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Feeding Problems

It’s natural to worry when it seems that something isn’t going quite right with your baby’s feeds. If they are having feeding problems such as reflux, are continually waking for night feeds, or have an allergy, believe us when we say you’re not alone, but it can make feeding stressful for both parent and baby. Complementary therapies that might help a baby who's in need of feeding help: Baby massage, cranial osteopath, breastfeeding counsellor, cranial sacral therapy.

Various factors could contribute to problems feeding your baby
Many breastfeeding mothers worry they’re not producing enough milk or that their baby is not satisfied. This is most cases this is rubbish! In our experience you can get real amazing life-changing support  from a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant.

Gaining weight: My baby was very light when she was born and lost just over 10% of her birth weight. 10% is normally what is expected before there are any concerns. Most babies out on their birth weight by 2 weeks. My baby was 3 weeks early and had regained her birth weight by a month - this is perfectly acceptable.
Don't let anyone put pressure on you or make you worry about your baby's weight, in my experience if both parents are of slight build and were light at birth themselves your baby is going to take as much breast milk as they need to thrive. I used some donated breast milk in the first three days of my baby's life. I was worried she wasn't getting enough colostrum from me so I syringe and cup fed my baby some breast milk that my friend donated as her baby was just 5 weeks older than mine. You can read about my battle to get breastfeeding right the articles section of the homepage.
You may worry that your baby is not eating enough to put on enough weight fast enough. As long as your baby is feeding 8-10 times in a 24 hour period (2-3 hourly) and is having 6-8 wet nappies and pooing regularly, it would be safe to say your baby is healthy.

Your baby might be very sleepy - here are some suggestions to wake your baby:

• Your baby may have tongue-tie - read more about this here: tongue-tie Find a tongue tie specialist and have it cut. This was also the answer to my baby and I having thrush for 3 months.
• Your baby may have jaundice - a yellowing of their complexion and could be seen as yellow instead of the whites of their eyes. In this case your baby is probably very sleepy. Use the tips as above for Sleepy babies.
• Your baby may have reflux - projectile vomiting after every feed) Read more about this here: Reflux
• Your baby may bob on and off the breast - various reasons - see 'Off to a good start' articles and see a bf counsellor / lactation consultant
• You may have sore, cracked nipples - normally due to a poor latch - see a breastfeeding consultant.
• Your baby may have a dairy intollerence or milk allergy. see our article on milk allergies
•  If you are breastfeeding and baby is not gaining weight don’t suffer in silence. Employ an impartial breastfeeding advice person or go to a local clinic and make sure you see some one who could help.
• If your baby is gaining weight at the normal rate, then there’s no need to worry, but your midwife will be able to offer advice about this.
• If you think your baby has a medical condition, see your doctor so they can diagnose the problem and give you advice on how to manage it.

If you have persisting, worrying problems feeding your baby please consult your GP or Health Visitor, See a Breastfeeding consultant, ABM counsellor, breastfeeding network, nct or other organisation or Lactation Consultant for help.

Related Articles

CranioSacral Therapy for babies. For birth trauma

Breastfeeding - finding the right support

breastfeeding websites

Reflux Help

Reflux information

Getting breastfeeding off to a good start

Bras for pregnancy and breastfeeding

I breastfed, against all the odds, by Louise Prince