When we got back home the fussiness level had tripled from his time in the hospital, we realized by friday night that although he was breast feeding he was not getting enough! We called the Dr and were told to give him a bottle of formula that night and he would be looked at the next day at his previously scheduled 48hr appointment. When we got to the Dr they realized his jaundice had increased and he had lost a significant amount of weight. We were sent to get his jaundice tested. It had doubled from 8 to 16 in a day and a half. They took him off breast feeding completely and onto formula for the next 3 days. Luckily his number went down and the weight went back on, so by his next appt. on tuesday we were good to go! Unfortunately, 3 days of bottle feeding had spoiled him and he had a hard time getting back to breast feeding. We decided that we would bottle feed breast milk instead of formula, but that meant i would be pumping every 2-3 hours! So that means if he isnt eating, i was pumping on a constant rotations for days, leaving no time for naps, housework, etc. BUT something clicked yesterday and (knock on wood) we might be back to breast feeding and not pumping so much!! I think i am still going to pump a little daily to get a backup supply and incase we feel he isnt getting enough we can give him a bottle so we know how much he is eating. But as of right now i am EXCITED that yesterday he made it thru the day with only a couple bottles!
** updated - we are now officially on formula :-( it was a hard decision but after talking to his Dr we know its the right one. He just isn't getting enough when he tries to breast feed. We tried to exclusively pump but that just wasn't working either. We know he will be happier this way with a full tummy and we will be happier knowing how much he is eating. Plus if i am not pumping round the clock i have more time with him and more time to rest, which in the end will make me a better mommy :-)
Yay for breast feeding! Nice work Mom.
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