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Infant feeding

6 week old - bottlefeeding taking ages please help!!!

6 replies

Nataz26 · 10/07/2007 17:59

Urgent help needed, I started switching my little one to bottlefeeding 1 1/2 weeks ago and I am now doing 4 out of 7 feeds by bottle mixing up 5oz (what the tin says for baby weighing more than 10 1/4 lbs). The problem is the feeds are taking so long. Including winding, it can take nearly 2 hours to get her to take 4 ozs. I switched to the Avent 2 teat, but its not making any difference. Has anyone got any advice before I lose all my hair!!!!

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ruddynorah · 10/07/2007 18:05

does she maybe not want 4oz? have you tried giving her less? or is it that she's finding it difficult switching from breast to bottle so hasn't got the right action for a bottle? maybe try the closer to nature ones? i think they're by tomee tippee. that might be it you know. how did she do with breastfeeding? was she a snacker, ie short feeds, or long feeds or what? if she's used to feeding on demand then a full bottle might not be what she wants.

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alexw · 10/07/2007 18:16

My dd always took a couple of ounces less than stated on the tin. Your lo will soon let you know if they've not had enough.

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Nataz26 · 10/07/2007 18:16

She was quite good at breast feeding, normally going for about 20 mins or so and managing to last around 3 hours between feeds. It could be the teat I guess. When she gets going shes really good and will take 2 ozs but then falls asleep, will burp then go again, but sometimes she only takes 1/2 oz at a time.
Do I keep trying to give her more after the first 2-3 ozs or do I leave it and see what happens? Its really frustrating cos I changed from breastfeeding as I couldn't cope with it, found it too tiring. This doesn't seem to be any easier. I know it gets better at some point, just hope its sooner rather than later...

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fannyannie · 10/07/2007 19:30

Nataz26 - try not to rely too much on what it says on the tin all babies are different.

FWIW - DS3 (who's always 6 weeks old) is mix fed (well mainly FF these days) and I make up a 'mixture' of 6oz, and 4oz bottles. He likes to 'snack' so I use the 4oz for then - sometimes he only has 1oz or so, sometimes he finishes it, other times he'll polish off 6oz!

If she stops after 3oz just leave it, I find that sometimes DS3 likes to wait about 20 minutes or so before having another 1 or 2oz. She'll soon let you know if she's hungry again

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orangecat · 10/07/2007 19:39

As long as he/she is putting on weight, try not to worry. My dd never had a very big appetite, and 4oz was pretty much max for her - even when she got older. Even at 8 months she only ever drank 6oz once and she is fine. Gd that u r introducing bottle now, even if slow. I waited until 8 wks before trying, and she wouldn't take it until 4.5 months old!

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Nataz26 · 13/07/2007 12:44

Thanks for all your advice, appears to have paid off as lo is now gulping down 3-4 oz each feed and doing it in around 30 mins. Feel much more relaxed now not trying to make her take what tins say. Shes a differenty baby, more calm and actually going down for naps.
Wonder how long it will last! lol!!!

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