My baby will be 3 weeks old on Sunday. His birth weight was 8lb 4oz but at 2 weeks, he was down to 7lb 3oz. I was exhausted as he fed constantly (literally for hours) then woke up 5 mins later still hungry!
The midwife noticed he had a tongue tie which meant he couldn't get enough milk and sent my partner straight out to buy formula (it was that or send him to hospital to be put on a drip) on Monday he had his tongue tie cut and now his tongue is fine. Today he was back to his birth weight. I'm still breastfeeding him (latch is fine and he feeds hungrily) but having to still top up with 3-4oz formula.
How can I drop the formula all together and go back to breastfeeding exclusively without putting him at risk of losing weight again? Today I breastfed him for 3hrs non stop and he was still hungry so had to give formula. His tongue is fine and working properly now and I know he's getting more milk from me than he was before.
Do you think it's safe for me to drop the formula and just breastfeed him constantly for hours on end over the next few days? I know it will be exhausting but will it solve the problem? It's all I can think of and midwife is useless. Don't know where to turn!

hi, im not being funny but formula does not harm a baby. You may just have a very hungry baby who needs more than the milk you can offer. This was my case. I tried breastfeeding and it did not work for my darling brooke as she is a hungry baby. She began on a normal formula and then had to quickly be put on a formula for "Hungrier Babies" this was satisfying for her and as she was finally getting what she needed feeds only took as long as they should and she was fine after. She is now six months and on solids and she is sooooooo healthy and the picture perfect weight, she has never been poorly, never had a tummy problem, you really couldnt tell that she is not breastfed. Your baby is obviously hungry and would be happiest just having his little belly full regardless of whether its breast or bottle.

Oh my! I can't believe your midwife didn't take steps to get the tongue tie taken care of immediately instead of sending your husband out to buy artificial milk. Wow! My midwife says that back in the day, midwives used to keep one fingernail real sharp so they could take care of tongue ties immediately ??” it was that or the baby died of starvation! Not that I'd recommend that, but sheesh.
Anyway, I'm so glad to hear it is now taken care of. You are great to work so hard for your son. Yes, you can get back to exclusively breastfeeding.
I would strongly urge you to call a La Leche League Leader. Check their web site at www.llli.org and if there isn't one in your town, pick the closest one or any one.
When there is a special case like this, it's always a great idea to enlist all the help you can to take care of your other duties so you can take the baby to bed with you and nurse nonstop. Your idea of nursing him constantly is great!
I wonder how much formula he's getting each day. Is the 3-4 oz. each feeding session or each day?

I think nursing him a ton is great, but soon or a later, you and you're boobs are going to need a rest.
How is your milk supply? If it's a little low, I would pump in between feedings. That should get your milk supply up. There are some things you can take for that, I'd visit kellymom.com for info and then talk to you doctor before doing them.
I would try to find a friendly La Leche League (I know some meetings can be scary, but the one near me was rad and helpful). Those ladies really can help.
Also, your pediatrician may have a lactation consultant associated with their office. Mine does and she was super helpful. Plus, you're insurance my pay for a visit (mine did). I'd be sure to check that out too.
What I hope to have you avoid is making breast feeding so hard that you eventually have to stop for some sanity. I nearly did until I got some help. I'm on my 5th month, and I'm shocked I made it this far because of how hard it was at first. So try to get some help either with the La Leche League, or a lactation consultant, and in the mean time, nurse and pump and nurse and pump.