How do I regulate feeding schedule???

[rami33]

Someone please help me before I go crazy! I am the mother of a five and a half week old baby who has some serious feeding issues. He is eating plenty, gaining 2 1/2 oz.s per day and weighs 12 pounds.

Here is the problem...at some feedings, he wants to take 8 oz.s at a time. Then, he throws up most of his formula. Then, he wants to "accomodate" for his thrown up formula by taking 1 oz. every 30-45 minutes. I know that babies are supposed to know how much they need to eat and when they need to eat, but this schedule is killing me. My sleep-deprivation has gone beyond the cute "all new mommies are tired" stage and has gotten to where I am tripping down the stairs and am afraid to leave the house with him for fear that I will get in a car wreck. How can I regulate my baby's feeding schedule to elminate around-the-clock feeding and give us both a break?

[Heather]

Why are you giving him the eight ozs?? Are you waiting too long between feedings? I think at 5 and a half weeks, you should be giving him about 4-6oz (and six may be pushing it) every 2-3 hours. In addition, while there are a very small number of babies that may sleep through the night at 5 weeks, they are few and far between. Unfortunately, night feedings are going to be a reality for a bit. Do you have anyone who could do a feeding or two through the night?

Heather

[Heather]

Just wanted to add, maybe he just wants to suck so after you feed him the right amount, could you try giving him a pacifier?

[Paula]

Hi,
If it's projectile-type stuff, it's not spit up; he's overeating. My little guy used to occasionally do that. i agree that he probably just wants to suck. try 4 oz & a binkie. remember you may have to hold it in for him b/c he still has the reflex that makes him push everything out of his mouth. they lose that around 3-4 mos.

[auzziekat]

Hi,
I totally agree with Heather and Paula, the amount of formula your baby should be taking is half of his body weight, so if he weighs 10lbs he should get 5oz at each feeding, I always like to tell my clients to try and feed their babies at 3 hour intervals and try to hold them off if you can with a binky. It sounds as though your little guy might just need some good sucking time ok!!! :D

Goodluck
Auzziekat

[rami33]

thanks for replying, I will give the binky a try and also only giving him 6oz.

rami33