Help!

[SilasLove]

Yesterday Joseph was weighed and he has lost 6 ounces in a month. Basically the lady gave me a huge lecture, I had to explain his menu to her. She said he is still in the 40th percentile, which is all they really care about. So why was I receiving a dang lecture? I already felt terrible knowing my son had lost weight.

Anyway, basically she told me he needs atleast 22oz of formula a day - he normally gets 20oz, so we are on 2oz off. But it just made me feel such crap. I feel like I am crap mother now, and I just kind of want to crawl in to a hole. I can't shake this feeling - I feel terrible. And now I am second guessing myself about his eating. If he cries while I feed him I feel like I am doing something wrong, if he is upset at all I am starting to wonder if he is actually hungry. Basically I thought I knew my son's cues and needs - and now I am not so sure at all!

 

[SilasLove]

Does anyone have any ideas of why he would lose 6 ounces? If we are following the same feeding routine for months now ... I just dont understand.

 

[pachamama]

Don't know for certain, but can be because of illness but I'm sure you'd have mentioned it if he'd been ill. Also, has he been more active than usual? That can definitely burn off more calories.

The only other thing I can think of is if he's been filling up on water or juice leaving him less likely to want his milk or solid food?

Or maybe it's just a blip and will resolve without any extra input from you??
x

 

[rosie272]

I feel for you - health workers can make us feel like s**t sometimes - If your LO's feeding routine is consistent maybe that extra 2oz of formula is what he needs? Or maybe he's had a growth spurt or burning off extra calories if he's crawling around more? I really don't have much advice as I've never experienced this but maybe even add some extra good fats to his meals? Hope you find a solution, but don't beat yourself up over it - maybe he just lost his appetite for a while through teething or whatever good luck x

 

[pachamama]

I just thought about teething as well, they sometimes lose their appetite then...

x

 

[shayandbump]

First of all, big hugs

I know just how you feel, Amy has been at the same weight for months now and every time I get her weighed I get a massive lecture and have even had some insinuate that I'm not feeding her (makes me not want to take her anymore). Amy has her milk & she eats A LOT but she still isn't gaining well. My HV has put it down to how active she is and that she's just going to be a small build.

Try not to 'beat yourself up' about it hun. I'm sure he's eating perfectly well and is happy & healthy which is what matters...not how well they fit a chart in a book.

Does he have a lot of dairy, cheese, full-fat milk, custard etc? I was suggested to include more by my HV and it seems to have levelled Amy's weight out a bit (she was beginning to drop oz).

 

[SilasLove]

He caught a slight cold, and is getting 2 teeth in right now. He has also been having a bit of a problem keeping his formula down lately - which could have something to do with it. I do my best to keep him on a regular eating schedule.

He also crawls EVERYWHERE. The boy doesn't hold still for 2 seconds. He walks around EVERYTHING. So, I know his active nature could contribute as well. I am feeling much better now, as I have thought it through in my head and rationalized it. After all, it is only 6 ounces, and he has always gained weight consitently and has never lost before - well except when he was first born. Anyhow - feeling much better about the situation now!

Thanks for the input ladies!

 

[iceylou]

well i think from his pics he looks a fine strong and happy baby. stupid "professionals" again, jeez sometimes i think they need a reality check