supply problems now that starting solids

[armatthews]

First let me say that both of my boys were 5 weeks prematurely. I breastfeed my first son only 12 weeks and due to lack of education on my behalf and lack of support (I was told by a health care professional to give him formula because of his low weight) Currently I am still breastfeeding my 6 month old, but a month ago our pediatrician told me to start him on cereal because he had been gaining weight very well and suddenly stopped, he was born 5lbs 2oz and currently weight 12lbs and has weighed 12lbs since his 4 month check up. Since he started cereal I have noticed a decrease in my milk supply and after nursing he is still hungry. before when I pumped I would get 8oz now I get about 5oz and when he takes breast milk from a bottle he drinks 6 to 8 oz depending on if it was a feeding where he got cereal or not.
help please

Alicia

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

Hi Alicia! I'm sorry you're having difficulties, it must be worrisome for you to be dealing with this!

When a baby's weight slows down, usually giving cereal is not a good option, as cereal contains far less fat than breastmilk. Usually increasing the amount of breastmilk the baby gets is the best and easiest solution.

I think that you should try to concentrate on increasing your milk supply. Nurse as frequently as possible (always before offering solids), and if possible, try to pump for 5-10 minutes after as many feedings as you can. Then you can turn around and offer that fat-rich milk to your baby as well. Keep in mind that at this age, baby should really only be getting *tastes* of food, not full meals. Breastmilk should remain his primary source of nutrition for the entire first year. If you do want to give him some solid foods, concentrate on foods that are higher in calories, such as avocado, sweet potatoes or bananas.

As far as taking breastmilk from a bottle, 6-8 oz at a time is really a lot to give at once, and most babies don't need that much at one feeding. It's very easy to overfeed a baby with a bottle. Because the milk flows so much faster, they eat so quickly and often don't get a feeling of fullness until well after they've reached that point. Slowing the feeding down will often help a baby to feel full sooner and prevent overfeeding. Here is a great link to tips on how to bottlefeed the breastfed baby and minimize overfeeding:

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

If after working with your baby for a few weeks and you're still not seeing an increase in weight gain, I'd really recommend seeing a lactation consultant in person who can assess the two of you and maybe figure out if there's something more going on. Also, here is a link to information on "hidden causes" of low milk production.

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/hindrances.html

I hope this helps!

[armatthews]

I have a medela pump in style advanced will that help increase supply or should I get a hospital grade pump like I had when he was born that is how I got so much milk put away before, I still have milk in the freezer

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

In theory, a hospital grade pump is better at increasing milk production. Ideally if you can rent one, that would be best. If that's impractical or poses a hardship, then a PISA will also work.