frequency and amount

[frippgirl]

I have a 7 1/2 wk old son. I had trouble nursing at first (cracked and bleeding nipple) so I began pumping. Which was going great. I could pump for 5 minutes and get 3-5 oz every 2.5-3 hours. He seemed fine on that "schedule". Since my nipples have healed I wanted to go back to nursing for the convenience and bonding. It took a couple of days but we are back to nursing and I love it. However instead of wanting to eat every 3 hours it varies from 1 1/2 - 4 hours so I am "demand" feeding. At times I don't think he is draining my breasts and he gets hungry sooner than when I pumped. I know I have a fast and strong let down. I have read other messages and you have helped with that - him sitting more upright when nursing, etc. My problem is that he does not stay on and when he breaks the latch he gets sprayed and then frustrated. So that is my first question - is there something I can do to help that. Second - is feeding on a schedule or demand better for the baby and going from 1 1/2 to 4 hours normal at this stage? We only go 4 hours when he sleeps. And I was told that a lot of sleeping is a sign of not eating enough. I have plenty of milk - like I said I can pump a lot but I don't think he is nursing that much out of me. Help?!!
Thanks for your help.
Confused but dedicated mom.

PS - Forgot to mention that most times he nurses for 5 minutes. I am very lucky to get 10 minutes on one breast. And when I do it is very minimal on the other. Strong gulps at the beginning due to the fast let down.

[debbie_page]

At 7 1/2 weeks a baby may only need 5-7 minutes total to feed. Decreasing your supply some can help with the forceful letdown. Tell me about his weights.

[frippgirl]

Born 4/24 at 7#7oz and dropped to 6#9oz 4 days later and a little jaundice. Pediatrician adviced to nurse and follow with formula. Two days later up to 6#14oz. Two weeks ago was at 9#6oz. at 5 weeks. We go back next Friday for our next appt. He gets 5 wet diapers and he has a BM with every feeding. I am just concerned why he seems hungry soon after feeding at times and if he is getting enough. Especially since he wiggles off so much and then gets some milk sprayed in his face insteading going to his belly. If I need to decrease supply, how do I do that? Would that help with the fast and strong let down? When he unlatches I can spray about 1-2 feet away. I am sorry to sound graphic but I don't know how else to describe it. He also wakes every 2 1/2 to 3 hours at night to eat.
Thanks again.

[debbie_page]

His feeding schedule depends largely in your storage supply. It is very common for babies at this age to feed every 90-120 minutes throughout the day. Is there a lactation consultant near you?

[frippgirl]

I did not get a consult in the hospital though my doctor and ped. requested one for me. She was off and then busy my second day. There is a nursing store but they charge $130 for the first hour. I decided to take the summer off to be mom so we are on a tighter budget. I can do that if I have to but I was trying other possiblities first. But if you think that 1/2 - 2 hours is normal then we might be o.k. Should i wake him if he goes longer? Is demand better than scheduled feedings. I was trying the methods in Dr. Ezzo's Baby Wise but I am not sure if that is working for us.

[debbie_page]

I have seen a lot of babies not gaining weight well and moms ending up with low supplies when they follow Baby Wise. Try letting him feed every time he wants--no need to wake him.

[frippgirl]

Thank you so much! I will do that. Is there anything to watch for to make sure he is satisfied? besides the diapers? From this conversation i feel so much better. Thanks a lot.
I have to run to get my other son from ball practice. He is 12 and I wish I could have had your help with him back then. I gave up at 2 weeks with him. That is why I am so dedicated now. (and age helps.)
Just now - I fed baby 3 minutes on one side and 3 on the other. Just verifying that is normal. Ok. Thanks again. He looks healthy but us mom's always doubt ourselves!

[debbie_page]

Yes, very normal. Does he come off the first breast on his own?