https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:17:09 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-893160 Fri, 28 Jun 2013 10:36:01 +0000 Smurfette 893160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: That sounds like he is eating plenty!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-893157 Fri, 28 Jun 2013 10:34:12 +0000 Adira 893157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: It certainly sounds like he's doing well and getting enough to eat!!! I hope when you go in for a weight check, you see a good outcome! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-893133 Fri, 28 Jun 2013 10:25:42 +0000 lomom 893133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mewtill: I like that, that breastfeeding works best when you're not thinking about it. </p> <p>@Kemma: thanks :) I'm trying to follow his lead and nurse when he wants and as long as he wants. </p> <p>He had 7 soaked diapers and one major poopy diaper (which is typical for him). So I'm hopeful but I think I need to get him in for a weight check, just to be safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-891107 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 19:09:24 +0000 Kemma 891107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: sounds like you and your LO are doing great with nursing and feeding!</p> <p>Trust yourself and have faith in your body - you're doing awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-890547 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:58:54 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 890547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: it sounds like you've got a good plan for your trip. As for not getting too excited, I understand :) Take it day by day (or session by session) and try not to think too much into the future. An LC told me once that breastfeeding works best when you're not thinking about it. For what it's worth, with the wet diapers, feeling emptied, and being a content bay it sounds like its working well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-890224 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 15:38:53 +0000 lomom 890224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>He's had 5 soaked diapers today and has seemed content. He's still awake when he pops off, though he looks totally milk drunk, and he's not acted hungry when I've moved him to his rock n play after nursing. He's been really active today, smiling and kicking and cooing. </p> <p>It seems like this is breastfeeding just "clicking" for us. I'm trying really hard not to get too excited though, I've been through so many emotions with this breastfeeding journey that I just can't let myself get too excited or hopeful. </p> <p>I'm still taking the pump and the ready-to-feed formula bottles on our trip regardless. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-887617 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 06:56:13 +0000 LittleFox 887617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs! Just wanted to ditto everyone else and say they definitely get more efficient. Some babies also just like to nurse often. My little guy is 6 months and still eats every 2-3 hours when I'm home, usually 3-5 minutes per side. He takes bottles while I'm at work, but only about 2-3 oz at a time. Like others said, it's normal for breastfed babies to graze. </p> <p>Good luck! I hope it goes well. As for the trip, I'd bring your pump just in case. My LO gets distracted on trips and won't always eat as much in the car when we stop (he makes up for it once we reach our destination). On one trip, this resulted in me being a little engorged and uncomfortable. I wished I'd had my pump, just to feel comfy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-887613 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 06:55:29 +0000 Adira 887613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: It definitely sounds like he's getting enough!! It sounds like he's just being more efficient with nursing, which is why he's not nursing for as long. I know with Xander, when he's not sleepy, he usually only nurses for about 10 minutes each side now-a-days (if that). I'm so excited that things are starting to work out for you again!!! *hug* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-887596 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 06:44:48 +0000 T.H.O.U. 887596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like he's gettig enough. Something might have just clicked and he may be nursing more efficiently. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-887576 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 06:13:33 +0000 lomom 887576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>He's still soaking diapers! He cluster feeds at night, taking in 8-10oz from 7-10 so after he drained both sides, he did have 5oz of pumped milk and then slept until 5am. </p> <p>I think, if he continues to nurse like this, I'm going to schedule a weight check. </p> <p>I'm hopeful that he's getting enough based on the soaked diapers, feeling empty after he nurses, and him being awake but content after nursing. </p> <p>@mewtill: I'm trying to keep my emotions under control and not get too excited or too worked up. The last time we worked on nursing, I got so worked up and overwhelmed and just felt so defeated when it wasn't going well and I don't want to go back to that feeling. We started to supplement to take some pressure off me and I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, so while I'm cautiously excited about his nursing, I don't want to get overwhelmed again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886236 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 13:14:39 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 886236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: ditto to everyone else, especially @hilsy85: She took the words right out of my mouth. Also, know that it's normal to worry about breastfeeding &amp; you're not being cuckoo. I worried for the first 3 months &amp; we didn't even have weight gain/nursing issues!</p> <p>But try and find peace where you can. You're doing an excellent job. Your son sounds content and happy with the amount he's getting. Keep weighing him &amp; keep doing whichever combination of feeding makes you feel the best. Your son doesn't even know how lucky he is to have you for a mama!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886209 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 13:05:30 +0000 Adira 886209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: To me, that would be a good indication that he's eaten enough, but it's hard to know for sure. Definitely keep an eye on his wet diapers and in general how much he's nursing. And maybe you can get him in for a weight check now and then after nursing for a couple days to see if he's gaining, and if he is, considering yourself good to go! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886196 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 13:01:35 +0000 lomom 886196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: I wish we could do an in-home, but she's employed by the hospital and only does consults at the hospital. I think I'll keep watching his diapers and maybe try to get him in for a weight check and see if he's gaining appropriately. </p> <p>@Adira: thanks :) he's fallen asleep at the breast once but I took him in for a diaper change and he ate a little more after that and stayed awake for a few minutes and seemed content. </p> <p>@sloaneandpuffy: I hope so! I just really want him to keep gaining and I'm okay with pumping and comfort nursing and supplementing if that's what it takes for him to thrive, but I would love to be able to just nurse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886101 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:38:15 +0000 runsyellowlites 886101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only have 1 qualm about weighed feeds...... you're supposed to monitor each feeding over a period of time (1-2/3 days) not single out feedings b/c sometimes he'll take full meals &amp; others may just be a snack, or just for comfort. If you single out a feeding you don't get an accurate look at what he's really taking in or capable of transferring. *shrugs shoulders* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886097 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:36:59 +0000 Adira 886097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, if he's popping off on his own awake (and not just falling asleep while eating), then he's probably satisfied with what he's getting. You could always just try offering the boob more often to see if he'll eat more, but if he's eating and then popping off on his own and seems content (and your boob seems softer), then it sounds like he's transferring just fine and is content. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886094 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:35:39 +0000 hilsy85 886094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: At 10.5 weeks, my Lo was only nursing for 8-10 minutes! Sounds normal to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886087 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:34:37 +0000 mamimami 886087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As they get older it's normal for those marathon sessions to get shorter. (Thank GOD!!) In fact it's probably a good sign!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886080 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:33:35 +0000 Adira 886080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with the suggestion that @hergreenapples had. If you could meet with an LC and do a weighed feed, you'll have a better idea on whether he's getting enough. It could be that he's getting more efficient at eating. Xander was like that at his age - he'd only eat for 15 minutes on a side (or less) and be fine.</p> <p>And I just want to say that you are an INSPIRATION. I honestly can't believe how far you've come in your journey to breastfeed and provide breast milk to your son. *hugs* &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886079 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:33:26 +0000 runsyellowlites 886079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As he gets older he'll begin to get more milk in less time.... they just get better at emptying the breast. And the design of nursing is actually more of a snacking through the day as opposed to getting full meals just a number of times through the day.</p> <p>Would it be possible to have an in home visit with the LC? Maybe he'd be more apt to act like himself at home? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886065 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:28:42 +0000 lomom 886065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprk: thanks for the frame of reference, lo is 10.5 weeks, so pretty close in age, that's really helpful to know! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886048 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:24:21 +0000 hilsy85 886048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: it's very normal for EBF babies to eat smaller amounts more frequently (my LO is 8months and usually only eats 3oz in a bottle!)...and based on his diapers it sounds like he's getting plenty! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886047 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:24:20 +0000 lomom 886047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hergreenapples: I would definitely take the pump still! Whether I use it or not, just having the peace of mind that its there if I needed it would be worth the trunk space! ;)</p> <p>I thought about calling the LC, but he always does amazingly well at appts. It's like he goes in and shows off, but when we went back for a follow up weight check, he hasn't gained as though he's eaten that well at every nursing session :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886040 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:22:56 +0000 lomom 886040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: thanks :) the last time we tried exclusively nursing was nearly 2 weeks ago. He has been snacking more lately, rather than eating 4-5oz at a feeding, he's been eating 2-3oz but feeding more frequently. Every diaper change has been a soaked diaper (he only poops once a day and that's been the norm for the past week or so). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-886033 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:21:57 +0000 aprk 886033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @hilsy85: if your breasts are softer after he nurses and he's got enough wet diapers, you are both doing great. For reference, at 12 weeks A eats one side at a time and empties it in about 6 minutes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-885996 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:17:18 +0000 heartonastring 885996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Eek! What a tricky situation. I totally feel for you as you keep getting thrown curve ball after curve ball.</p> <p>Can you try meeting with your LC again and weighing him before and after to see how much he's transferring? I've heard some babies can become more efficient literally overnight. </p> <p>Sorry to say, but I would still probably be wary about going away without your pump, unless you're okay with exclusively FF in case he doesn't keep up this nursing behaviour. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-885978 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:14:58 +0000 hilsy85 885978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs, mama! You are such a trooper, and have been through such a roller coaster! The best way to know if he's getting enough is by looking at his diaper output. also, I don't know when the last time you were trying to EBF was, but babies do get more efficient as they get older, and it's possible that with his weight caught up due to your great work pumping/supplementing/nursing, and him being a bit older, and maybe not being in a growth spurt, that nursing for 15 min is enough for him! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nursing-and-worrying-hes-not-getting-enough#post-885962 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:11:42 +0000 lomom 885962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been all over the map with feeding LO. I've done fortified breastmilk, exclusive pumping, exclusive nursing, a combo of pumping and nursing, supplementing with formula...</p> <p>Yesterday LO was super fussy, didn't want a bottle, didn't want to play, didn't want to nap, didn't want anything that I could think of. So I nursed him and he nursed seemingly well (back story: I'd worked with an IBCLC for a few weeks, trying to get him to EBF after EPing for 6.5 weeks after his NICU stay. He wasn't nursing well enough to gain enough and I was an exhausted blubbering mess. So we decided to nurse for comfort and he'd primarily get breastmilk in a bottle and we'd supplement so I could drop my night pumps.)</p> <p>So I nursed him most of the day and he took a few oz of bm by bottle for DH around 11 while I slept. His renewed interest in nursing has me wanting to try again. And we're about to go on a trip so if I can nurse most of the time and give him a few ready-to-feed bottles of formula, it'd be way better than trying to haul the pump and cooler bags and bottles around and figuring out where to heat a bottle, etc. </p> <p>But today, he's nursed twice and both times he just nursed for about 15 minutes on one side, popped off, played a little (cooing, smiling, grabbing my hand) then dozed off. Before, when I was attempting to exclusively nurse, he'd nurse for nearly an hour. So I'm worried he's not getting enough. It felt like he came pretty close to emptying one breast each time I nursed him today.</p> <p>I just want him to eat enough so he gains enough that I can nurse if we're going back down this path... </p> <p>Gah. I just can't give it up. </p>