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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

the baby's inadequate weight gain

I took The Baby in for her 4-month check a couple weeks ago. She only weighed 11 pounds 2 ounces. She was 10 pounds at her 2-month check. She only gained a little over a pound in two months. She went from the 26th percentile to the 4th.

DrM was only slightly concerned because she's doing great otherwise. Developmentally on schedule, happiest baby ever, yatta yatta yatta. He told me to start some cereal and bring her back in a month so he can check her again. If she still isn't gaining well, he wants me to supplement formula.

This made my heart sink! I've written about my breastfeeding struggles with the other two and really thought The Baby and I were getting it. Then this happens, just as I was finally at the point of thinking we were successful in our breastfeeding relationship.

Ever since the beginning I've had to be very aggressive with breastfeeding The Baby. I was always forcing her to eat longer than she really wanted because I was so paranoid about her getting enough. When she hit 2 months and was gaining well, I let her take over. She would never eat for very long at all, but she was happy and content, so I left it at that! So now I'm back to pushing her and it hasn't been easy!

On top of that, she ended up getting sick and was pretty much spitting up everything that went in. Pretty sure she lost some weight, which is just fantabulous.

I tried cereal for a couple days but I read in several places that breastmilk is more fattening than cereal. So why would I replace breastmilk with cereal? She hated it anyway.

Have any suggestions for me?


Linked at Shell's.


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21 cleansing comments:

Shell said...

I've always heard that breastmilk is more fattening than cereal. If you look at the nutrition info on the cereal, there isn't a whole lot in it.

But, maybe if you give it to her after feedings instead. That seems like it might work, since it would be adding something, not taking away from breastfeeding.

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Shell. Try the cereal after breastfeeding. Breasmilk is the most fattening. Good luck!

Liz Mays said...

I agree. Maybe a little cereal in addition to the breast milk will be enough.

Bree, Home of Blogmania said...

Both of my children had gaining issues and I nursed for 1 yr. I did cereal for my 1st @ 5 mo. I think that some kids are content, dare I say, lazy eaters, they get something in their belly and are content. If she can handle solid then I'd recommend skipping the cereal & doing a mashed up avocado or banana. We aren't formula fans, we actually do goat's milk (after the year mark). Anyway, we had to pack the food in our 1st and eventually her weight picked up. (If she is happy & did gain something I'd be happy with that!, mine actually weighed less at that same check up.) I love diligent docs so I have to weight out their concerns with what I feel peaceful about since I am the authority on my kiddos.

Unknown said...

Aw, hun, I'm so sorry :(

I do agree with Shell--maybe after she's done eating try to get her to eat some baby cereal. I hope that things work out for you!

Adrienne said...

I agree give baby a bit of cereal in between ... if she is using the bathroom and such like normal she is probably fine some kiddos are just tiny in stature =) you are doing fine

Kelley said...

My son was...is..really small. The doctors were always trying to get me to "fatten" him up. We would mash up avacado in his cereal and he seemed to take to it. I also learned to know what was "normal" for him and helped me not to worry so.

MommyLisa said...

I am surprised they suggested cereal at her age. My doc, but they are all different, said NO cereal until 6 months.

Some kids are just SMALL and if the doctor is not really worried - RELAX. The worst thing you can do is let this stress you out.

Breathe.
Drink Gatorade for your milk.
Eat oatmeal cookies, I hear this helps production...or was it oatmeal???not cookies....hmmm

Just relax. That is the BEST advice.

Kmama said...

I'm sorry you are having this issue. Buddy is really small for his age...5th percentile. He is absolutely fine...even after being diagnosed as failure to thrive. He was a snacker. would like a small amount at a time, multiple times a day. It was infuriating, but now we've just learned to deal with it. Eating/feeding problems can be so difficult.

Stephanie said...

I used to mix my cereal with my breastmilk. Keep my fingers crossed for you that this is enough:)

Nikki said...

Try not to get too discouraged. It sounds like everything else is fine so thats wonderful. You need to do what works for you guys! We haven't had that problem since the munchkin has had no problem gaining weight...but like others said, some babies are just smaller than others.
We were able to start fruits and veggies at 4 months so maybe start incorporating that into the routine??

Stepping On Cheerios said...

It was my understanding that baby cereal really offers no nutritional value of any measure. Formula, yes but cereal nada.

Maybe baby is just a graizer...don't stress, just give it another month and things may pick up.

My 3 year old continues to survive on a diet of cereal bars and drinkable yogurt...sigh...

Vanessa said...

My sister's little one had this issue, and like yours was happy as a clam in every other way! My sister is stubborn and just thought she was teeny -- she's not been wrong yet! :-) I think the cereal after nursing sounds good though! Prayers for you!

Unknown said...

Oh I am soo sorry. sending prayers your way. I agree with Shell by the way! Good luck

Cyndy Bush said...

My main advice is don't give up. Consult a lactation consultant. And I wouldn't do the cereal, personally, not at this age.
Good luck!
xoxo

Mary said...

I didn't nurse my 1st two boys for various reasons, but really wanted to with my last. But, he didn't cooperate! Hang in there, I'm sure it's frustrating, but the important thing is that The Baby gains weight. And, you're not giving up breastfeeding altogether, you're just supplementing it. Sounds like you're a great mom!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

Jessica said...

I would pump and add breastmilk to the cereal. I bet she will start gaining weight here soon enough! Hang in there!

Unknown said...

Did I ever tell you how my milk never came in with Sass & she lost from 8lb2 to 6lb1 in 4 wks? She's still tiny & only weights about 10 lbs more than her baby sister, who's 5 yrs younger. Don't get so discouraged! She'll be fine. Promise.

Tracie said...

I dunno. My kids were formula fed and were huge. I hope you get it figured out.

Beth P. said...

I have no advice because I was far from the breastfeeding champion. I do know that it is never easy and you should be proud of yourself for sticking to it despite even previous troubles.

I agree that you should give cereal after feeding. Good luck. It is a hard thing to do!

kanishk said...

Breasmilk is the most fattening. Good luck!
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