Greetings Lactnetters:

A friend needs your expertise regarding baby Daniel.

Daniel was born emergency C-section...All seemed to be going well until some
improper latch on advice caused much stress and pain to Mom starting at 5
days old.  Mom is determined to breastfeed.

At two weeks, Daniel had lost one pound.  Pediatrician recommended
supplementation with formula, suggested five minutes on each breast, then
formula feeding.  Mom hand expressed to keep up supply.  She was able to pump
12 ounces over that weekend.  She exclusively formula fed for one weekend to
allow breasts time to heal.  On that Monday, she began five minutes on each
breast for every feeding, every two hours, followed by 2-3 ounces of formula.

Daniel is now 4 weeks old  He has gradually increased from five minutes on
each side to 20 minutes on each side.  Overall, Daniel usually is still
wanting formula afterwards, occasionally he is satisfied with breastmilk
only.   Suck and swallow plus appearance of breasts before and after seem to
indicate that breastfeeding and latch on are going well.  Breasts are
completely healed and no pain with breastfeeding.  He usually takes about 2
ounces of formula after each breastfeeding.  He usually continues to fuss and
root until formula is offered.   Frequently, he spits up some of the formula
and fusses for a while after the formula.  He rarely burps after breast, but
with formula he burps and also arches his back and thrashes. He has gained 1
1/2 pounds in 16 days.  No nipple confusion.

How can Mom return to full breastfeeding?  Is supplementation affecting
supply?  Would fenugreek help and if so, how much?  Should she attempt to
pump and/or hand express more?  Is this a temporary growth spurt thing?
 Military lactation specialists do not seem to have given the best advice
here.  Please advise.

NOTE TO DR. JACK:  YOUR HELP HERE WOULD BE TERRIFIC...JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU
THAT I DON'T THINK YOU'RE GLIB...I THINK YOU'RE A CRACK UP!  IF THERE WAS A
DR. JACK FAN CLUB...I'D BE THE RECORDING SECRETARY.


Thanks to all in advance...the usually lurking,

Anne Bremer