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Ask A Lactation Consultant

Q. My baby is 7 weeks old, and I am doing a breastfeeding and bottle combo. I breastfeed all day then a nightime give about 2 bottles. my question is this, somtimes I can breastfeed for 45 minutes and my baby will be crying like she is starving. If I offer the bottle right after she'll suck down 4 ozs. I know I'm producing enough milk, because I've pumped and seen how much. The doctor says everytime the baby cries it's not hunger, especially after breastfeeding. But how come she takes all that in the bottle afterward, and then she's very content?

Please help!

A. Congratulations on your new baby! Sometimes it's difficult to tell what a baby may want. It would be nice if your baby could tell you. It sounds like you feel that you have a good supply and your baby is growing well. My experiences with babies and bottles is that if you offer - they will take. A baby who is used to getting bottles may not feel "fully fed" until she has her bottle. Also by giving a bottle after nursing, you may be prolonging the length of time between the next breastfeeding. And over time, this can decrease your supply. Also, by n