Linda, I am a dietitian, and I too have heard that it takes 20 minutes for
the stomach to let the brain know that it is full. First I have never been
able to find any data to document this "fact", and secondly, many things
which apply to adults do not apply to infants, so I would hesitate to
repeat this. If the flow on the nipple is adjusted so that the baby is
not having to gulp large amounts, most bottle fed babies know when they are
full and actually stop sucking, and refuse the nipple. Some mothers will
insist they finish and will keep urging them onward. Bottlefed usually
sleep longer due to the slower digestibility of the ABM, and consistent
bolus of feedings. Calories do not vary as does Brmilk which varies
appropriately due to foremilk,hindmilk variation. Just some thoughts,
and a desire to stick to research based info. Michelle Scott, RD,MA,IBCLC
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From: Linda Barrett Ibclc[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 1997 4:25 AM
Subject: Breastmilk vs ABM
I have be operating under the impression that the breastfed baby takes in
less BM from the breast than from a bottle because it takes a lot longer to
nurse than guzzle a bottle. It takes approximately 20 minutes for the
stomach to signal the brain that it is full. The typical bottle fed baby
will drink a bottle in under 10 minutes. Even if given more than an
appropriate amount, this baby will cry for more -- We call it the
Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Baby gorges himself because he thinks he is
hungry
and its too late once the signal reaches the brain. Baby's stomach is
stretched beyond belief and if baby has not thrown it up, he sleeps for
hours
(right through those football games!)
Linda Barrett, IBCLC
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