Jan & others:
        I like the idea of using a BF log for mom's personal assurance. But
then, if baby doesn't latch, it's not countable as a feeding, is it?
Bring out the bottle again!! I would be inclined to use a log that
counts all feeds, notes breast or formula, plus any other comments mom
wants to make.
        Timing the feeds is a very common concern among the RNs in my hosp. It
is based on the (theory - research - common knowledge) that babies
should not take longer than 30 min to eat. Beyond that, they are
expending more energy / calories in the activity of eating than they
gain in the additional milk or formula they consume. This is not my
idea, it's hospital practice. I've searched MedLine, L'net Archives,
etc. & have not yet found any such study about calories in / out vs
time.
        Following this formula feeding tangent: babies are expected to consume
20 ml per feed on the first day, increase to 40 ml the 2nd day, and be
up to 60 ml per feed by discharge time. I even heard of a "float" nurse
bragging about a 2 d.o. she was feeding who consumed 80 ml. She said he
was "so hungry" that she offered more! There was no rooting. Baby was
trying hard to shut down. She managed to get 101 ml into him. Another LC
in my hosp told me of this incident. I'm glad I wasn't there.

        Running off at the mouth (keyboard) again..... sorry.

Phyllis Adamson, BA, IBCLC
[log in to unmask]
In rainy AZ where it's time to get the jackets out because the temp is
below 60F.  :-)

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