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Breastfeeding
My baby was born at 32 weeks prematurely. I had asked you several questions about him before, and you explained everything very clearly. Thank you so much.
Now I have a question about breastfeeding. My breast milk supply is better than before, but I’m not sure whether it is enough for my baby. Since he was in the NICU and was underweight, I have been breastfeeding him first and then giving him formula milk. He usually takes around 60 ml of formula every 3 hours. I breastfeed him before every formula feed.
When I express milk by hand, I get around 5–10 ml. I don’t get much milk when I use a breast pump either.
So, I would like to know approximately how much breast milk my baby might be getting when he breastfeeds. Also, should I continue giving formula after breastfeeding, or can I reduce or stop the formula at some point? Please suggest what would be best for him. His b wt 2.16,current wt 3.38. He is 1 month 24 days old
Answers (9)
actually as baby is gaining weight let check upon how much time baby is having breast feed approx.if it is having only for 5 mins or 10min it is not sufficient.so when baby is taking breast feeds for sufficient time then u can switch from formula to breadt feed
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His weight gain is adequate
Let him latch on you’re breast
Breast milk supply increases as per demand of your baby
The more you empty more will be milk production
You can take galactogogues to increase milk output
Also ensure you feed him atleast twice at night
As prolactin -the hormone for milk production is released at night
And at times mother may produce sufficient milk but may not be seen when expressed manually or pumped
Any kind of stress or anxiety decreases milk supply
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Thank you for the details. A 32-week preterm baby who is now 1 month 24 days old (corrected age around 38 weeks) and has increased from 2.16 kg to 3.38 kg has gained about 1.22 kg, which is good weight gain for a preterm infant.
The amount of milk intake is appropriate for now assuming baby is not showing hunger cues after feeding, sleeping well, urine output normal and no persistent vomiting.Breast milk will eventually increase if you continue breast feeding as it’s a reflux. Put the baby to breast like you do initially which will increase your supply also and gradually decrease the formula but for now if it’s only breast milk like you mentioned expressed 5-10 ml and if assuming direct it will be slightly more that won’t suffice his milk intake for age.its more about observing your baby for hunger cues.
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Your baby's weight gain from 2.16 to 3.38 kg is a great sign for a preemie. The best way to judge if your milk alone is enough is by how settled your baby seems after a feed, wet nappies through the day, and steady weight gain, not by how much you can express.
Next Steps
Talk to your baby's paediatrician about tapering formula gradually while tracking weight on the corrected-age growth chart.
Health Tips
Please don't stop formula suddenly on your own. A preterm baby needs close weight monitoring while you make this change.
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Best is breast feeding as it promotes mother baby bond
Protects mother from various illness
If he is taking breast feeding adequately latching for 20 min
Passing urine 6-8 times and gaining wt 20-30 gm / day
U can easily shift to breast feeding exclusively
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