Hi Lactnetters,

I'm in need of your help.  34 yo mom with first baby, term delivery,9#8,
first seen at 5 days old, breastfeeding well, observed sucking and
swallowing, good transfer of milk,  mom c/o low milk supply in right breast,
infant not feeding well on right breast.  At 2 week ped. visit, infant 7oz.
less than birth weight.  Mom is pumping with  rented electric pump, most ebm
from right breast was 2 1/2 oz.  Infant gets most of feeding from left
breast. At three weeks from birth, infant had gained 8 oz.  Ped. OK with
weight gain.

My problem is this.  Mom called with complaint of occas. green stools with
occas. blood.  Infant is 6 weeks old.   Ped. told her not to worry.  Mom
feeding infant every 1 1/2 hrs., takes 40-45 mins. for feeding, complains of
infant falling asleep freq. during feeding, spits up alot, fussy during most
of day, least fussy time at night when feeding every 3 hrs.  I felt the
green stools were most likely coming from too much foremilk.  Peds told mom
that blood in stools was from rectal bleeding.  Mom states blood looks dark
red and is fairly small amount, not in every stool.  The spitting up, fussy
periods seemed to be from too frequent feedings.  Mom was instructed to feed
every 2 1/2 to 3 hrs.  The first day trying this, the infant fed better,
awake during feedings,  less fussy,  fewer spitting up and no green stools.
Well, today he is fussy, spitting up and large green stools with small amt.
of dark red blood.   I've discussed possible problems with mom consuming
dairy products.  Am I on the right track or is it possible that something
else is going on?  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

TIA,

Susan Hilton RN, MSN, IBCLC
Lexington, NC