Autumn's Well Baby App.

SUCKED!!!! She weighs 8lbs 8ounces 8ounces which only up lbs and 1ounce from her birth weight and only 11ounces in 6weeks.. she got 5 shots and I felt TERRIBLE for getting them all but I was SOO distracted I didn't tell him that I wanted to space them out... but I did turn down the retrovirus Yacc. He said to start feeding her every three hours around the clock and to give her some formula after each feeding and I'm suppose to go see my lactation consultant this week and go back to see him in a week... this sucks SOO bad. I started taking brewers yeast to see if that will increase my supply just in case that is the issue which i don't think it is. BUT before this she was eating every two hours during the day and sleeping anywhere from 6-8 hours at night. so I don't know what the issue is... other than that everything else is perfect she has already rolled over (front to back couple weeks ago) she has been pushing herself up on her chest and looking around with awesome control for several weeks so I dunno she is fine developmentally.

Anyway just wanted to share/vent

Sorry things didn't go better - shots are no fun!!! Are they suggesting you supplement with formula just because of her size, or was there another reason? She sounds like she's on the smaller side but if she's doing well developmentally I'm just curious what the big deal is.

he said that she is underweight and she probably just need more calories..yeah I didn't really understand either but I guess I will get some more answers at our next appointments

Jessica. I've so been there.

First, don't let them bully you into doing something you aren't 100% sure of.

Breast Milk is the most calorie dense food there is for babies. If there is not a problem with your supply, then maybe she's just a little one. KWIM?

The only reason to switch to anything else is so that the docs can measure it. But, you can measure your BM supply. It's a major pain but it can be done. Borrow a baby scale from a lactation consultant or wherever you can find one. Weigh her every single time she eats, for as many days as you can stand it. Weigh her before and again afterwards and note how many oz she got. Remember, do not take off her diaper before you weigh her the second time no matter what it should be weigh, write down weight, feed for as long as she wants, weigh again, then go about your day. You may want to show that list to an LC so they can verify that she's getting enough at each feeding.

It's a nightmare, I'm not going to lie, especially at night, but at least you will know where you stand supply wise. If your supply is suffering, then you can work on that. If that's not it, maybe try block feeding on one side for like 4 hours then switch, that way she will get more of the fatty hind milk. In any event, don't feel like it's your fault because it's not. supplies can be adjusted and if you are ok with supplementing, feel free.


This post has been edited by kit_kats_mom on Jul 21 2008, 07:57 PM

Aww I'm sorry you had a rough appointment! I'm sure she is just fine. A lot of babies don't gain quickly - at least she is gaining! And she's doing good developmentally... it sounds to me like she is just fine.

see thats the thing I'm REALLY NOT I hate it and so does dh, he doesn't think that I should have to and neither do I. BUT i'm going to just for a little while and see what happens and I will definitely mention borrowing a scale... ugh

i am sorry it didn't go well. i agree with Cary, don't let them bully you. Jade was tiny too but thankfully my ped is pro bf and told me a gain is a gain and not worry too much. she went several months with minimal gain but is perfectly healthy now at almost 5yo. she's just a small girl. she didn't even start solids til 11mos. focus on the big picture. she IS thriving.

as for nursing, a great way to increase supply is have a weekend marathon nursing session. rent movies, stay in jamas and just nurse on demand. and the rest is good for you too! one thing i was thinking too is maybe you are not taking in enough water in this heat and running around after Alyssa.

don't give up, you are doing a great job!!

Then don't do it. Doc's don't know everything. K is one of the healthiest kids I know but she is on the small side (although not the smallest in her class). Feel free to look up some of my old posts about her gains, or lack therof.

Do what Kimberly said and go get a scale asap & start tracking.

Good luck hon.

I agree if you dont think you should then DONT. the others gave you some great advice.

Raygen had to have extra calories cause she was so small (3lbs at birth) she was on a special formula I cant remember the name of it though. I remember it was REALLY expensive though. It made her gain like they wanted her to.

I am sorry you are dealing with this. I am sure it will get better.

I'm sorry the appointment didn't go as well as you thought. As long as she is healthy and doing well developmentally, then I woudn't worry too much. (Stress can affect your supply). It sounds like she may just be on the small side.

I had the opposite thing happen, Ashley was so big that they wanted to make sure I nursed her every two hours (even at night). In the hospital, they were always poking her foot to check her blood. grrrrr. They make us worry if they are big and they make us worry if they are small. (sorry I sounded like a Dr. Suess book there).

Do what you feel comfortbable with and don't let them push you into anything. Maybe you can meet with the LC sooner.

Thanks everyone for the advice I think I'm going to nix the formula she isn't really taking to it anyway she is FULL when she is done nursing and pretty dang happy and she makes the most awful face when I give her formula. And last night after I gave her formula she puked SOOO much it was in her hair up her nose and literally all over both of us.. it scared me. Plus I'm scared its going to decrease my supply...

Mommy knows best. Do what works for you and Autumn.

If she is happy after feeding..then she is most likely getting enough. A really hungry baby is going to let you know about it.