Not gaining weight, help! Barb??

Eluned, you are doing a great job hun :hug: Babies grow faster in the first 3 months than at any other time. It is totally normal for weight gains to drop a lot after that. Think about it this way - most babies double their birth weight in the first 6 months. If they kept doing that they'd weigh than us within 2 years!!

I know it is very stressful to not see the numbers on the scale going up as much as you would like. But there are so many more signs of "getting enough". The doctor isn't worried, and doctors usually are worry-warts about numbers, so that should give you some reassurance. Perhaps your little one is just going to be a slow grower. Or maybe she's saving her growth spurts for a little later! Honestly, everything you have said sounds to me like your DD is doing really well, and that you are doing a great job of nourishing her. If you want to give her top ups to be sure, you could try putting her back on the breast 20 - 30 minutes after a feed - that way she will take more if she wants it, and you don't have to give her formula if you don't want to. That will also help your supply.

I hope that she has a good gain next time so that you can relax a little. In the meantime, try to trust your body in its ability to feed your DD. It seems to be doing well.

Also, a little note on solids. Solids displace breastmilk, and can actually lower weight gains, particularly if they are low calorie foods like vegetables. As kmn said, if you are feeding her solids, it might be better to stick to high calorie foods - dairy and meat are good for that.

Sweetheart - YOUR BOOBIES ARE NOT USELESS - yes I am shouting at you LOL

Your baby is well padded, healthy, alert, happy, content, wetting/dirtying nappies - remember as well that weight is adjusted when kids have growth spurts - and you are in a prime time for it (first 6 months)

Both my kids are the exact same - really. Very fine kiddos that are really light. My 26 month old is only 13kgs - but as healthy as they come.

Don't let their weights stress you - look for the more practical tells such as nappies, demeanor, appetite and overall condition.

You are doing a fantastic job - keep going!

Thank you so much everyone for the encouragement and support.

But is it really ok that she has not gained ANY weight in the last month? I know she's not going to be a chubby baby for sure, but I would have expected at least a little bit of weight gain? Is it normal for them to not gain any weight for a short period and then have a spurt maybe?

MR, I offer the breast whenever she is unsettled, sometimes she'll have more to drink, sometimes she'll nod off to sleep, sometimes she just needs to get some bottom wind out. The only thing I can think is to offer both breasts over night. She sleeps and feeds in bed with me and will have one side and fall asleep.

Janie, yep she is really quite a "good" baby, settled most of the time, has her cranky moments. Reflux not that I'm aware of. She does possett (sp?) a couple of times a day, usually with a big burp after a feed.

You're right, she should have gained some weight, even if it wasn't a lot of weight. I know it's hard not to worry, but maybe try all the different things to boost your supply - maybe even some lactation cookies as well and see if you can get her to have longer/more feeds and see if that helps. If there has been little or no change, then it may be time to look at reasons why.

Just checking is your DD being weighed by the same scales each time?

It sounds like you are feeding often enough. Does your DD seem satisfied at the end of the feed?

gtg

Thanks Trillian, have started expressing more and started fenugreek and DH is finding some blessed thistle for me. Will make some cookies, any excuse to bake :)

Kate, was a different set of scales today as it was at the GP. All previous weight checks have been at the nurses clinic. Yep, she is satisfied after a feed and either comes off when she's had enough or falls asleep after the second side.

It is curious and I can totally understand why you're worried - you've done really well to hold your nerve (not reaching for the formula I mean). But then, I get the distinct impression that you are very stubborn ;)
I don't know, I'm no expert, but it doesn't really sound like a supply problem. I'm really hoping she surprises you with a big growth spurt soon

I had similar problems with my DD2, she had very small weight gains once she reached 4 months.
No one was really worried as she was alert, happy reaching all the milestones etc.. In the end our problem was that my iron levels were low & that affected my supply.
Even now DD2 is still smallish she was 8kg at 12months, so she is just a small gainer.

I hope you daughter has a nice big weight gain soon, i know how stressful it can be.

Marcellus, lol yes I am stubborn. :) I want my boobs to do what they are made to do dammit!

Chesire, thanks. I have had iron problems in the past but no idea what my levels are currently like. How did you overcome it? Was it a matter of simply taking iron supps and your supply got back on track ?

I took iron supps & multi vits daily. Fenugreek also helped build up my supply, I also tried to eat lots of iron enriched foods.

It took about 2 weeks to really notice the difference :)

Stubborn, determined and travelled a difficult BF'ing journey in the past and wants to make this one the perfect BF'ing relationship.... :D

Go with the Milk Boosting tips and see how things go over the next week or two, then reassess :hug:

I thinking your iron levels can be tested with just a finger pr!ck test looking at the level of Haemogloblin, if it is low then it is an indicator of low iron levels, I am pretty sure that is what they used to do at the Red Cross when I was donating blood :) but in the meantime boost your red meat intake, and iron rich foods, your body will absorb the iron much more efficiently that way.

Just an update, we are currently at the hospital waiting to be seen by a paed. I'm guessing they will do some blood tests. Trying to catch a wee from her now.

After feeding like mad and topping up with EBM (and even a bit of formula) there has been no weight gain all week, not a gram.

I feel like **** because she is perfectly healthy and has reached all milestones except for weight. Now I'm subjecting her to being poked and prodded.
:(

:hug: You're doing the very best you can - what more could anyone possibly ask from you? From what I've read, you've done all the right things - so perhaps bub is just a bit quirky when it comes to weight gain - hopefully the paed will be able to help you find some answers. :hug:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

Oh hun, will be by your side thinking of you both, I am sure she is just perfect, and hopefully the Paed sees that as well, take care xxoo

bummer, hope you can get some info. thinking of ya,

:hug: honey lets hope it is something minor and she is back to gaining lots in a few days. For some reason I am thinking UTI but I hope it isn't.

:hug: I hope you get some answers :hug: thinking of you :hug:

Oh hun, thinking of you both...........it does sound like something is going on, and it doesn't sound like your boobies. Trust that they will help to keep her well during this difficult time :hug: