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*harlene_R
writes: my sister has a 3 week old baby that isnt taking her formula feeds properly. she takes a lillte then falls asleep for ten to fifteen mins then wakes for the rest of the bottle. she seems to be struggling taking the milk, we have winded her properly and tried different teats and milk for hungrier babies but she wants feeding every 20 mins due to her not taking the full bottle can you help? thank you charlene reddington Reply to this Question
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reader, Serene Katy +, writes (3 August 2006):
 Don't know why I was anonymous with that last posting. Anyway, forgot to say, don't dream of moving up in formula strength until she is starving an hour or so after drinking a full bottle of the first strength (startup formula). Last point, sometimes they may take better to one brand name than the other. She will be ready for the next level, generally speaking at about 6 weeks when a growth spurt occurs.
I hope this is of help. I don't know in other countries how it works but mothers here have great support from their public health nurses and GPs in the first 6 weeks of baby coming home. Please feel free to mail me if you need any further assistance.
Katy
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reader, anonymous, writes (3 August 2006): It can be a physical problem, which normally would be spotted in the hospital, you could get your GP to check it out.
BUT, I don't think so, more likely the little darling isn't being left long enough between feeds, because believe me, an extra half hour of doing something else can build up an appetite!! So instead of shoving a bottle (or breast) to the gob right away, give them a little while longer. The baby can easily go 3 hours without feeds in the day, and at 3 weeks (unless preterm or underweight) up to 6 hours at night. Sometimes they may just need pre-boiled - then COOLED water, (not bottled, as the sodium content and minerals are unsuitable) as they are thirsty, especially in the hot weather.
You are wearing yourselves out and spoiling her appitite. Work to the clock, she can't have little snacks all the time. Her tummy, mood will improve. She may just want to play or be walked around or cuddled, she probably associates a nice little suck of milk with a cuddle and a mind, and doesn't want to go too long without all the cossetting. Also make sure you let her go a little longer before bedtime, give her her bath, cuddle and fuss, make sure at least 4 to 4 and a half hours goes by since her last feed. That way she will have a nice big feed at bedtime head off to the land of nod clean, cuddled and with a full tummy - and give your sister a bit o well deserved kip. Keep me posted and good luck.
Katy
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