Breastfeeding

***Copied from Oct EC***

Because DD has Jaundice, the dr told me after I feed her (about 10-15 min on each side) to give her an oz of formula to be sure she is getting enough to flush out the jaundice and get her billy-ruebin numbers down.  So after meeting with the lactation consultant in the hospital, she told me I can pump afterwards and feed her that in a bottle and it would accomplish the same thing. So I pump after I feed her and get between 1-2 oz.  I offer it to her, and until this last feeding, she takes the whole thing.

I have a few questions....

If she doesn't want it, should I be worried she is not getting enough to help the jaundice and to gain weight? BTW, I can hear her swallowing during feeding, but I think I am holding on to the security of feeding her the expressed milk and knowing she is getting at least that much...

Also, she did not take the EBM (2oz) this last feeding, so I stored it in the fridge.  My question is, if I express more next feeding and she doesn't want it, can I add it to the bottle in the fridge? I have to go to class tomorrow and might be away for a feeding, I would LOVE it if I had enough to give her and would not have to supplement...

Your help would be so wonderful!!! Thanks!!!

I just have a few moments, so I'll just deal with one part of your questions. I hope that's all right.

First of all, I'm glad you talked with the LC and that you're pumping and using that as a supplement, rather than the formula. Way to go on seeking out that advice!

Did the doc tell you how long to supplement? IF so, what did you base that on?

Isabella had jaundice and was under the bili lights for 2 days. But when we came home, we just nursed often and got outside (or at least in sunlight) as much as possible. If you can nurse in the sun, then even better! :)

One of the beauties of nursing on demand is that your baby is learning to know when she's hungry and eat and know when she's full and stops. So if you don't NEED to do the bottle, don't worry about it. And if she's signaling that she doesn't want it, then that's perfect! That means that she's full and all is well in her world.

You can keep the bottle in the frig overnight, but I wouldn't add in anymore.

Have you read on how to bottlefeed the breastfed baby? And how much milk she actually needs?

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html

I know you probably have, but I've included the information for any lurkers. :)

HTH!

Loral

 

don't forget your purpose...