Baby Cereal / Breastfeeding

Congrats!!

First off.. nearly no one has enough milk in the beginning. For your body to start producing enough:

a) your milk has to come in
b) they have to nurse you dry over and over for your body to start producing more. SHE will create the demand by trying to eat, when there really isn't any. Our bodies adjust 99.99999% of the time if we allow it to happen. Then you'll have too much and start leaking. Then your body will be right on target. On average it takes about 4 days to a week of increased demand for your body to step it up. Supplementing with formula slows this process down TREMENDOUSLY. In certain cases it's necessary, but those cases are few and far between.

Secondly: Eating every half hour is normal for most babies when they're brand new. The process is exhausting to them and they have small tummies. It's SO common, it has a name "cluster feeding". It also helps your milk supply.

Third: Stuff yourself with food for the first few weeks (don't worry, the baby weight will come off... I lost nearly 100lbs the first year... diet later, not now), and drink yourself sloshy with water. You need the nutrients and hydration in order to produce milk

Fourth: Sleep when she sleeps. The first few weeks are a wash, as far as having a life goes. Sleep, sleep, sleep. This too shall pass. In a blink.

Fifth: As others have said... giving her cereal will screw things up big time. No lactation consultant would recommend it.

Sixth: When in doubt: your lactation consultant &/or La Leche League.

HUGS!!! AND CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now go drink something and get some sleep mama!

WAY to young for cereal. Talk to the hospital or your ob/gyn and get a referral to a lactation consultant. I had shingles 3 days after giving birth and it completely screwed things up. With the help of a lactation consultant I was able to get back on track and breastfeed till my son was 2.5 years old. There are tools, etc. that they have that can help you improve your flow. Good luck!

Ok.... First Congratulations on your new baby.... Even though it seems like so much work now, it will soon get better. If you were not all the way in FLorida, I would say come see me. LOL...
Ok, first it sounds as if you have finally gotton the feeding thing correct. If you can get to a lactation person in your area, so that she can make sure the latch is good, even better. If you had that much trama to your nipples and are still going; then koodos for you and I am very happy for you.
I want to say, do not listen and give your baby cereal, she is MUCH TOO YOUNG for cereal. She has not even been in this world a week. People must think she is 6 weeks not 6 days. I would not even recommend it at 6 weeks... Your milk supply was a little hit due to the initial trama, but that is not a big deal. Means a couple of rocky days, but you can get through it. Your mature milk is not due in until today or tomorrow, so plenty of time...
1st... Relax. Stop worrying about your supply. The stress and lack of sleep alone will decrease your supply.
2nd Know that babies cluster feed; especially at 6-8 days of age. Your milk is changing and they are trying to establish your supply. Too bad her cluster feeds are happening at night and not during the day.
3rd Stop pumping... Allow your milk supply to increase via baby. Pumping does not empty the breast as the baby does. So let her do this work for you.
4th Drink 8-10 ounces of water and eat a good snack with both protien and carbs about 25 minutes prior to her bedtime feeding. Then if you can, try to take a 10 minute soak in a warm bath (if you did not have a c-section). Then go feed her.
5th. Hold baby and your breast the entire time during the feeding, making sure she keeps an appropiate latch. If she starts to doze, wake her up. Does not take much if she does not fall into a deep sleep. You have to keep her engaged the entire feeding.
6th... Then once a good feeding is complete, do not go and try to play super woman/wife. Leave all of the chores and household jumbo and go to sleep when she does. This sleep witll also increase your milk supply.
7th get 3 meals and 2 good snacks in per day and always get at least 8 8 ounce glasses of water. Make a habbit of having a cup there and drink everytime she drinks... It works.
It may take 2 days to see a difference, but it will work. It takes your body 3 days to adjust a milk supply. I know pumping helps increase milk in some situations, but right now it is not helping you it is off scheduling your supply. Pumping to increase is only needed when baby is having problems feeding or mom and baby will be seperated. Now that you have feeding/latching down, stop pumping for now and I can help you through that at a later date. ((LOL... Smile she is only this small once.)) Enjoy and congratulations.

Congratulations on your new baby! Breastfeeding is the best gift you can offer her and not always the easiest, keep up the good work!
I'm not sure where you are from but try and find a lactation consultant in your area. The hospital/ birthing center where you delivered should have one that you should be able to call free of charge. If not, call someone from the local LaLeche League.
I'm not clear as to why you are pumping before you try to feed her. The best thing for her (and your milk production) is to have her at your breast as much as possible. Pumping will not stimulate milk production nearly as much as the baby trying to breastfeed. And even if you don't think she is getting something, just having her on or near your breast will stimulate your milk producing hormones. Her stomach is very little right now (the size of her fist) so she doesn't need a lot to fill her up-- but she might want to nurse a lot because of comfort of being close to you. Wanting to feed frequently is very normal for a baby of her age.
Is she falling asleep while eating so that she isn't finishing the feed? Are you feeding her from one breast or both? Try tickling her feet or back and keeping her somewhat naked while nursing to help her stay away so she gets the full feeding. Babies get lazy and like to fall asleep at the breast only to wake up 10 minutes later and wanting more.
I would not recommend giving her baby cereal-- she is much, much too young. If you decide to do it, contact your doctor first because introducing "food" that young can cause issues.
Trust your body! It was designed to provide for your baby. You grew and nourished a healthy, beautiful baby for the past nine months and now your body will continue to provide for her. If your nipples have healed, put away your breast pump and any bottles for a time and nurse your daughter as much as you can. Drink lots of water and continue to rest. You're doing a great job!

She is way to young for cereal. I would say go see a lactation specialist. They will be able to tell you if you are producing enough milk. I would suggest working on increasing your milk supply. Drink tons of water. Malt is supposed to help increase your supply. I used to drink one or two glasses of milk with Ovalitine (the one with malt in it) a day. Let your baby eat as much as she wants. The more she nurses the more milk you will make. At six days old your milk is not completely in! Babies nurse often, that is there way of telling your body to produce more milk. If you are worried, definitely go see a lactation consultant!

I absolutely can not agree with Riley J more! Please listen and follow her advice. Breastfeeding is supply and demand and your baby will nurse in a pattern that will regulate your breastmilk and get your production to exactly what she needs. This process takes around 6 weeks to complete! You are just at 6 days. Nurse her on demand, follow her cues and stay away from cereal until she is 6 *months* old. Her body can not digest cereal at this point and by giving her cereal you are depriving her of the breastmilk she needs and you will probably upset her system by giving her something her body can't handle.

Be confident in your ability to feed your baby, follow her cues and nurse on demand. Those are my absolute best pieces of advice. And it's the advice I followed during my first few difficult months with my preemie son (who I went on to successfully breastfeed till he was 16 months old).

S.,
First, Congrats on your new baby girl!!!
For me, I had a lot of trouble nursing my first son. I saw a lactation consultant who told me not to pump until my son was 6 weeks old. It's to help the baby with nursing so they dont get confused. The pump was also really hard on my nipples. Your body should be producing enough to keep her happy. If she is still fussy after she eats, try a pacifier if she'll take one. It sometimes takes a few minutes for the food to hit her belly & for her to feel satisfied. I would NOT give her cereal. Her digestive system is not ready for that. I'm sure a lot of people are telling you to give it to her. But she is not ready. Do what feels right to you. You are going to get A LOT of unsolicited advice now that you have a baby. Just smile & nod your head as they give it to you & go with your gut.
Good luck. Hope this helps!
H.

First of all, don't worry. One way or another you will get your baby the nutrition she needs, and she will be fine.
DO NOT put cereal in your breastmilk yet; she is WAY TOO YOUNG for this and it won't be good for her.
You are in Gainesville and both North Florida and Shands have a lactation consultant on call. GO SEE HER. You will find out how much your baby is actually getting, you can get confirmation with your latch, really, this is what you need to do.
You have a few options. You can switch-nurse, which is letting her nurse continuously, switching sides until she's full. This is exhausting, but it will build up your supply faster. You will spend a TON of time nursing, but she is probably in her first growth spurt and near-continuous nursing is normal at this age for some babies. To switch-nurse, let her nurse on each side for 20 minutes. If she is still not full, switch her back to the first breast for 10 minutes this time, or until you notice that she is not swallowing, but give her at least five minutes to make sure you've gotten let-down. Then switch her back to the second breast for 10 minutes or until she isn't eating.
You can take a fenugreek supplement to increase your milk supply. Talk to your lactation consultant; there are several in Gainesville and you can call Lachelle with North Florida if that's where you had your baby.
Also, drink plenty of water and eat whatever you want. You need the fuel to make the milk. Especially in this heat you really have to pay attention to your own hydration. Push those fluids!
You can supplement with formula if your visit to the lactation consultant has shown you have low supply. She will help you with some ideas on when to pump and how to increase your supply. It is OK to supplement with formula, it really is, until you get your supply up.
And if you just don't produce enough, keep supplementing with formula and breastfeeding as much as you can; all the breastmilk she gets is good for her. Also, my friends who had low supply with their first kids had plenty for their second kids, so if you are planning on having more you probably won't have this issue the second time around. Good luck and GO TO THE LACTATION CONSULTANT!!

Dear S., congratulations on your new baby !! You have gotten great answers so I will not repeat what is written. I will only add additional thoughts:
1. Ask your doctor about taking brewer's yeast to increase supply (it is chock full of vitamin B so is also good for you).
2. make sure you eat well and have at least one hot meal a day. I was told to eat every 2-3 hours even small meals, which helps supply.
3. Ditto for drinking. In addition to H20, try non caffeinated tea.

Congratulations again and I applaud your efforts to bfeed your baby.
Jilly

I agree with Elizabeth....your fluid and food intake will affect your milk supply so I would push those and see if that helps.

A 6-day-old baby CAN NOT process cereal. Their digestive tract is not developed enough to handle it AND they do not have they tongue reflex and can choke on it.

In all truth, at 6 days old, every 20 minutes is considered normal. With my daughter, I nursed pretty much all day, every day for the first month. If she is not gaining weight, not eating at all, contact her pediatrician. DO NOT BUY CEREAL!!

Do not feed her cereal...It can do major damage to her stomach and intestines. She is not developed enough to have food. Give it a chance. I had milk gushing from my breasts and my oldest still ate every 20 minutes to a half hour to start with. After a couple weeks she went to every two hours and that lasted for quite some time. The doctor will tell you when it's time to start cereal. Six days is way way to young. Usually it's four months old and sometimes even later than that depending on the developement of the baby. You will harm her for life if you give her cereal now.

First of all I would recommend that you contact Le Leche League in your area. Call you OB/Gyn or pediatrician and ask if they have a contact number for Le Leche League. If you are indeed having any suck issues with the baby or latch-on issues or supply issues with your milk, contacting a lactation specialist is crucial if you want to continue breastfeeding.

Secondly, please, please do NOT begin giving your newborn baby any cereal or any food whatsoever. Breast milk digests quickly in a newborn baby's stomach. Expect to nurse a baby every 2-3 hours, sometimes more often if your baby is a nibbler nurser or if your baby is going through a growth spurt. My first born was a nibbler nurser. That means she would nurse pause (fall asleep), nurse, pause (fall asleep). It was a battle to keep her actively nursing so when I thought she was done and asleep, I'd lie her down but she'd wake up wanting to nurse again. I might also suggest that you co-sleep with your baby. This way you can latch your baby on while the two of you are in bed, you can fall asleep while the baby stays latched on. Baby gets milk, you get sleep. This is a win-win solution.

Breast milk is best. I will not argue this. I exclusively breastfed my first two but had to supplement with formula for my third child because he had a weak suck which caused my milk supply to diminish. Breastfeeding doesn't have to be overwhelming. It should be the most beautiful moments you share with your baby. Your baby's stomach is too immature for food other than breast milk or formula. Since I formula fed my third child, it is a myth that babies who are on formula sleep longer or sleep through the night. This is just not true. A newborn eats every 2-3 hours regardless if formula or breast milk are given (sometimes, though not often the baby can go 4-5 hours but it's not typical).

It sounds like you are worried that she isn't getting enough. Are her diapers damp or soggy? Is she pooping? These are indicators that she's getting enough. Also, her weight gain will be the most obvious sign. Your breasts are never completely empty though when you are pumping it may appear to be so. You can increase your milk supply by nursing your baby often and often on both sides, not just one side.

Breast milk is made up of foremilk and hindmilk. When your milk initially lets down, you have foremilk. It looks watery. After several minutes of nursing (or pumping) your hindmilk will begin to flow and this milk is creamier and rich in fat. It is the hindmilk that you want to ensure that your baby gets enough of. This is rich in fat and essential for weight gain. Nurse your baby at least 15 minutes on each side, if possible. IF baby only nurses on one side at a nursing session, nurse the baby on the other side first. I always left the hook on my nursing bra unhooked on the side I needed to nurse on next. Don't feel overwhelmed. If you feel you need lactation help, please contact a lactation specialist right away.

S. B,

I have read & responded to your previous posts- Congratulations on your baby girls. Getting my little one who is now 3.5 yr to breast feed was difficult. She had formula form the time she got feed (14 hr post delivery due to being in the NICU).

She is TOO young for cereal!!!- even by old grandma standards (my grandma said 4 months). I Would add formula- what brand? I would go with what your ped recommends. Being in G'Ville hopefully have an open minded ped- open to holistic therapies, that you trust on brands of formula.

I did ALL the things recommended & I never produced enough milk for my daughter- she always got a blend of formula & breast milk. Especially once I knew how much she would drink at a time. The nurses in the NICU- one nurse especially was older & had dealt with premies for 25 yr- said they always like mommy's milk best & will drink it when offered. But some need supplemental formula. Not to stress about giving her formula

My ped offered with me to bring baby in- weigh her, feed her, & re weigh to get an idea of how much she was drinking (no diaper change between weigh-ins), This will help tell you if you are producing enough.

I had to give up breastfeeding when my daughter was 8 weeks because I wasn't producing enough, even with herbs, malta (non-alcoholic drink similar to beer- available at Publix in the ethnic section), fennel, & reglan (a drug usually given for vomiting- but at high doses increases lactation- but also anxiety). It took me 8+ hours to engorge. When I stopped the Reglan I dried up COMPLETELY in 2 days!!

The local La Leche league was where I got all my info on ways to increase lactation. Drink plenty of fluids, get rest, try to pump/feed as often as possible. But DO NOT ADD CEREAL yet. Add formula IF you have to, with the advice of your ped.

NO NO NO! Cereal at 6 days? Talk to your doctor. My first born i tried to breastfeed with and she was similar. Found out from the doctor she wasnt really hungry but needed the sucking action. She recommended giving her a pacifier. Dont worry about her being pacifier addict. Once my first found her thumb, she wont talk it anymore. You might have to buy a couple of types. the cirlce one like from the hospital, nuke, or our favorite for my 2nd is the avent (cause it doesnt make the mark around the face and has more air flow around it) My 2nd daughter is 10months and still only likes the avent 0-6months. The girls in my family are petite. She likes her pacificer for a bit after a bottle, just before nap, and if upset.

I understand completely about being worried about your baby. I never babysat or changed a diaper before my first. Lesson one i learnd was to ask the doctor about anything. They understand completely about being unsure or nervous for 1st time moms. Cereal is for when they are about 3- 4months. So take a deep breathe and remind yourself you are doing a great job. The first weeks are an emotional train ride and moms worry about everything.

Congrats on your daughter - they are wonderful! Please don't worry too much and stress yourself out - our bodies are made to provide for our babies and eventhough you pumped and she latches on, our breasts are truly never empty. I had a rough time with my son - 5 1/2 weeks premature - I pumped at first and got all beat up from too much suction on the pump. Anyway, when we came home, he was used to the bottle - with breastmilk and we had a difficult time trying to go with just breast. I really felt as if I was failing him and cried many times. When he was 6 weeks old - his due date - we went to an appointment with a lactation specialist at the hospital. I was sure he wasn't getting enough and would never latch on - well, much to my surprise, he latched on perfectly in front of the specialist and was gaining weight - we were able to weigh him before and after feeding. Long story short - breastfeeding can be very trying on a mom and new baby. See if you can find some support in your area - the hospital where you delivered or La Leche, even see if there is a nurse at your OB/GYN office that can offer support. Know that you are not alone and it will get easier! PLEASE, PLEASE don't give your baby cereal! Bodies of infants that little are not ready for food - no matter what others say, all babies are different. If you need to, you might need to use some formula to supplement - that would be much better for her than the cereal!
Best of Luck and Hang in there! It does get easier!

I have been a peer breastfeeding counselor for almost 10 years and run a 90 member breastfeeding moms group. Riley J is absolutely correct, but there is one other thing that is critical to getting your milk supply to come in heavy - you must make sure she is latching well and ditch pacifiers.

I do help moms from long distance with latch issues for free. If you are still concerned in anyway, please feel free to contact me :)

No need cereal, is too small for that. Just milk formula will be fine

Dont feel as if ur the only 1 with this problem. My little boy was really hungry and as urself my nipples were not pretty. As u have been adviced adding baby cereal, well I added 2 spoons of baby rice 2 each feed, 4oz til he gained the weight required thus used breast and bottle. Dont feel u have 2 use the pump ur poor nipples need time 2 recover. He is now 5 and in perfect health. I was told a childs stomach isn't ready 4 solids that early but my opinion is rubbish. If ur child reacts they usually get sick straight away as it would b rejected by stomach. Good luck follow ur insticts. The cereal will fill her up and eventually have normal feeds with a spoon of cereal in nite bottle and with my experiences a good nites sleep.

Congrats on your new baby, sorry about your nipples and bravo for nursing. It's very common for your nipples to freak when you first start to nurse. Rid yourself of the artificial breast milk as soon as you can and stick with what nature gave you, your breasts. It's totally normal for a 6 day old child to nurse all the time. I went to a dr with my daughter twice, when she was 2 weeks old and then one week later. The dr had the nerve to tell me that my daughter was gaining too much weight and I shouldn't nurse her on demand and give her a schedule!!!!! My daughter is a VERY healthy 8 year old now. A child comes into this world needing protection and love from its mama, that's what you need to give her now. Nurse her, cuddle her, change her diaper and that's it!
I don't know who suggested giving a 6 day old cereal but do NOT listen to them. Breasts produce milk for a reason, not for the artificial breast milk companies to make billions of dollars claiming they're as good as nature! Sigh....
You may feel like she's not getting enough, don't worry you're producing enough, if she's growing, peeing and pooing she's getting enough. Your only jobs right now are to feed and clean her and I'm SURE you're doing a great job with that!

Hi S.. At this age your baby should be nursing just about around the clock and it is overwhelming....but it's NORMAL. :) They nurse tons in the beginning to help you get your supply up. The more your daughter nurses the more you will produce in a few days. Let her nurse. I know it's hard, but try to relax and just focus on building your nursing relationship with her. Let her nurse as often as she wants if you are worried about how much you are producing....because more nursing today means more milk will be made in a couple days and you will better keep up with her as she gets bigger.

It's been said that the initial learning curve with breastfeeding is very steep, whereas with formula it's super easy in the beginning. However, the difficulty (due to cost, cleaning bottles, etc) with formula goes up a lot over time, but breastfeeding becomes quite easy and simple within a few weeks and is then no big deal for however long you continue. Hang in there with it. It really does pay off in the long run for both you (less cost, reduction in breast cancer, less work for you, etc) and your daughter (healthier, better immune system, less obesity, higher IQ, etc.)

Oh...and even if things calm down, expect her to cluster feed (want to nurse constantly) at the 4 week, 6 week, 8 week, 12 week, 3 month and maybe even again at the 6 month marks. These are growth spurt times and she will nurse lots then to help you build up your supply to meet her new needs. You guys are a team and it takes her demand to create your supply. Don't fight it.

Read Jennifer K's answer. She's right on. Most importantly contact your lactation consultant.

Never mind what other people are saying. What is your PEDIATRICIAN saying? If you have not done so already, please call your pediatrician's office and let them answer your question. They are used to getting lots of calls from first time moms.

Please make sure that YOUR nutrition is great- we use WestonPrice.com- they are wonderful with recommendations. If your nutrition is complete then you will have what she needs.
And best for you and your daughter!!
k