4 week old "overeating"???

Question

I have a 4 week old son who is exclusively breastfed. He loves to eat and does so often. 
However, in the past week or so he has started spitting up large amounts of milk. It almost looks like he's vomiting because it just comes gushing out. He doesn't do it after every single feeding or even every day, it just happens randomly every now and then.

He is gaining weight and has many wet and dirty diapers. Our pediatrician says he is overeating and that's why he is spitting up so much. He told me to only let him eat every 3 hours. I didn't even know it was possible for a breastfed baby to overeat!

My baby hates pacifiers and screams horribly when I try to give him one. I try to bounce him or rock him or anything else to soothe him but all he wants is to be nursed. I feel awful watching him cry and smack his lips and not breastfeeding him.

Do you think my pediatrician is right or should I continue feeding whenever my baby wants to? If you do think I should limit to every 3 hours, is there anything else I can do to help keep him happy when he is wanting to eat but can't?

Answer

We had this for a bit and the lactation nurse told me he can't overeat if he is exclusively breastfed. If he is nursing he either needs the milk or is pumping up your supply for future need. Big spit ups aren't a big deal or a sign of a problem. More a laundry problem! Just try burping regularly during the cluster feeeds and he will ease off eventually.

Answer

My daughter was like this but she wasn't overeating she was just "a throw up baby" he'll probably stop throwing up as much once he's sitting up on his own. The gaining weight and wet diapers are awesome. He also might have a big appetite. I breastfed my nephew as well when I would babysit him and he ate ALOT! he just had a big appetite.

Answer

My son has overeaten a few times. Basically because every time he was crying and sucking his hands I just assumed he was hungry and would feed him. But after the large amounts of spit up all over my bed, I've stopped that. Now whenever he gets fussy I try everything first before feeding him. I will walk him around and bounce him, try his swing, or give him a paci (I have to hold it in his mouth for a min before he starts sucking on it, and he only takes the mam brand). When he is hungry though I make sure not to let him eat for too long, as soon as he starts to slow down I take him off and burp him, and now the spitting up has completely stopped and he only wants to eat every 3-3 1/2 hours now and every 4 hours at night.

Answer

Is he spitting up while eating or after?

Answer

Baby's his age don't overeat. I would honestly consider talking to your pedi about a possible milk allergy. Feedings every 2-3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night are normal. 8-12 feedings a day.

Answer

3 hours seems like a pretty long gap between feeds at that age. 
I have two friends who are D.O.'s both are family practice and told me the same thing. Doctors are taught almost nothing about breastfeeding. They both said that was even true of people they knew who went into pediatrics amazingly enough. They are both big supporters of breastfeeding but gained their knowledge outside of their medical training. All this to say there are plenty of well meaning Drs who simply have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to breastfeeding. 
Feed on demand and listen to your babies cues.  They nurse for hunger and comfort. And they know when they need to nurse. 
Some babies just spit up a lot. As someone else said it's really a laundry issue not a medical one if baby is growing well.

4 week old "overeating"???

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey