https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:50:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-340117 Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:08:08 +0000 London Mama 340117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DS is 3 months 1 week and doing the same thing. At first I was mystified as the boob has always been the miracle cure for any time he was crying and now he gets really upset when i try to give it to him. But it turns out he doesn't want the breast in the same way any more. Not only has his hunger cues changed (or even disappeared) but he doesn't need to eat more than every two hours at most, often going 3+ hours between meals and when he eats it takes max 10 minutes. If i try to feed hi before he gets really annoyed. It seems the 45 minute nursing sessions of his newborn days are long gone!</p> <p>DS also chews his hands all the time and even makes chewing motions, none of which means he's hungry. Now I keep an eye on the time and if it's 2 hours or more since the last feed and he seems fussy or restless I offer him the breast. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-340073 Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:07:00 +0000 sarac 340073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds so hard. I know it may be near impossible, but trying to really follow his hunger cues will be exactly as much as he needs. It sounds like his weight gain is really good, so you really have no cause for excess concern. You're doing a wonderful job of feeding him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-134674 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:57:33 +0000 regberadaisy 134674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I hope cutting dairy works for you!</p> <p>I def have a TON to learn about breastfeeding! It's all a little daunting! Glad there's a LC at my peds office! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-134654 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:37:11 +0000 Mrs. Bee 134654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: charlie experienced a drop from the 90% to the 75% then the 50%.</p> <p>he is still gained weight so i think he is doing great! hopefully eliminating dairy will help. i don't know enough about acid reflux, but that must be causing a lot of problems as well!</p> <p>and yes by that age fist in mouth is self-soothing. olive could do it at 2 months and i knew she wasn't hungry.</p> <p>good luck and let us know if the dairy elimination works! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-134641 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:30:47 +0000 irene 134641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks guys --</p> <p>General update - I saw the pediatrician today and he also suggests me trying to cut all dairy. He said it will take 4 days to clear it out from both of our systems. He also gave me the number to make appointment with the GI doctor. However, in general he is not concerned. My son did drop from 75-90% to 50-75%... but he's not concerned... yet.</p> <p>I also talked to the LC through the phone and asked if I should make an appointment. After she got my information, she said he is actually doing great.... his 2 month check up he was at 13 lb 2 oz and as of today, at the pediatrician's, he is 14 lbs. So he gained 14 oz in 23 days and she thinks he's doing fine.</p> <p>I will try not to weigh him, or let the numbers bother me for now... let's see what happens...</p> <p>@regberadaisy: What you talked about is more like breastfeeding 101-- now I realize all those classes are more preparing you for your newborn. Once you go pass it it is a whole different ball game and no one prep you for it unless you read those "what to expect" books back to back! I remember back then I thought all I need to worry about is to have enough milk. Boy was i wrong. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133138 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:06:32 +0000 brownie 133138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son is now 1 year old and has been breastfeed this entire time. He was diagnosed with reflux at 2 weeks old. It wasn't reflux, it was a dairy and soy allergy. Some things that have helped us:<br /> 1) no dairy or soy- it takes 2 weeks for it to clear your little ones system. Try it for 2 weeks and see if you notice a difference.<br /> 2) scheduling feedings - when we knew it hurt him to eat, he was on a strict 3 hour feeding schedule. That gave him time for the acid to stop before the next feeding. If he's eating every hour, he probably isn't really hungry but looking for comfort. For most babies I would say that is fine but for reflux and allergy babies it just hurts.<br /> 3) at around 3 months, they get much more efficient at nursing and take less time. Your baby just may be ahead of the curve.<br /> My baby would scream on the boob, or off the boob so, we stopped on demand nursing. Since he has been dairy and soy free, we have gone back to demand.</p> <p>You do know what is best for him and it is trial and error. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133104 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:04:54 +0000 lemondrop 133104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Got me, I'm still guessing with my guy. Sending you hugs, you are doing a great job even though you are frustrated! Remember that these little monsters go through phases, once you get something figured out- they seem to know and decide to change it all up!<br /> Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133052 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:30:47 +0000 obxwife 133052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish I had some good advice for you but I think every baby is different. :/</p> <p>My LO usually will BF for about 10 minutes each breast but will unlatch to burp but will sometimes BF for 20 minutes. Some days, he'll cry cry cry non stop and I think it's just gas? I offer boob, he doesn't take it and I just hold him til he falls asleep. </p> <p>It's only happened a couple of times and I've come to the realization it's only when I eat spicy foods!! Hasn't happened since I stopped eating tacos ;)</p> <p>If he unlatches and "acts" hungry - I wouldn't try to feed again unless he fusses. Especially if he's got acid reflux. Overeating can't be good for that. </p> <p>Hope you find a solution though! Ask your doc if it really worries you. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133048 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:22:36 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 133048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My baby is 3 months old tomorrow and she's doing the same thing! I figure, if I pull her off and she cries, she's still hungry, but if she starts sucking on her hands then she just wants to suck and she's fine. Good luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133042 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:05:42 +0000 T.H.O.U. 133042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. This is so hard and every kid is different. The only suggestion I have is to have the LC watch you feed him. She may be able to see some things she can suggest. You really just have to go with your gut. It sounds like he's gaining weight and is healthy so unless there are other factors I would not think your supply is dropping. Keep drinking your water and don't diet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133030 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:35:54 +0000 regberadaisy 133030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oo..I feel like I will be prowling this forum when my LO comes. According to the LC at our BFing class the other night when your LO is full their hands should be relaxed and not clenched. Sounds like that's not always the case. She also did mention some babies just like to "suck" and might not be hungry. But then she is against giving a paci at the beginning...so go figure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133028 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:31:33 +0000 chopsuey 133028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I stopped being hungry and thirsty all the time too. Just make sure you're eating well and drinking A LOT despite not feeling the hunger and thirst. I'm almost 13 months pp and I drink probably 120 ounces/day.<br /> Also, have you talked to your pediatrician about the reflux? Did s/he have any advice?<br /> I'm not sure about the 2-3 ounces since I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure there were days when my LO got the same. I didn't have a scale, so I couldn't tell how much she was eating. I wouldn't weigh your LO if I were you.. I think I would go CRAZY if I knew how much or how little she was eating.<br /> I don't know about your pedi, but mine says that I can call and bring my LO in whenever I have any concerns about eating and weight gain.. I would take your LO in if it's starting to stress you out. Stress isn't good for you and your milk production.<br /> You may want to feed your LO more often if he's only getting 2-3 ounces. Maybe once every 2 hours instead? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133010 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:07:48 +0000 irene 133010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopsuey119: So if he unlatches, still look hungry but cry and won't take my breasts, I weigh him and he only drank 2 oz since 2.5-3 hours ago, and that's still OK? :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133008 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:04:56 +0000 irene 133008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopsuey119: I also tried not to give him a paci but recently I just gave in. He is one frantically cry fussy baby and we have let him cried it out for so long it just didn't feel right..</p> <p>My LO used to take my breasts, drink, and threw up like you said! To be honest, psychologically I would have felt better in that case because it means I have milk (and his continuous sucking means I won't lose my supply) and he is really full. But that makes his acid reflux worse though. Just the past weeks I think he has figured out he shouldn't over eat, or I am not sure what the deal is. The fear I have is maybe he associated acid reflux with eating and he try to not eat so he wouldn't be in pain :(</p> <p>I do feel that my milk supply might have gone down though... I used to be hungry and thirsty all the time but I am just not hungry / thirsty like I used to anymore, and my breasts don't fill up as quickly as they used to be. All these worry (LO not getting enough, not eating, and me not having enough / losing my supply) is driving me insane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133003 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:55:34 +0000 chopsuey 133003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh you poor thing! Totally brings back memories from when my LO was that age!!! I always thought my LO was hungry too so I kept nursing her.. and she would always end up throwing up if I wasn't careful. -.-<br /> What I learned, is when my LO unlatched, it meant she was done. I would give her more boob because she would suck on her fists and looked hungry too, but she almost always threw up if I did.<br /> So. Feed your LO. burp him. When he unlatches but still looks hungry, offer boob. If he takes a little and unlatches, or spits it out, it means he's done.<br /> Eventually I just let DD suck on her fists or a toy. Didn't use a paci for her but sometimes I wonder if I should have.<br /> It gets easier!! Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133001 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:49:13 +0000 irene 133001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry I have posted about my breastfeeding adventure with my 2 month 20 days old baby but I am really puzzled.</p> <p>I have been stressing out if my acid reflux baby is getting enough breast milk. He is exclusively breastfed. Some times he drinks for 8 minutes 1 breast and stop, refuse to drink more, and I have a scale there are times he drinks 1-3 oz per feed (my weak side holds maybe 3.5 oz max at engorgement, my "good" side maybe 4-6 oz). When you think he'd had enough, some times when you force to push his head to my breast even if he's crying and all, he would latch on and drink for 10 more minutes! </p> <p>Then, like tonight on the last feed, he acted like he hadn't eaten for years and drank with his hands clawing on my breasts. He actively sucked for the first 9 minutes, then he unlatched but he was still clawing my breasts as if he wanted more. I thought it was acid so I burped him and offered my 2nd breast. He would latch on like a hungry baby but then spit it out. This happens a couple of times and then he cried frantically. I burped him for 15 minutes and he still cries and I got some burps. He would still "act hungry" as he was alert and jumpy and all, he sucks on my finger, and his fists in his mouth (but he sucks his fists all the time now). But whenever I offer to feed him, he just cries. No position works (I tried to sit him up, or have him on top of me, he just cries as soon as he feels the proximity of the nipple next to his face). Today I asked my husband to warm up an oz of expressed milk and see if he'd take it. He took the bottle at first but then he sucked a bit and milk just drooled out of his chin. He just wasn't drinking. Yet he still "look" hungry. Then I put him down to sleep and he slept (well he woke up a few times crying but I gave him a pacifier and he calmed down).</p> <p>To be honest even though I wasted my express milk but I felt better knowing he didn't take the bottle either... so it may not mean that he was hungry.</p> <p>More information: He has 1 pretty messy poopy diaper everyday on average, he may skip a day occasionally.. so far it happened maybe 2-3 times. He also has enough wet diapers. For the past week (7-8 days), he may have gained 4 oz if I haven't measured wrong. He also always take my breasts after 1+ hours of not eating. Just that he may not last very long on it.</p> <p>His birth weight was 7 lb 10 oz, and as of today he is 14 lb. I have to mention though he has been acting like a very good breastfeeding baby up until maybe the past 2 weeks, so his growth rate might have slowed. I have no idea.</p> <p>At 2.5-3 months, they said fist in mouth doesn't mean hunger anymore - it is just an exploration of his hands and/or a way to self sooth. My husband says rooting doesn't mean hunger too at his age, as sometimes he roots to / sucks my finger but won't take my breasts, or bottle. </p> <p>So how do you tell if your baby is still hungry at this age? It is seriously driving me crazy as I wasn't sure if it was me that my supply went down, or if he really isn't getting enough milk, or acid reflux, or what is the deal here. </p> <p>I will see our pediatrician and call a lactation consultant. I even think I need to see a shrink because of this. Can anyone shed some light? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110720 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:44:43 +0000 lemondrop 110720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: schedules work better for some than for others. I know I am missing out on some stuff by not sticking to one (probably some sanity!). There isn't a single right answer to any of it, you just do what works. You are a good mom, just enjoy your baby and things will work themselves out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110695 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:03:47 +0000 Boogs 110695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Glad to hear you're feeling better now, let us know how tomorrow goes. Bummer, guess it's the new owner's loss. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110681 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:37:10 +0000 Andrea 110681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: glad we could help. Keep us updated!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110677 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:33:09 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 110677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You're doing great!! Babies slow down in their growth after they hit the 2 month mark, so don't go by weight alone. Also, right at 2 months, my LO went from having a poopy diaper every time we changed her to going a day or two without pooping at all (and then blowing out when she did poop). I think your baby is getting plenty to eat. If he was hungry, he would let you know! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110674 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:31:06 +0000 irene 110674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone you hv no idea you guys make me feel so relieved. </p> <p>@andrea: I will go to the 2 month check up tomorrow and will ask the doc about that... </p> <p>@lemondrop: I don't know if having a schedule is a good thing anymore because nowadays I rely on it so much I really don't know for sure when he may actually be hungry or just fussing or what's going on. Sometimes I am afraid I might miss growth spurts.</p> <p>@Boogs: yes I was, not anymore after wb was sold to a business that has very a tight budget.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110669 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:15:11 +0000 mrstilly 110669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also wanted to add that you are doing an amazing job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110647 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:31:31 +0000 lemondrop 110647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like you are doing an amazing job! I'm impressed that you weigh him every day- yes it is so hard to tell how much they get from the boob otherwise. </p> <p>I figure if he is still hungry, he's going to let you know. Mine sure can throw a fit if he hasn't eaten enough, he lets me know! </p> <p>My son still doesn't usually take more than 3-4 oz per feeding every 2.5-3 hours during the day (sleeping straight from 10-6 during the night) and he is 3 months old. We don't really have a set schedule, I just go by the cues that he gives me when he is hungry (rooting, fussing, etc). </p> <p>Poopy diapers vary, some days one, some days more, but every week or two he has a day where he won't poop at all- my pediatrician said this and even longer can be normal for EBF babies as long as they have lots of wet diapers. The first time it freaked me out when he didn't poop all day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110584 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:38:42 +0000 Andrea 110584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you been back for your 2 month check up? I am curious to know if your peds is happy with your son's weight gain over the last month. It sounds like your son is getting plenty to eat and that the lactation consultant is just spouting "stats" that may or may not necessarily apply to your son. And I am a bit confused by the pp's comments about pumping to find out how much your son is eating. You are already weighing him before/after so you know how much is he eating right? I don't know what else pumping will tell you. It sounds like you are doing a great job!! I hope the peds can give you some peace of mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110552 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:19:19 +0000 pelikila 110552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would say yes, your baby is getting plenty to eat. Breastfed babies don't always poop every single day (mine wasn't in that camp but I've heard it is very common). Also, your baby still has plenty of wet diapers so that is great. If your baby was really hungry, I think it would be unlikely you could shush him back to sleep very easily. When my son was hungry there was no calmly getting him back to sleep. I would say you are doing great.</p> <p>ETA: there is a range for what a breastfed baby will drink in a given day. My son was always on the lower side of that and never took a 4 or 5 oz bottle until after we night weaned. Previous to that he would only take 3 oz at a time and I would venture to say he was the same nursing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110550 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:17:35 +0000 mrstilly 110550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also you can certainly pump and give bottles to measure what he's eating, but nursing is more effective than pumping so I'd do that with caution. You want to maintain your supply and nursing is the best for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110546 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:15:50 +0000 mrstilly 110546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>He IS getting enough! It's awful to worry if he's eating enough, I've been there too, but he's a great weight for 2.5 months and seems to be eating enough at each feeding. He doesn't need more than one poopy diaper a day. It'll go in spurts with fewer some days and more others. DS, at 2 months old, went 5 days without a poopy diaper! He made up for it with 6 or 7 in 36 hours following the dry spell. If he is wetting diapers then he is getting enough food and won't be dehydrated. The amount of food per 24 hours is a range, and while it is good to be in or close to that range, its not the end of the world if you fall outside it. You LO is gaining, eating well and wetting diapers and that is what really counts. If he's only waking once to feed at night, that sounds like a great schedule. Mine was still waking 2-3 times a night most nights at that age. Also, I wouldn't wake him from naps to eat and if you can calm him back to sleep to finish his nap that is awesome. Getting a good nap routine is important too. </p> <p>Was the lactation consultant an international board certified lactation consultant (ibclc)? The one at my hospital and pediatricians office weren't and they were not at all helpful and actually did damage to my breastfeeding my son. If your pediatrician is not concerned about weight gain (and he shouldn't be at that weight with a steady gain) then I wouldnt worry. He will gain in spurts and its ok if he goes a few days without, because he'll then gain more a few days later. It'll be hard but I wouldn't weigh him every day. Just like us, it will fluctuate from morning to night and day to day, and it will drive you crazy over analyzing it. That is of course assuming he's healthy and your pediatrician doesn't have concerns or a reason for you to weight him that often. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110545 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:15:43 +0000 Boogs 110545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree, pumping might be a way to ease your worries just to see if your baby is eating enough or if maybe something else is going on with him. When they get older they also don't gain weight as quickly. Also, could the fussiness and interrupted naps be because he's in the middle of a wonder week(s)?</p> <p>Off topic, but are you the avatar designer from WB? :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110521 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:41:11 +0000 theknest 110521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can tell you are stressed. I've been there. If you are worried he isn't getting enough you could try pumping and giving him bottles - that way you'll know for sure. I wouldn't worry too much about the # of soiled diapers / day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-my-2-month-old-getting-enough-to-eat#post-110491 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:03:05 +0000 irene 110491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am quite concerned my 2-month old, exclusively breastfed baby is not getting enough to eat.</p> <p>At our 1-month check up our pediatrician suggested us to put the baby to sleep at 7pm and not to interrupt him until the next morning at 7am. I am exclusively breastfeeding and has figured out a schedule to feed him every 2.5 - 3 hours between the 12 to 13 hours he's awake. He gets up 1 time during 7pm-7am to feed, but that feed he doesn't usually drink a whole lot.</p> <p>It has been going well for the past month, he's gaining weight consistently, until the past few days he has been stuck at the 12lb 15 oz mark (we weigh him every day before his bath). He also produce only 1 poopy diaper a day, and he hasn't pooped yet today (which makes me even more concerned). Lots of wet diapers though. My other friends said it is OK now that he's no longer a new born 1 poopy diaper a day is OK. </p> <p>The past few days I've been weighing him before and after each feed, and he sometimes take 5.5 oz, 5 oz, 4.5 oz, 4 oz per feed. There are some rare cases that he would take 6 or 6.5 oz a feed, usually in the morning and it is very rare.</p> <p>I called the lactation consultant at the hospital today for a free consultation, and she made me so worried. She said not only that he still needs 2-3 poopy diapers a day, but he is not getting enough because according to the equation, 13lb x 2.5 / 5 =6.5oz @ feed. And if we feed him 6 times it will be 5.5 oz @ feed. But my son really takes between 4 to 5.5 oz @ feed... and there is no way to force him to drink more because he would spit my nipples out and cry like crazy.</p> <p>I am also worried I am not good enough in telling when he's actually hungry. Sometimes he cries during his nap time (waking earlier than usual, only 2 hours or less since the last feed) and I would shush him and calm him back to sleep. But when I wake him up to feed, he is not hungry and doesn't eat much, maybe 3.5 or 4 oz. They also say sucking his hand doesn't mean that he's hungry anymore at this age so I am ignoring that as well (but he does suck his hand all the time, sometimes during tummy time maybe 0.5 hours after the feed).</p> <p>What do you guys think? Is my baby getting enough? I am so worried. </p>