He keeps changing from 2hr to 3 hr feeds - help?

[maisie68]

Hi Anyone

My little boy who is now 10 days old seems to change from 2hr to 3hr feeds. We were admitted to hosp the day after being discharged as he didn't seem right. I'm GBS +ve & althouhg I got antibiotics before my c-sect he wasn't given them even tho I asked. The paediatricians were appalled that he didn't get any drugs post delivery & did a lumbar puncture & blood tests & he was put on IV antibitics for 2 days. I'm not sure if all of this could affect his feeding.

I have given up on bf him as nipples are so sore. I actually am beginning to think I have Thrush as breasts are so painful & sore. I'm still expressing tho & give it to him in a bottle but pumping is still painful. I just top up with formula.

Sometimes he stirs at 2hrs after last feed & we were getting him up & feeding him Lthough he was a bit sledepy but have found that if we just sooth him with shh pat he will hold off for a further hour & will be more alert when feeding.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[RachelC]

Hi.  Congrats on your new little one.  So sorry to hear about the rough start.

Here is a link to the FAQ section, as I think you will find many of those threads helpful https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?board=83.0

Some to check out "Breastfeeding and EASY in the first few weeks"  "Sore Nipples..... "Thrush"

At this age, you do want to feed on demand and 10 days can be a growth spurt time.  It is quite normal for babies to be at a 2 hr feeding routine for some time.  I would be dure to watch and listen to his cues.  When he says he's hungry, feed him.  Watch him and not the clock.

I do think that with some help, you will be able to breastfeed full time.  If you do think you have thrush, you need to get to your doctor ASAP.  If you do want to exclusively breastfeed, you need to keep your milk stimulated.  What amount are you pumping?  Babies at this age can only hold about 2 oz in their belly.  If you offer the formula, he will take it because it is easy, not necessarily because he is hungry.

[maisie68]

Thanks for replying. He actually has been taking 3ozs and put on 1lb by day 8 which was a surprise to us all especially my MW after what he's had to put up with. I'm expressing every 4 hours to try & increase my milk. I express anything from 40ml to 100ml. I think mornings are the best time. I had promised that I'd go to see my Doc if things hadn't improved by end of week. I did actually put him on the breast this afternoon as he wasn't satisfied with his feed (mix of breast & formula which we were doing while in hospas suggested by MW's). It wasn't as painful.