thread: BF baby not gaining weight. ?Poor attachment and other issues.

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Lake Macquarie, NSW
    131

    Hello,

    I had a similar situation with DS, born at 4040 grams but by 4 months was only around 5500....no weight gain in previous six weeks & dropped from 75th percentile to 3rd.

    We saw Paediatrician to rule out any health issues & thankfully there were none, just an undemanding baby. I was feeding him six times in a 24 hour period, now I feed him 10 times. He is now just over 5 months & last week weighed in a 6310 grams...gained 240 grams in the previous week.

    I posted about this issue & had lots of great support & advice from people who have had a similar experience. See at link below:

    https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...se-143391.html

    I hope this helps.

  2. #2
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jan 2006
    11,633

    Hi,
    At this age, he'd still get more calories from you milk than from solids, so you might be better served trying to get in an extra feed or two.
    Also, it's quite normal for babies to gain more slowly at this time - it sounds like he's doing ok in every other way, right? And he hasn't actually lost any weight?
    It really doesn't sound like you need to panic just yet

  3. #3
    Life Subscriber

    Jul 2006
    Brisbane
    6,683

    That must be very stressful for you

    There are a few things that might help you. Firstly, have you seen the WHO growth charts? These are based on normal growth patterns as they are based on breastfed babies, rather than the charts in the baby health books that are based mostly on formula fed babies who do not follow normal growth patterns. Although looking at the WHO charts, I think you are spot on that 6400g at the 6 month mark is the 3rd percentile. It can also be helpful to know that 3% of normal babies fall below the 3rd percentile line, so there is not necessarily problem. However babies in this range usually need to be checked to make sure there is no other problem - which is what you have been doing. If the medical professionals haven't shown too much concern so far, it is quite likely that your DS is just one of those normal babies who is on the small side. Usually this corresponds to genetics - perhaps you and your partner are on the small side too?

    Another thing to keep in mind, that expected weight gains of 100gms or more a week are for babies up until around the 3 month mark. After that gains slow down - if you think about it, babies double their birth weight in the first 4 - 6 months. If they kept that growth rate up they'd be adult sized by the time they were toddlers! That would make tantrums a whole lot more difficult . So at your DS's age, any weekly gain (averaged over a 3 - 4 week period) is a good sign.

    It might also help you to know that your DS is getting enough milk if he is having 5 or more wet disposables (6 - 8 cloth nappies) in 24 hours. Also, if his poos are soft that is another good sign. As marcellus has said, breastmilk is one of the best foods for growth and weight gain, and solids replace milk, so it is a good idea to keep the solids to a small amount and try and encourage more breastfeeds. Did the medical professionals discuss the types of solids with you? Many mums start babies on rice cereal and fruit/vegie purees, which are very low calorie foods (think boring diets!!) and if these replace milk than weight gains will slow down. The best solids for weight gain are dairy foods and meat.

    It sounds like you are doing a great job hun. It is very stressful when babies don't gain as well as we want them to. Your calm determination is a great approach, and I hope you are able to stop worrying soon.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    Perth, Australia
    744

    Thanks for all you wonderful advice. Part of it is that my prem baby weighed more than my term baby at the same age, it is just weird. It is most likley genetic, my maternal g-parents were not large and DH was a small baby too, so maybe that explains it more.