discussion title:
need advice on BF and supplementing
Hi - I need some advice. My DS#2 has a weak suck (could be caused by the thrush we've had since his birth on Aug 8th, or he's like his older brother who had a weak suck). I had to exclusively pump for my first son in order for him to gain weight. DS#2 started off much better on the breast. I didn't introduce a bottle for the first 4 weeks, but as he has grown and needs more milk I have had to supplement. As of now I will BF him for 20 min on each breast, then follow with a 2-3 ounce bottle. A week or so ago I was able to express enough milk for the bottles, but when he hit the 6 week growth spurt I had to start supplementing. I'm mixing 1/3 formula with 2/3 breast milk.
My issue is that breastfeeding, bottlefeeding, and then pumping takes me 2 hours and he is eating every 2-3 hours. It is leaving me zero time or maybe an hour before having to start again. I've hit a wall and I can't keep this up (keep in mind I have a 3 year old!). I just don't know what to change - do I stop giving him my breast? do I not worry about pumping and just give formula when he is still hungry after being on my breast?
(fyi- I am taking milk thistle, fenugreek, and oatmeal to keep my milk supply up) any other tricks you can pass on?
thanks
Sharyn
