[Ask Andrea]

I am a new mother to a 6 week old little girl. I am breastfeeding and supplementing with formula 2x a day.

1. I have noticed that she cries and wriggles her body in pain after eating the breastmilk only. Clearly something is going on in my diet that is hurting her. I was advised to stay away from dairy and soy and certain veggies. Any other suggestions as it is sad to see her in pain after breast milk but not formula!

2. it's hard to know how much they are eating and hard to stick to a schedule of every 2 1/2-3 hours as some days she is hungry/crying after only an hour after eating! How can you gauge their milk intake?

It's been really stressful and I don't want to give up nursing yet...

Thanks,
Cara
NYC

[Andrea]

A little girl! Congratulations!! It must be so difficult and discouraging for you to see the difference for your baby girl when she drinks formula. The reason for that is , cow's milk has an opiate effect on human beings, remember the "glass of warm milk to help you sleep at night" idea? Well, it's true! It's lovely that you won't give up breastfeeding her, because these challenges can be overcome!!

You said that you are "supplementing with formula 2x a day", if this is offered in a bottle, then when she is breastfeeding , ensure that her latch (the attachment between your breast and her mouth) is deep, meaning that her mouth is filled completely with breast tissue. This will ensure that she swallows milk rather that lots of air. That said, if her discomfort starts at about half after she has completed a feeding , it may be that she needs to burp more thoroughly during the feeding. As these pockets of air go through her system, crying and wriggling would be her way of trying to "work it out".

When she is having such an episode, try giving her a warm bath or swaddling her, holding her in a horizontal position and rubbing her back, moving downward to encourage the gas to move out of her body.
On the days when your little girl seems hungrier, you can feed her as often as she needs it, there are no rules !! Babies, when feeding effeciently, will take whatever they need at that time.

Her intake can be tracked by being aware of her "output". Note and count her wet diapers and bowel movements. At 6 weeks , she should have at least 6 wet diapers in 24 hours, and bowel movements should be copious when they do occur. Also, if her rate of weight gain is appropriate, at this stage, you can trust her to feed well when she is breastfed.

Lastly, I do recommend you see a Lactation Consultant, or attend a breastfeeding support group, led by a La Leche Leader or a Lactation Consultant, because more details about your concerns would help to find a solution that is particular to your and your daughter's needs.