Expert: ruth kraft - 11/12/2010

Question
My son is 14 weeks old and I had planned to exclusively breastfeed. He had issues at first latching on (and did not gain enough weight) and I had to pump and bottle feed him to ensure he was getting enough. I pump every three hours except at night when he nurses but I can not seem to produce enough breast milk. currently he takes one formula bottle in addition to his BM bottles(about 4-5 of these). and it seems as if i will need to start giving him two bottles? Is the breast milk he is getting still enough to do any good and does he still get those specific antibodies he needs since he does nurse some?

Answer
Hello! yes he is getting some antibodies even in the pumped milk. If he is nursing during the night, I would suggest to start nursing him during the day as well. THis will be the best way to make sure he is getting enough as pumping is not as effective as feeding directly from the breast. You can increase your fiber, get mothers milk tea or fenugreek and that will help bring your supply up as well.  It is very easy for him to drink from the bottle and get the milk fast so when he is finished, the stomach hasn't sent the signal to the brain yet that he is full. It takes about 15-20 minutes for him to get that signal. Much like if you over stuff yourself.  When he is breasfeeding it takes longer and is easier for him to finish when done.

My suggestion would be to wean off some of the bottles and let him nurse right from you, still pump some in between his nursing sessions to supplement until you get your milk up to where he nurses all the time :)

I hope that helped!