4wk old feeds every 2-3hrs, spitting like crazy

[johnson08]

My DS has been nursing every 3hrs since birth. On our more active days he wants to nurse more like 2.5hrs. I am worried that I am feeding him too often. He roots around and will get very upset when I try to hold him off longer in between feeds and seems satisfied after he nurses. The problem is, as soon as I lift him to burp him after feeds, he spits up large amounts of milk and continues to spit up even while he is sleeping. He even will spit up curdled milk once he wakes and begins to cry to nurse again. I do think that part of the problem is he likes to nurse to calm himself before naps, I try not nurse him, but he gets so upset and cries uncontrollably, sometimes nursing him is the only way to get him to settle.

Don't know what to do???

[harrietstar]

Have you seen a doctor about his spitting up? Reflux meds might help - if he is in discomfort from reflux the nursing will be soothing him, but then he spits up, making it a vicious cycle. Since my LO has been on reflux meds he eats less often (3-4 hours), because he is hungry rather than just seeking comfort xx

[nsalfarlie]

I would not worry too much about him wanting to feed every 2.5 hours, I think it is a normal behaviour at this age. Yes, babies do want to suck for comfort and if they get upset they swallow too much air and spit the milk up, as their tummies are small and there is no room for both. Then a baby wakes up hungry and want to nurse again. I am a great fan of Tracy Hogg (the baby Whisperer) and she is all for dummies for babies of this age (before 3-4 months). She specifically recommends a dummy to extend the time before feeds (see page  191 in Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems book). Also, I found her 4Ss and sshh pat technique (see pp 181-186) very useful for my baby. It really made a big difference as I learned my lesson the hard way with my first baby and didn't want to nurse to sleep my second one.

[*Ali*]

Reflux 101 - General reflux information check out this link and see if you think it applies to your LO. If so have a chat with your Dr.

Feeding ever-3hrs is completely normal at this age. BW suggests feeding at least every 3hrs until 4mo. The WHO and LLL recommend 8-12 BFs every 24hrs for the first 6wks. Lo is working to establish your supply and the breast milk is so easily digestible and their tummies so small that they need to feed frequently.

[nsalfarlie]

Further to my earlier post. One of the ways to check the baby is thriving nutritionally is to plot his/her way on a chart over a period of time. When did you last have your baby weight checked? Is he steadily putting on weight? If not, his frequent need to feed is caused by hunger and the best way to increase the milk supply is to put the baby to the breast more frequently. Another way is to start expressing after each breastfeed. The milk supply will go up in 2-3 days. Dummies are not recommended until BF is well established and the baby is steadily putting on weight.

[johnson08]

I did mention a few weeks ago that he wad pretty spotty...we see the Dr next Tues. I'll ask about reflux again now that he acts more like he id in pain...

[ZacsMumme]

I agree with harrietstar and Ali, sounds like possible reflux. If it is causing discomfort it will start to show itself more in the next few weeks x let us know how you go at the drs. In the meantime keep LO elevated 20 mins following a feed and if he will see if he can sleep in an elevated cot/bassinet or swing etc for naps

A paci can help with spit up, if you think LO is comfort sucking you can try to offer this after a full feed. Try not to offer too close to feeding times though at this age.

[Fiver]

Wet nappies are probably a better indicator of good milk intake than growth charts which a lot of people find to cause more stress and anxiety than they're meant to alleviate.

I agree with Sara about trying to keep LO in an upright position afterwards.  Do you think you could have quite a fast flow/letdown?  Is LO maybe gulping a bit to keep up?  If so, you could try expressing off a little from the beginning of the feed to allow the flow to slow slightly or stopping to burp part way through.  Another option is feeding in a more upright position.  Some people find they can sit LO astride their leg and latch them on in a vertical position.