When to express?

Question

Feeling tired amotional and overhwlmed by feeding and jist need some support. My little one is 10 days old today and has yet not regained birth weight. We only put on 10g in the last 5 days. I'm terrified I'm failing her.
I want to exclusively use my milk but am happy to combo when it comes to breast and bottle. 
My though is if i express one breast whilst nursing on the other and then use that to top her up if she isnt taking a great amount from me. 
But does that make sense. When is best to express to not 'confuse' my supply. 
She's still not waking for feeds and relying on me waking her up which can be difficult. 
What is any are your recommendations for adding in some expressed milk
TIA

Answer

From the American Pregnancy Association: A 7-10% loss is considered normal for breastfed babies. Most babies should regain this lost weight by days 10-14
Your baby is now gaining her weight back, so I would try not to stress to much - I know that’s WAY easier said then done! It’s so hard not know how much they’re actually eating. Really the only way to know, is by making sure she’s gaining weight (which she is now) and that she has 5-7 weight diapers a day (per APA). 
It’s very hard in the beginning, but the best thing you can do if you want to be successful is to put her on breast often. Her mouth will tell your body what she needs. It can take 4-6 weeks before your supply is well established, so it’s best to avoid pumping if you can. 
I had a hard time waking my son up to eat too. It’s exhausting. You might have to undress her or change her diaper to get her to wake up, but she shouldn’t be going more than 5hours at night without nursing. Wishing you the best!

Answer

Sorry and then next feed - nurse both sides and then give via bottle whatever you pumped last session. So that you are pumping and it’s ready for next feed. Also if you do this, breastmilk is fine out of the fridge for 5 hours, so no need to heat up etc.

Answer

In similar spot. I was advised to nurse on both sides, and then pump afterwards (depending on how much you are trying to increase your supply, 5-10mins each side)

Answer

Are you offering both breasts at the same feed? My son always wanted both from about 5 days old. If he wouldn’t stay awake, I would just switch sides more often to keep him awake.

Answer

Look up SNS, and let baby nurse as much as possible.

When to express?

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