Seeking Reassurance

[mike40033]

My wife and I want our new son (see http://www.dr-mikes-maths.com/thotz/index.php?itemid=45) to be breastfed. We live in a culture where that's regarded as not possible.

Things were going fine for the first 9-10 days, but lately our son has been waking in the middle of the night, and keeping us up for hours - perpetually hungry no matter how much he feeds. Last night we gave in after 4 hours and gave an ounce of formula - after which he slept like a log.

I guess I'm seeking assurance - will my wife's milk increase in quantity to satisfy our son's appetite?

[KarniF00l]

Hi Mike.. welcome and Congratulations !!! :yelclap:

First of all, everyone is totally different when it comes to breastfeeding. I think the key to increasing milk supply is rest and eating healthy oh and never leave it too long in between feeds.

Hope this helps and Goodluck to your DW.

[Chickadee]

I guess I'm seeking assurance - will my wife's milk increase in quantity to satisfy our son's appetite?
Yes, it will provided she is eatting well & drinking enough water herself. Time to break out your chef's hat and wait on her hand and foot :)

If you start supplementing feeds though, her supply may not keep up with bub's demand. Breastfeeding is based on a demand-supply system in her body. When your bub suckles it stimulates your wife's body to produce more milk. There may be a few days for her body to catch up though, which can be tough.

Bubs go through growth spurts, so there are going to be periods every few weeks or months when suddenly he seems ravenous. These are really hard times on a bf mother, because it can seem that you spend all of your day feeding. And that's when she'll need your help so that she can give it the time and energy bub needs.

Do have a look through the ABA website. There is a link to it, as well as more information on breastfeeding, on these pages from the Bubhub Info Directory:
- Help with Breastfeeding Services (http://www.bubhub.com.au/servicesbreastfeedinghelp.shtml)
- Info on breastfeeding (http://www.bubhub.com.au/infobreastfeeding.shtml)

[kadownie]

Nothing much to add that hasn't already been said!

It is hard when they have unsettled periods- but they are a season and they pass-

If you are wanting to increase supply you could express after you feed- but it is a bit of a hassle...

Try feeding as much as possible in the day- and this may cut down on night feeds...

You're doing a great job!!! Very nice to see a Dad posting for his wife-

By the way- I breastfed my twins- so it's definatley a demand supply thing!!

[bubbles28]

I'm with MarthaM

[Goosie22]

Me too:yes: .

As for the Culture thing you/your wife/your new baby are a part of your culture and you can change your little bit to suit your family because its normal to Breastfeed;) .

[BJelly]

Ditto what everyone else said.

If possible, try and make sure your wife gets as much rest as possible - I found that in the early days, my DD would have marathon feeds between 6pm and 12mn, because I was tired by that time of the day my body wasn't as good at making as much milk.

I personally found expressing milk in the morning when I had a good supply was great because I could have a sleep in the early evening and my hubby could give bubs my expressed milk. If you give the expressed milk thing a try, don't freak out if your wife can't express much at first, I think I only got about 10 mls the first time, but as I got used to it, I was able to express 60 mls or more at a time. I have heard some women don't like expressing or find it doesn't work for them, so just find what works for you guys.

Wishing you both all the best!