron fortified cereals. She didn't like, and still doesn't like, red meat. I introduced her to kidney beans because they are high in iron. She'd eat bowls full of them, but still have low iron. It was extremely frustrating.

not necessarily for babies...

Iron-rich food ideas: egg yolks, dried fruits like apricots, raisins, dates, figs, almonds, cashews, most beans, green leafy vegetables

recently learned this & confirmed by dr. who learned it in medical school...

"Spinach - also inhibits iron absorption
Spinach also contains oxalic acid (sometimes referred as oxalate). Oxalic acid binds with iron, hence inhibiting its absorption.

Spinach is not the only food containing high levels of oxalic acid. Whole grains such as buckwheat and amaranth, other vegetables such as chard and rhubarb, as well as beans and nuts all contain significant levels of oxalic acid. "

 

[buckler]

Pumping at home went a little better also - I got a total of 5 oz from one session. As soon as I have a few lots of that saved up, I will try to keep ahead of the game and use that for the supplemental feedings rather than formula. Thanks to the poster who mentioned pumping once each day just for saving, and stockpiling for going back to work. When I go back to work, it will be for only 2 days out of 7, so your technique might work really well for me. I'm curious, though, on those days where you were away, obviously your baby had plenty of food, but how did you cope with no "draining" for the whole day? Did it effect your supply or cause you to get engorged? That would be my concern.

Jane

I telecommuted when my baby was nursing but had to go into the office 1 day every 2 weeks. On the days I went into the office I pumped my milk and put it in the fridge at work (discreetly in a little cooler!) and took it home with some freezer packs to keep it cool. You really can't go the whole day without pumping. You'll get really uncomfortable and you might start to leak .

I was curious about the vitamin supplementing thing. I never gave my children vitamin supplements while breastfeeding. I googled a bit and I think the concern isn't the iron. It appears the concern is that the baby might not get enough Vitamin D from breastmilk (formula is fortified). A vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

I just gotta say, I think it's NUTS to think that breastmilk is deficient in anything for your baby.

I mean, c'mon, our diets are better than they've ever been during the millions of years of evolution we've been through. If my breastmilk didn't contain iron, then Im willing to bet that there's a darn good reason.

It's the product of millions of generations of evolution! Fine tuned! Not made in a vat! I mean, doctors didn't even know what vitamins WERE until about 100 years ago-how much smarter can they be than god/mothernature/evolution (take your pick)


Off my box, back into my hole...