My son eats 12-15 times in 24 hours for 5-25 minutes (average is 15 on one side and then refuses the other or eats for 5 minutes in that other side). After he has eaten I pump both breasts and get about an ounce all together. I explained this to the pediatrician because she asked if I pump or anything on top of breast feeding. She told me that he is still not up to his body weight at birth and I need to supplement and see how it goes by adding 1 teaspoon of formula to a 2 oz bottle and to do this twice a day on top of pumping and breast feeding. I asked why he isn’t gaining weight when he eats and has enough wet and dirty diapers and if it’s a production issue. She said it’s likely not a production issue since I still get 1 oz after he eats and he is going potty enough and more likely my milk does not contain enough fat: she said unfortunately some women don’t produce fatty milk and it causes the baby not to get enough calories. I am going to obviously listen the doctor and give formula 2 times a day but I’m honestly crushed about this and feel like I can’t even provide for my son. I am so sad right now and feel really defeated. I know it’s not my fault but I was so excited because he was gaining weight and now he isn’t. I asked if there is anything I can eat or do to increase the fats in my milk and she said unfortunately there isn’t a way to do that and it’s just what the body produces sometimes.
Additionally info: My son is 2 weeks old. I do not mind putting a little bit of formula in my breast milk to help. I have no issue with the idea of combo feeding, whatever is best for my baby is good for me but I just know he isn’t eating enough. I use a nipple shield most of the time because I have large breasts with short nipples so it’s very difficult for him to get a good latch unless I pinch my breast as flat as possible or I push the breast tissue back and even then he has to push really deep to get a latch and then cannot breathe as easy trying to be smooshed. I did see two LC in the hospital who said he was latching great with the nipple shield and no concerns or anything. I am doing everything like they taught me and it’s still an issue. My nurse was at the house and we weighed him, did a feed, and then weighed him again and he gained about an ounce after the feed (only one breast since he refuses the 2nd one most of the time so I just switch off which one I start with every feed) Also we tried the formula 2 times by mixing it into my breast milk and he seems so much happier and full now.
Additionally info: My son is 2 weeks old. I do not mind putting a little bit of formula in my breast milk to help. I have no issue with the idea of combo feeding, whatever is best for my baby is good for me but I just know he isn’t eating enough. I use a nipple shield most of the time because I have large breasts with short nipples so it’s very difficult for him to get a good latch unless I pinch my breast as flat as possible or I push the breast tissue back and even then he has to push really deep to get a latch and then cannot breathe as easy trying to be smooshed. I did see two LC in the hospital who said he was latching great with the nipple shield and no concerns or anything. I am doing everything like they taught me and it’s still an issue. My nurse was at the house and we weighed him, did a feed, and then weighed him again and he gained about an ounce after the feed (only one breast since he refuses the 2nd one most of the time so I just switch off which one I start with every feed) Also we tried the formula 2 times by mixing it into my breast milk and he seems so much happier and full now.
