Not gaining enough weight?

[sam's mum]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and was hoping someone would be able to give me some advice. My son was 8lb 13oz when he was born (he's now nearly 8 weeks), never lost any of his birth weight, and for the first few weeks seemed to be gaining a normal amount of weight. After about a month he was weighed and hadn't put on as much as expected, but two weeks later things seemed to be back to normal.

I just had him weighed again today and he's only put on 5oz in 2 weeks (he's now 10lb 11oz). I've been told that if things don't improve after another 2 weeks I'll have to start supplementing with formula, and I really don't want to

He seems to be feeding really well, always seems satisfied after a feed, probably feeds every 2-4 hours during the day, and sleeps for 6 hours at night. He's awake lots during the day, smiles lots and generally seems happy and healthy, so I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know supplementing his feeds with formula isn't the end of the world, and if that's what's best for him I'll do it, but I wish there was something else I could do. I just feel like I've let him down.

I really wasn't expecting this at all today as he seems to be doing so well. Is there anything I can do?

Thanks for your help.

 

[happy_chick]

Do you have a local breastfeeding support group that you could go along to and they will check that he's latching properly and talk to you about anything that you can do to avoid formula and help him gain weight. I had problems getting my daughter to latch at the beginning and I found the group at my hospital really helpful Good luck, you are doing really well!

 

[sam's mum]

Thanks so much - I might try that...I'll do anything to help! He had a few problems latching at the beginning but now he does seem to be latching ok, and empties the whole breast really quickly, so it does seem like he's getting enough but it would be good to check.

You've made me a lot more relaxed...thank you! x

 

[Carley]

Remember every baby gains weight at a different rate!!!

 

[marley2580]

I totally agree. Kaya supposedly did not gain weight for ages, but the doctor said that as long as she was healthy and happy not to worry. To be honest I've weighed Kaya at various times in the day and her weight fluctuates between 13lb and 17lb depending on whether she's had a feed, been active, just awake etc. We now don't bother with the HV and weighing clinics, it just seems like an opportunity to undermine us. I really don't trust weighing as a good measure, they should also look at length and general wellbeing.

Don't let anyone pressure you into supplementing if you don't want to. They always seem to think that breastfed babies should develop in the same way as formula fed ones. If you think that he's doing fine then odds are that he is. Mother's instinct is usually right about things like this.

 

[sam's mum]

Thanks everyone - I've been so stressed about it this week but trying to relax a bit now! I was thinking that if I'd just fed him before I went into the clinic he would have been about 5oz heavier, so I guess his weight must vary quite a lot during the day anyway. Looking at him he's obviously happy and he looks healthy, and he definitely lets me know when he's hungry so I'm going to try not to worry too much.

Thanks so much for your support x

 

[mickey]

really, don't worry to much about it!

weight gain isn't a straight thing and the charts they use are only guidelines!

just keep an eye on his weight and never ever let yourself force into sth you don't wont!

tbh, I even don't go to see the HV - assuming she was the one who told you about the formula - as I have seen her once as of suspected trush in LOs mouth, which she said it isn't and two weeks later I sat at my GP with sore nipples

 

[Kina]

If he's alert, happy, weeing and pooing then he's fine! Some breastfed babies put on weight slower and there is no need to supplement. He still put on weight! You're doing a great job, don't let them bully you

 

[Shel]

Was it your health visitor who said it? not good if it was, nobody should tell you to do that unless there is a real problem, and it sounds to me like you are doing just fine.

The red book is so outdated, the weights chart was actually made from the statistics of babies weights at a time when most babies were bottle fed so it doesnt really apply to breast fed babies.

formula milk has far more calories than breast milk so all boobie fed babies will weigh less

as long as hes happy alert and peeing then hes just fine, dont let anyone tell you different

by the way, nearly all babies lose their birth weight so if your son didnt then you are definatly giving him good milk.

I have fed all 2 of mine and I'm still feeding my 20 month old.

 

[sam's mum]

Thanks again everyone Feeling so much better about it all now - lots of wee (all over himself twice today) and poo so I'm sure he's fine! It was the HV who seemed worried about him, but looking at him now he's obviously happy enough, so I'm going to try to relax and see what he weighs in 2 weeks...I could understand her saying that if I was worried about his weight or if he was crying all day and I didn't think he was eating enough, but he seems fine!

Thank you! x

 

[Carley]

If you trust your instincts you will be fine

 

[sam's mum]

Thanks Carley - that's what I was hoping...he definitely seems happy after he's been fed so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he's put on more weight next week

 

[Carley]

I had the same problem with my daughter, while pumping they kept saying she wasn't gaining enough weight so I gave her formula as well, a huge mistake by me. I'd hate to see that happen to you

 

[sam's mum]

Well Sam's been weighed again and has gained 11oz, so he seems to be feeding ok and doesn't need any supplements
So relieved - think he must have been having a slow couple of weeks! Thanks for all your support everyone x

 

[Carley]

thats fantastic!!!!!!!

 

[mickey]