I'm so upset and don't know what to do for the best.
My DS was born by CS after a failed IOL at 38wks due to GD. He was 8lbs0 at birth or 3635g and had lost more than 10% of his birthweight at day 5. On day 7 he had lost a tiny bit more and I was put under pressure by the mws to top up with formula but I asked for a few more days. At day 9 he had put on 20g, since then he has gained weight slowly (80-100g/wk) but has not yet returned to birthweight.
Last week the mw referred us to the paeds and said we should hear from them in the next few weeks. I've not heard anything yet. We also saw the GP for the 6 week check who was also concerned in case he wasn't strong enough to withstand catching a cold but said she thought I was 'doing the right thing' by continuing to ebf. She ordered a urine test which came back clear. Everyone we have seen says he looks healthy, alert and is meeting his milestones (lovely smiles this week). He has big feet, hands and head circ like his dad who is 6'3.
This week I was so hopeful as he seemed chubbier but he had only gained 10g. He is now 3.57kg. The HVs were very concerned and keen for me to start topping up. I asked them to check on how soon the paed appt is likely to come through so they are doing that.
I am bf on demand, average every 3 hrs although it's not as regular as that. He seems to have a good latch and I can hear him sucking and swallowing, although he is fussier during night feeds and sometimes in the latter stages of a cluster feed so I sometimes have to help him more with compressions etc. I try to offer both breasts although he prefers the left. If he is sleepy I remove a layer of clothing or change him, unless I think he really needs a nap.
He was checked for tongue tie at birth and we were told he was fine. He sticks his tongue out with no probs, maybe a very slight heart shape at the end.
I've worried about supply (as anyone would) as I have never felt really engorged but he comes away with milky chops and doesn't seem hungry or dehydrated. The HV today said maybe the milk wasn't good enough quality and asked a lot of questions about my diet (which I didn't think affected milk). He has plenty of wet nappies and generally at least one full dirty one (apart from 5 days when he didn't go but he made up for that after) although they are sometimes on the greener side of yellow. I don't get much from expressing (only a few ml from 15 mins each side) and find it quite stressful although I'm willing to stick at it if needs be.
I just don't know what I am doing wrong. In every other way motherhood is fantastic, exceeding all expectations. I am just so scared I am doing my son a disservice by declining to top up. But my instinct (and understanding) has always been that ebf is the best start for him.
Sorry this has been so epic but I've tried to include everything. Thanks to anyone who has read this far and for any thoughts and advice.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.
Infant feeding
6wo ebf baby failing to gain weight
73 replies
blonderthanred · 12/12/2012 16:42
OP posts:
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.