Patient's question:
Five-month-old baby's breast milk is not very sufficient, but I don't drink formula milk and have been feeding him on demand. Whenever he wants to eat, I let him eat. When I go back to my hometown, my mother said to feed him on a schedule and forced me to do so. I want to know, which method is better for the child, feeding on demand or feeding on a schedule? The baby weighed six pounds and one ounce at birth, and now at five months, he weighs thirteen and a half pounds. Is his weight normal?Doctor's answer:
The baby is five months old and weighs 13.5 jin, which is a bit low. At three months, the baby's weight was twice the birth weight. For breastfed babies, it is generally recommended to feed on demand, but it should be adjusted according to the baby's absorption. If the baby has curd-like stools after eating or has a higher frequency of bowel movements, it indicates poor digestion, and scheduled feeding may be necessary. Signs that the baby is full: the mom's breasts feel full and taut, the baby can be heard making gulping sounds while nursing, the baby sleeps quietly and for a long time after nursing, and normal urination and defecation. No illness, normal growth and development.