Peta, i went through similar, so i can truly sympathise how worrying it is. We had good initial gains, but then a few weeks of NO gains, then 30 grams etc. He was always in the 10th percentile for weight but my Dr said that so long as he didn't drop more than 2 percentiles between fortnightly weigh ins, he was okay. Some babies just grow slower, are smaller (we are both small people my husband and I). Once his severe reflux began to ease (around 6 months) he made solid gains and now is getting chubby. I did supplement with formula from about 3-6 months off and on, so you could do this if you're really concerned, but i would probably wait and see first as it could be detrimental to your supply, and it sounds like he's going great otherwise.
Also, things like having JUST fed him before a weigh in could influence the scales, and then having NOT fed him the next time, it might not be so accurate as we can't always control these things.
Hi I know what your feeling my little girl isnt putting on weight and is completely off the growth chart for her age 5 months and 10lb 9 4.9 kg she only gains a little each week if at all. I started to feed her before she cries for it and have to comp feed afterwards due to an overactive thyroid. Ive just started to BF without shield cause when she was born she couldnt suck very well as she was 4 weeks early and now we have it down pat I feel I will have to give up. I hate the comments like she is too little wake her, dnt wake her. My advice is to get your munchkin before she is too hungry and offer her as many feeds as you can throughout the day and night.
Well we have increased feeding my baby boy to every 2 1/2->3 hours and it is sooo much more work and exhausting , but I think I can honestly say that Nathan must be benefiting from it and is definitely worth it. As much as I thought everything was going along OK I now think he must have been lacking because his poos have increased to what they were like just after he was born and he gained weight weight - what a lovely thing to post.
We keep bumping into people and they keep saying how little he is and that he is still small. I am finding that I have to not take it as criticism and bite back that he is growing but slowly - they just don't know how touchy I am about it at the moment. I really hope that I can keep on track with the more regular feeding when my husband goes to work up north because of the cyclone up off Townsville. He has been great helping out with the feeding, housework, cooking etc even though sometimes he must have thought I was a neurotic and worrying over nothing.
I am trying to look on the good side of things though - at least Nathan is getting plenty of wear out of his 0000 clothes - my other 2 kids probably wore this size for about a week, he's not too heavy to carry around for long period of time and we can enjoy lots of cuddles on the move, he still fits nice and snuggly in his sling. I know in a few weeks I'll wonder what all the fuss was about, but better to worry than not.
I also just wanted to thank everyone for their support and encouragement to continue with breastfeeding him and not taking what may have been the easier option and to formula feed him. My next goal is to keep breastfeeding him, if there are weight gains of course, until he is 6 weeks, then 12 weeks and then 6 months. I will be so thrilled if I could do that and hopefully longer .
Hi Peta,
So so glad things are working out and your little man is gaining weight. Just remember that some bubs gain slower than others, as long as there is a gain I would be happy. Both my girls were small babies and I use to also get the comments about how small they were, but I knew that they were happy and healthy babies which was all that mattered to me. All the best with your BF journey.
Peta, that's great news hun. Don't worry, the feeding will settle down again soon. And with frequent feeding Nathan is getting so much more benefit than just milk. Studies have shown that frequent feeding helps the brain connections to form in the baby from the contact with mum. So you are doing a fantastic thing for your DS!
Could your DH cook up some casseroles, pastas etc that you can freeze before he goes? That way you'll have some easy meals ready for you. And don't worry too much about house work, do just what "needs" to be done for now. The time you are spending with your son is so important for you both.
That is fabulous news Peta, you are right on track!!
After being there I know what it is like, and do get your hubby to hide the scales so you can't find them!!! I relaxed sooo much more once I got mine, because i felt like I was in control, I really wished I had them a lot earlier, because I think they would have given me the confidence to try more things, I don't know if I would have avoided doing F top ups but in the end DD really need to put in weight 1 kg below the 1st %ile is a lot....
Be very proud of yourself, you will make your goals, and even if it does come to a bit of F you have still been BF'ing.
Collo, my DD was 5 kg at 5 months old as well and I know what you mean, she also lost weight when we weaned her of the NS, give her some time and she will get there, comp feeding helped us get some reasonable gains, and even then our DD was about the same size as your little one.
Peta that is wonderful news!! You got some great advice here from the girls, I just wanted to say that if you are in doubt to please ask the people who will support you with educated information. A lot of people just say "well put them on formula" which is very unhelpful and can make you feel like there is NO other option.
Also BF babies DONT gain weight as quickly as formula fed babies. Keep that in mind. Yes 30g is probably not ideal, but it doesn't mean you have to formula feed straight away. There are always other options, like you have discovered here
Good luck and I hope bub puts on some more weight and continues to thrive. You are doing a wonderful job!
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, but I think I can honestly say that Nathan must be benefiting from it and is definitely worth it. As much as I thought everything was going along OK I now think he must have been lacking because his poos have increased to what they were like just after he was born and he gained weight weight - what a lovely thing to post.
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Be very proud of yourself, you will make your goals, and even if it does come to a bit of F you have still been BF'ing.
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