🚨 Advance warning 🚨 This forum will be closing on 1st May – please see our pinned thread for more information.
Options
Help! Newborn bottle feeding advice/Feeding on Demand
BabyGeo2010
Regular
I gave birth to my gorgeous little man George last Friday, and we have been home since Sunday. I initially started BFing, but after 3 days of perserverance, finally gave up yesterday and moved over to bottle feeding.
George was instantly a changed baby, far more contented and happy, so I know I am doing the best thing for him.
My question is regarding how much/how often I should be feeding him (given he is only 5 days old, and was born slightly low birth weight for dates at 5lb 14 oz - so it's really important he gets what he needs).
In the day yesterday (first day on the bottle), he was going about 2-3 hours between feeds (closer to every 2 hours though) and I was making up 3 oz bottles, of which he was taking anywhere between 1-2 oz.
Last night though, he seemed to only be able to go for 1 1/2 - 2 hours between feeds (I am obviously feeding on demand, so he gets it when he wants it), and he took anything from 1 - 1 1/2 oz each time he fed, I think over the course of 9 hours last night, he took a total of 7 1/2 oz - but is this right/is he getting enough?
I have friends who say their LOs went 2-3 hours between feeds always, and always took 2-3 oz, but the most George has taken from one bottle was almost 2 oz - am I doing the right thing?
I am guessing as he is little, he may well just need "little and often", but I need to make sure he is putting on weight ????
George was instantly a changed baby, far more contented and happy, so I know I am doing the best thing for him.
My question is regarding how much/how often I should be feeding him (given he is only 5 days old, and was born slightly low birth weight for dates at 5lb 14 oz - so it's really important he gets what he needs).
In the day yesterday (first day on the bottle), he was going about 2-3 hours between feeds (closer to every 2 hours though) and I was making up 3 oz bottles, of which he was taking anywhere between 1-2 oz.
Last night though, he seemed to only be able to go for 1 1/2 - 2 hours between feeds (I am obviously feeding on demand, so he gets it when he wants it), and he took anything from 1 - 1 1/2 oz each time he fed, I think over the course of 9 hours last night, he took a total of 7 1/2 oz - but is this right/is he getting enough?
I have friends who say their LOs went 2-3 hours between feeds always, and always took 2-3 oz, but the most George has taken from one bottle was almost 2 oz - am I doing the right thing?
I am guessing as he is little, he may well just need "little and often", but I need to make sure he is putting on weight ????
0
Replies
Every baby is so different so it's not good comparing to your friend (Something I at 19 weeks still have to remind myself!).
I can't remember what we were feeding at this stage as LO was on SCBU till 10 days and I was mix feeding when I was able to.
But from what I can gather from my friends, at the start, babies do feed little and often so that would fit with what you're saying.
In terms of weight gain, you should be having a visit from your HV or MW and they can weigh George at your house. Alternatively, once you've been discharged they should have told you about your local clinic where you can go and get LO weighed and discuss any concerns or questions with the HVs there. So take advantage of that service too.
Congratualtions on your little man, good luck
xxx
Congratulations and I hope your enjoying being a Mummy!
xx