Expert: ruth kraft - 5/18/2009

Question
Hello,

My LO (2 mos and 17 days) used to nurse for 15-20 minutes at each breast but the past three days he's only been nursing for 5 at each breast.

My observations:

- He cries after each nursing and unlatches. I've tried putting him back but he cries even more
- He chokes from the letdown and that makes him nurse even less
- His recent poop was greenish,
- I supplement with one bottle of formula 150 cc/day but he has no problem drinking from the bottle and finishing it
- I feed him every 2 hours
- he has about 10 wet diapers a day
- I use the pacifier to help him sleep

Concerns:
- I'm worried that my milk supply might decrease cause his nursing time has decreased
- I've tried pumping after each feed to empty my breasts completely but I only get very little so maybe he has emptied my breasts
- I'm worried that he's not getting enough nourishment
and that he's not getting enough hind milk due to poop color
- does he have an infection? I checked for thrush and didn't see any white spots on his cheeks

Answer
it sounds to me as though you have a over abundant let down and that is why he is pulling off. however, if he is eating for 5 mintues that doesnt seem to add up.  the greenish poop does conotate that he isnt getting enough hind milk, which would mean it would be good to leave him on longer. You might try to before you know you will be nursing him, pump just for 2 let downs and then feed him and see if that doesnt help.

Do not be concerned about pumping amount. babies are far more efficiant at getting milk out than any pump ever dreamed.

I am not a doctor so I cannot tell you if he has an infection but if he has no sign of infection, my guess is he doesnt. if your concerened about infection ( fever, redness, any sores that arent healed etc ) you need to take him to the doctor.

My suggestion would be to see a lactation consultant or breasfeeding councelor from  La leache league or something to get the whole nursing session evaluated . its hard for me to diagnose what it wrong without seeing him nurse unfortunaltly.

I hope that helped!