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Old October 5th 03, 04:03 PM
Beth Kevles
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Default refusal to feed after 5 mins


Hi -

First of all, don't worry about how LONG your baby nurses. Some babies
can get pretty efficient early on. Instead, count those wet and poopy
diapers! At two weeks of age, your baby should be making 6-8 soakers
every day, and probably still at least one good and poopy one daily as
well.

If your baby is making enough diapers, then just be grateful that she's
feeding efficiently.

If her diaper output is down, though, then you do need to help her nurse
longer. Some things that might help:

-- When she pulls away from the breast, burp her REALLY well. Babies
don't like to eat when they're full of wind.
-- Let her nurse for just five minutes, but wake her after a short time
-- either a really short time, like 10 minutes, or else about halfway
to when you expect she'd awaken on her own -- and feed her again **on
the same breast**. So you do two feeds on one breast instead of
switching at every feed.
-- When she pulls away, offer the other breast. Tickle her jaw to
trigger the latch reflex. Strip off her clothing to keep her chilly
and awake.

As you can tell, you can't try these things all at once. Some are
mutually exclusive.

Also, if her diaper output is down, call her doctor or your health
visitor. Do NOT assume that you need to switch to formula are expressed
breast milk. DO assume that there's a reason your baby isn't nursing
enough, and try to solve the actual problem (whatever the reason is)
rather than moving to a bottle (which may help with the sympton --
insufficient nursing -- but not the source).

Other people are sure to have further suggestions. Good luck, and
congratulations on the new arrival!
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.