when should you give up on breastfeeding and/or introduce formula?

[K.I.T's mom]

I met my 5 week old nephew yesterday and was a little disturbed to see that he was skin and bones. I honestly have not seen a baby look as unhealthy as he did. My SIL is trying really hard to breastfeed and is on a strict feeding schedule by the doctor for every 2 hours for 30 minutes each feed. He still hasn't put on much weight and was about to be sent to the hospital if he didn't reach his current weight. He was 6lbs 9oz at birth (born at 38 weeks), was 6lbs 6oz when they left the hospital and is now only 7lbs 10oz. Is this in the normal range for weight gain for a breastfed baby? My daughter is 6 weeks and 5 days older than her cousin and is exclusively breastfed, however we are very lucky as she took to breastfeeding from the start and has been gauning beautifully (she was 7lbs 6oz at birth and was 12lbs 6oz at her 9 week appointment). I didn't say anything to my SIL, as I didn't want to discourage her, she is trying so hard, and I know the doctor is monitoring the situation but I'm worried.

So for my own piece of mind is that a normal weight gain?

Thanks

 

[Ashley]

She might not have enough time between feedings to fill back up, I had that problem in the beginning cause I was unsure when to stop the every two hours feedings. But I also have had supply problems and supplement with formula. But every baby is different, my daughter is four months now and is on the small side but is perfectly healthy, not all babies are meant to be chubalubs. Maybe suggest to her to give a bottle every other feeding or just try to stretch the times in between feedings. I usually feed mine every 4/5 hours, but that's just her schedule too. But don't have her give up! Even if she can only supply one feeding a day it's better than none!

 

[hey mama]

she should NOT be putting him on a schedule -- he's not eating enough! it's normal for breast fed newborns to feed 12+ times a day -- every 1-2 hours is normal. she needs another doctor and needs to feed him *on demand*.

eta: SMURFY - I just want to tell you how much I like you as a contact....I star something and you answer and add a ton of detail and websites that I don't have. I hope you realize how much of a great source of information you are on this site. thank you. sorry that I sound like a suck-up but it's true. I hope you see this, lol.

 

[Sophie and Jacob's mummy]

Why limit him to 30 mins at each feed? Tell ehr to let him feed for as long as he wants- it may be he's not getting the calorie-rich hind milk so is filling up on watery foremilk.

But it does sound like he's not thriving.

Tell her about an SNS feeder (google it) where baby is put to the breast and take breast milk, but also a supplement if the baby needs it, without havign to introduce bottles. It also means that mums' milk supply is boosted too.