Increasing the caloric content of breast milk

MommyPace

My LO is about 13 weeks old. She will be 13 weeks tomorrow. I went to her doctor today for a weight check because I'm concerned she's not gaining enough weight. The doctor is not concerned with her volume intake but stated that my breastmilk must be low in calories. She suggested that I add a half scoop of formula powder to my breast milk. I want to know if any of you have any ideas on how to increase the calories in my breast milk? I'm not antiadding the formula but if there's a way to increase the calories without doing so, and introducing something else that could upset her stomach like formula, I would like to do that.

TIA!

kcircell

Interesting question.  I don't know if it helps, but I try to eat a diet rich in good fats, like flax seeds, chia seeds, nuts, eggs, avocado, and I drink whole milk. 

laoch101

Your breastmilk should naturally increase by itself. Are nursing directly to the breast? No nipple shield or pumping? 

MommyPace

I don't have a problem with volume. I breastfeed when I'm home and at work,I pump to give her bottles during the day, just the days that I'm working which is currently Wednesdays and Thursdays.

I do not use a shield.

desdemona39

Make sure that the pedi is using the WHO growth chart for breastfed babies, not the more commonly used CDC chart which is based on formula fed children.

tokenhoser

Ditto checking what chart your doctor is using.

I'd get a second opinion before I started routinely adding formula. My SIL had to do it for her preemie, but I don't think it's normal advice for a term baby that is feeding well.

I'd try to squeeze in another feed per day before I'd add formula; regardless of whether it's a volume problem or a fat problem (and I actually have doubts it's a problem at all), more milk will increase weight gain.