I have been breastfeeding exclusively for the past four weeks. However, the doctor said that I had to start supplementing an ounce of formula or pumped breastmilk after each feeding because my baby is not gaining weight. She is 4 weeks old and still not back to her birth weight. I cannot pump enough breastmilk so I am alternating between an ounce of breastmilk and then an ounce of formula.
I am worried my milk supply might be low. When I pump in between feedings I get about 3/4 of an ounce- maybe an ounce. My baby nurses for 20-25 minutes on each side or until I am completely empty. She nurses every 2-3 hours or when ever she gets hungry. I have been taking fenugreek and blessed thistle. Today I also got Brewer's Yeast to start adding. I also eat a bowl of oatmeal everyday which has seemed to helped more than anything else.
If I miss a feeding and give a bottle of pumped breastmilk I can then pump 2-3 ounces.
Does this sound like low milk supply? If so what can I do to make sure it increases so that I can continue breast feeding.
Also- if I end up having to add formula what is the best way to do that? Please don't tell me that adding formula is all bad I need to know how to breastfeed and supplement with formula!- My baby is not gaining weight and it is worrying me. She seems perfectly healthy in every other way.
PLEASE HELP :-(
I am worried my milk supply might be low. When I pump in between feedings I get about 3/4 of an ounce- maybe an ounce. My baby nurses for 20-25 minutes on each side or until I am completely empty. She nurses every 2-3 hours or when ever she gets hungry. I have been taking fenugreek and blessed thistle. Today I also got Brewer's Yeast to start adding. I also eat a bowl of oatmeal everyday which has seemed to helped more than anything else.
If I miss a feeding and give a bottle of pumped breastmilk I can then pump 2-3 ounces.
Does this sound like low milk supply? If so what can I do to make sure it increases so that I can continue breast feeding.
Also- if I end up having to add formula what is the best way to do that? Please don't tell me that adding formula is all bad I need to know how to breastfeed and supplement with formula!- My baby is not gaining weight and it is worrying me. She seems perfectly healthy in every other way.
PLEASE HELP :-(