This baby sounds to be in big trouble.  Check with breastfeeding
decision tree (in JHL June 1996) on how to deal with problem.

I am finding this type of approach to breastfeeding (Doctors saying
"it's fine, it's fine") almost as tiresome as stop breastfeeding or
start supplementing at the drop of a hat.

You cannot evaluate the adequacy of the breastfeeding without actually
watching the baby breastfeed.  A physician would never say over the
phone about a child's cough, it's just fine, without watching the baby's
respirations, without listening to his chest.  Physicians who say "it's
fine, just keep at it" think they are supportive because they do not
tell the mother to supplement, but they are just as bad if they do not
evaluate the breastfeeding.  Because when the baby runs into real
trouble, they will go over to the "supplement just because" group.

This baby needs a change quick.  Get the baby well latched on.  Observe
for drinking (open--pause--close type of suck).  If the baby does not
drink, use breast compression.  If that doesn't help, start
supplementing with a lactation aid.  Use expressed milk if available.
If not that other stuff.  If the baby does not latch on well enough to
use a lactation aid, use finger feeding.  If that doesn't work, cup.  If
that doesn't work bottle.  This baby has got to get some calories, and
now.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC