We’re currently going through the demand-feeding vs. scheduling debate. I tried ONE Babywise feeding (ten-ten-five-five per side) and he promptly vomited quite a large quantity of what he had just eaten so I think he got too much milk all of a sudden that way. The rest of today, we have been demand feeding and the time between feedings is still between 1-2 hours. Never longer than 2 1/2 hours. So, um, I’m totally confused. I know he’s healthy but I just don’t know the “right” thing to do for him feeding-sleeping-wise. The 1-2 hour cycle is resulting in mama getting ZERO sleep and the immediate result of our first attempt at Babywise was a drenched and barfy shirt and bra.
I have the opportunity to attend a La Leche League meeting either next week during the day or the week after in the evening. I think I would like to go to both this month and then attend one of them regularly every month after. I think LLL will recommend the demand feeding method, whereas my church “friends” (don’t really have many real friends – mostly church acquaintences these days) would recommend the scheduling, Babywise, method.
James is definitely doing well. I just wish there was one way that was right where I wouldn’t have to constantly second-guess what I’m doing with the little guy as far as the feeding/sleeping cycles go.
UPDATE: David and I had a talk about this … we’ve decided to try using a timer (set to 3 hours, so he doesn’t go longer than that without eating during the day) to keep track of the feedings since logging them all down by hand was a hassle. I would like to keep track of his poopy/wet diapers as well, but judging by our trash can and HEB sacks full of diapers, we’re doing great in the diaper department (no cloth until the cord stump falls off)… Anyhow, I am loving the timer method because it doesn’t matter how long he nurses, just how long in between nursing… I can let him have boobie as long as he wants… So far, with the timer, burps, a diaper change, and second side, we’ve had 45 minute feeding sessions and 1.75-2 hour naps so far. Not bad.
Oh, and Grandma & Grandpa Barnes finally get to meet James tomorrow! Woo hoo! :-)
I think the Le Leche League should change it’s name to:
The Milk Organization -or-
The Dairy Group
Jen,
If I tried to feed Duncan for a full 30 minutes (the 10-10-5-5 thing) he’d barf all over me, too. Way too much milk coming out for his stomach to handle that. We’re pretty much demand feeding, but I don’t let him go more than 3-4 hours during the day between feedings. And at night, he can go as long as he wants… ;) Or eat as often as he wants, too.
Hey Jen-
Have been checking in lately to see your adventures as a new mom…just wanted to say, I probably wouldn’t start babywise yet…James is a little too young and his tummy is tiny…demand feeding is good right now b/c it’s establishing your milk supply. I personally wouldn’t start the schedule thing until he’s 6-8 weeks old. Then it “should” work really well…That is just my personal experieince with Aiden and Gracen. Just a thought…hope it’s helpful. But know that being a first time mom is full of second guesses. You are not alone there…Take comfort!! Love you
These two articles are really helpful in understanding breastfeeding from a physiological how&why point of view. You may find them helpful in sorting out what you want to do:
How Does Milk Production Work?
by By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC
Examining the Evidence for the Cue-feeding of Breastfed Infants
by Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC and Jan Barger, MA, RN, IBCLC
And this article pretty much shares the same feelings you do!
But I Don’t Want to Nurse All the Time OR Watch the Clock!