Breastfeeding

FTM weight gain issue

My best friend's DS isn't gaining weight as quickly as the dr would like.  In fact, the dr threatened to hospitalize him if he doesn't gain faster.  But, the dr told her to increase the time between feedings from 2 hours to 3 hours to get him to gain weight.  We're both so confused by this because it seems to be contrary to literally everything else we've heard and read.  She's going to speak with a LC and get a second opinion but I was wondering if anyone else could shed some anecdotal light on this issue.

Re: FTM weight gain issue

  • Oh my - I hope the baby doesn't wind up in the hospital!

    Is the pediatrician breastfeeding friendly? If not, that's surely adding to the confusion. 

    I'm a FTM myself, but we had weight issues. Baby was still almost a pound below birthweight at 3 weeks. The pediatrician wanted us to supplement with formula, and I saw a lactation consultant to get the baby's mouth and latch checked out as well as to do some weighted feedings. The LC really helped and I no longer have to supplement, although I did for about 10 days. She helped us with a supplemental nursing system (SNS) where the baby ate from a tube, like a straw, at the same time he nursed at my breast. My supply went up and my son became a more efficient sucker. 

    Good luck - I hope the LC helps your friend!

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  • She needs to call and ask why the doctor feels increasing the time between feedings would be beneficial. I don't know of any reason it would, unless he thinks the baby would take more with a higher hunger level?
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  • I'm sorry but that is terrible advice. DS1 was gaining great the first two weeks but eating constantly so I was exhausted of course. Then the 75 yo pedi I saw the next visit told me we had nothing to worry about and not to feed more than every 2 hours during the day. Lo was miserable and at the one month appt had barely gained and I was threatened to give formula. What I did was 1. Feed on demand, even if lo had just eaten for an hour and he started rooting when I gave him to my mom, I would take him back and feed him more. 2. Pumped for 10 min after every daytime feed to get supply up and fed what little milk I got to lo. It was grueling but it worked and he started gaining. Well meaning pedis are not always experts on bfing.
    Lilypie - (7gcp)

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  • blue_elle said:
    She needs to call and ask why the doctor feels increasing the time between feedings would be beneficial. I don't know of any reason it would, unless he thinks the baby would take more with a higher hunger level?
    This is the only thing we could think of, too.  She was so upset at the thought of having DS hospitalized that she didn't ask follow up questions.  It helps knowing that this is an unusual practice too, she was worried that she had been doing everything wrong.  I personally think she needs a new doctor but it's not my kid :/
  • I'm sorry but that is terrible advice. DS1 was gaining great the first two weeks but eating constantly so I was exhausted of course. Then the 75 yo pedi I saw the next visit told me we had nothing to worry about and not to feed more than every 2 hours during the day. Lo was miserable and at the one month appt had barely gained and I was threatened to give formula. What I did was 1. Feed on demand, even if lo had just eaten for an hour and he started rooting when I gave him to my mom, I would take him back and feed him more. 2. Pumped for 10 min after every daytime feed to get supply up and fed what little milk I got to lo. It was grueling but it worked and he started gaining. Well meaning pedis are not always experts on bfing.
    Everything I've read has said feed on demand is the best way to go.  Thanks for the feedback, I just wanted her to feel more secure when she goes in to talk to the doctor.  
  • Is he gaining at all? How old is her baby?
    Has she done a weighted feeding? That would help start to figure out the weight gain issue. 
    Does she nurse on one breast or both? Does she let baby unlatch or does she nurse for X amount of minutes?

    Personally, I would offer the breast more frequently (rather than less). I'd make sure she's offering one breast and letting baby unlatch before switching. She can also offer the first breast, burp, offer the first breast again, then switch. Compression can also help push hind milk out. 

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  • I would suggest a second opinion with another pediatrician. Contact a local LA Leche League or Breastfeeding USA group to get recommendations of bf friendly doctors.
    Lilypie Breastfeeding tickers Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers
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  • linzeek44 said:
    Is he gaining at all? How old is her baby?
    Has she done a weighted feeding? That would help start to figure out the weight gain issue. 
    Does she nurse on one breast or both? Does she let baby unlatch or does she nurse for X amount of minutes?

    Personally, I would offer the breast more frequently (rather than less). I'd make sure she's offering one breast and letting baby unlatch before switching. She can also offer the first breast, burp, offer the first breast again, then switch. Compression can also help push hind milk out. 
    Her baby is 2 and a half months old and has been gaining steadily, just slowly.  I don't think she's done a weighted feeding, the dr's appt was two days ago so she's just starting to look into this.  She nurses until he seems satisfied, and I'm pretty sure she switches back and forth.  Thanks for the advice!
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