The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Kayte O'Leary asks:
I have a 7 month old who has been very slow to gain weight, I am now having to nurse her with a SNS. My problem is that she does not like to stay lached on after it has emptied. She will latch on well when trying to take a nap. I'm begining to feel like she gets nothing more than the formula. This is leaving me upset. I was told that she would eventually need less formula, but it seems that she needs more! What can I do?

When a baby unlatches, you can assume she is full. You may, if you wish, switch her to the other breast and offer it. She may be hungry soon - breastmilk can be digested in as soon as 20 minutes, although most babies tend to nurse about every 2-3 hours. Try avoiding the formula till the last feeding of the night - your milk supply is naturally higher during the morning. If she is truly not gaining well without the formula, try these tips for a better milk supply:

Nurse, nurse, nurse! Allow baby full access to the breast, and never switch breasts until baby comes off herself.
Consider night nursing - using a family bed can help stimulate supply.
Drink adequate fluids, and get plenty of rest. Exercise if you can manage it.
Fenugreek and Mother's Milk tea are both measures that have been used with reported success.
Consult a lactation consultant or your friendly LLL leader if these measures do not help.

Did your lactation consultant recommend any other measures? Perhaps Reglan to increase your supply? Good Luck, and Happy Nursing!

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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