It's all I get done

[annahffmn]

Hi,

My son is a month old and I have been breastfeeding him since he was born. For a few weeks I pumped and gave him that in a bottle because he was having problems latching on. I am now using a nipple shield to nurse him. When I first was able to nurse him I let him eat until he stopped and he ate for an hour and a half and he got too full and spit up for hours. My mom told me to nurse for 20 minutes on each side so he wouldn't get so full, which I have been doing (he's gaining weight really well so he's getting enough). My problem is that he still spits up so much and after I feed him his stomach is still hard. Am I still letting him eat too much?

Thanks,
Anna

[Nurseliz]

Could be. I usually suggest feeding on one side until its "empty" then switching to the other side until they fall asleep. 20 and 20 could result in him overfeeding or getting too much foremilk. The main principle is to follow the babies cues not a clock. And if he is spitting up after EVERY feed it usually means overfeeding or reflux. I would work assuming it is overfeeding for now. So yes, feed less.
I would suggest:
1. you change your feeding pattern as suggested above to see if he improves
2. Work with a lactation consultant to get him off the shield, it will make feeds easier in the longhaul
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC
www.askthelactationconsultant.com