Dear Christine,

Sounds to me like this is a very typical oversupply situation - rapid weight gain, fussy baby, irritating stools.  Baby is suffering from a lactose/fat imbalance in the milk intake - too much foremilk, not enough hindmilk..  If you think this may be it, have the mom nurse on one side only for several feeds in a row, expressing or pumping on the other side to comfort.  Some moms will nurse for 6-12 hours on the same side before switching.  This should help to bring the supply under better control after a few days to a week.  Also, if she has a tremendous MER, try letting the initial outpouring go into a diaper or towel and put baby to breast after the flow has abated somewhat.  Be alert for signs of plugged ducts or mastitis on the side that is not being used at the time.  Check the archives.  There is a lot of information on this topic.

Warmly,
Sharon Knorr, BSMT, ASCP, IBCLC
Newark, NY (near Rochester on Lake Ontario)
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