eddie isn't gaining much...he was at his lowest 6lbs 14oz (drop after birthweight of 7lbs 5oz) and now a month later he is only 7lbs 9oz. He nurses all the time but tends to fall asleep and i know i wasn't eating or drinking enough for the first 2 weeks or so because i was so exausted and was stuck in bed with a tear. The lactation consultant said i seemed to have a good milk supply and that my technique was good but if those two things were true then would he be gaining so slowely? I feel like i'm failing somehow.... she also said that he might have a high metobolism.
He is alert when he's awake...good loud cries when we change his diaper (he doesn't like the exposure) I try to nurse him on demand or every two hours. He sleeps next to me at night tucked close to the side of my body and i try to hold him as much as possible during the day. he produces 8 or so wet diapers a day but still has issues pooping on his own...he buildes it up for a week give or take and freakes out trying to push it out. he is gassey and i still have a really hard time burping him...
help me i feel like a total loser and i can't pump to save my life...i think i'm too stressed out and my milk won't let down very well...my boobs know the pump isn't a baby. what can i do to help him gain more? do any of you have or have had slow gainers?
He is alert when he's awake...good loud cries when we change his diaper (he doesn't like the exposure) I try to nurse him on demand or every two hours. He sleeps next to me at night tucked close to the side of my body and i try to hold him as much as possible during the day. he produces 8 or so wet diapers a day but still has issues pooping on his own...he buildes it up for a week give or take and freakes out trying to push it out. he is gassey and i still have a really hard time burping him...
help me i feel like a total loser and i can't pump to save my life...i think i'm too stressed out and my milk won't let down very well...my boobs know the pump isn't a baby. what can i do to help him gain more? do any of you have or have had slow gainers?
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Maine
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Re: slow weight gain
Fri, April 25, 2008 - 8:36 PMI think you should examine your own diet pretty carefully. Try and cut out all dairy, soy, maybe cut way back on wheat, and absolutely cut out any refined sugar. Also onions, cabbage, broccoli are known gassy baby offenders. When I almost totally stopped dairy, my little kid got tons less gassy and knocked off the burping time screamfest. I've got two other close friends that had screamy darlings that got MUCH happier when they quit with dairy.
Good Luck. You're not failing. It just feels like it because of the horrible panic hormones. If your ped. or lactation person were really worried, they'd tell you. Keep trying, and do lots of skin to skin to make both of you feel better. I did skin to skin nursing when I was having bad days (still do) and it helps a lot. Cry and nurse, cry and nurse, you and your baby both. :)
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Re: slow weight gain
Sat, April 26, 2008 - 7:21 AMYou are doing a wonderful job!!! You are breastfeeding your baby.. you are holding him close... you are co-sleeping. Keep it up! I agree... cut out those certain foods and see if he's having a reaction to them. You can add things back later when he's a little bigger and can handle them better.
Lots of love and support,
AlyGirl xo -
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Re: slow weight gain
Sat, April 26, 2008 - 12:04 PMtake the previous advice given. If youre not too sure how to start changing your diet, there is actually a book...I think its called the Breastfeeding Diet.
And dont be too hard on yourself. For bf'ing being *so* natural, it really takes work to establish a good bf'ing routine. You know your baby more than anyone, so just stick with his ques. It is good hes having all those wet dipes. And believe it or not, some bf babies only poop once a week because bm is so easily digested.
In regards to gas, lay him on his back and do bicycle motions with his legs and maybe hold him close to you with a warm heating bag between you too.
Keep it up and dont lose your mojo. lots of love and support to you, Mama.
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Re: slow weight gain
Sat, April 26, 2008 - 1:17 PMagain, all the advice so far is good stuff, momma.
another thing to remember is that most pediatrician's growth charts are based upon infant formula feeding ... breastfed babies can grow & gain less quickly than their cow/soy formula peers.
check out the WHO ( WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ) growth charts for exclusively breastfed babies ... slow & steady wins the race ;) -
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Re: slow weight gain
Sat, April 26, 2008 - 6:31 PMmy baby was also 7lbs 5 oz at birth and is going slowly but steadily (at 4 months he only weighed 12lbs 9oz). The ped. didn't seem concerned so that made me feel better. I did wonder if there was something wrong but I figured if he was hungry and not eating enough....he'll let me know. However, it can be worrisome because other babies his age are huuuuuuge. my friends baby weighed 18lbs at 6months! and my other friend's baby weighed 16 lbs at 4 months. Also, another friend's baby weighed 12+ lbs at 2 months and is the same length as my babe when he was 4 months. They are all breastfed too btw.
so.....don't worry. All babies are different and unique just like us adults. So, try not to worry too much although I know its hard not to.
and.... I have a hard time pumping too. I'm not over-productive milkwise and make enough for the baby and not much else. Pumping for some moms is work and doesn't come as easy as moms who are super milkers. Stress will definitely affect production, so again, try not to worry and drink tons of water. That helps me relax and make more milk...I try to drink 2 big glasses with each nursing as well as drinking throughout the day.
hugs. -
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Re: slow weight gain
Sat, April 26, 2008 - 7:56 PMI concur.
My daughter was 5lbs 4 ounces at birth and was REALLY slow to gain. In fact she only weighed 15lbs at a year. Maybe even less than that. She was TINY. She is 7 now and is SUPER healthy. She was breastfed...and I even did weighed feedings and she was getting PLENTY. The doctor said she had high metabolism. She still does. She eats TONS and is slight and petite.
My son on the other hand weighed a pound more than his birth weight at 2 weeks. He was breastfed as well. I didn't feel like he really ate any more than she did. Maybe a little...but he had a slower heart rate and was just a alittle bit more mellow than she was.
I wouldn't worry too much. You are doing all of the right things and I am sure your little one will be just fine.
:)
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Re: slow weight gain
Sun, April 27, 2008 - 7:47 AMrelax. Sounds like you are on top of the situation- are you eating well? Drinking every time you breastfeed?
There is a growth that occurs about 1 month and a days nursing on demand usually rebuilds the milk supply to what is needed.
Every baby has their own pattern of growth, charts only serve to make more stress when babies don't fit the "norm".
Enjoy your beautiful baby. Call a La Leche League Leader -their advice is normally very helpful.
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Re: slow weight gain
Tue, April 29, 2008 - 9:32 AMhe gained! our little man weighed in at 7lbs 13oz this morning and peed all over the scale. i guess he is just going to gain in little bounds. thanks for all of the advice mamas!
