12.2 lb 5 Month Old :( (Long...please help..)

bwralc · January 2010

So DD has always been little. She was born full term at 38 weeks 1 day at 6lbs at 18in. We are EBF. She has slowly been gaining on a steady curve and all was well. However at her 4 month apt. she hadn't doubled her birth weight. She was 11.4lbs. So I started her on rice cereal 1 time a day to make sure she was getting more calories per Pedi's recommendation. Yesterday was her 5 month birthday and per Pedi's request I had another apt. just for a weight check.

My regular Pedi was not available so I saw the other Pedi in the office. She was freaking out and told me that I needed to introduce formula b/c DD was so small and that this was an issue. Please tell me your thoughts since I'm pretty upset. My regular Pedi didn't seem concerned but this one did and actually told me that DD's muscle development is behind b/c of her low weight. Crying

I'm super suprised by that she rolls both ways and tripods, she can also hold her weight when I put her into a standing position. She also STTN 9-10 hour stretches. I did notice myself that she doesn't bare a ton of weight on her arms and they seem a little weak. However, I thought that she was still on target according to the books I've been reading for milestones. Please give me your input, since I'm a mess. I will do whatever it takes to have her be healthy and grow.

Also...she mentioned that since I can only pump 2-3oz. out of the other boob a boob after a feeding that DD is only getting about an ounce more that that and a five month old needs at least 4oz. out of a feeding to grow and thrive. Could she really be starving?? I'm so upset. TIA for any advice.

jennaglardon · January 2010

I would just go with what the other Pedi said. I would maybe try introducing her to formula just to get some added calories. My son was really tiny when he was born. And I was over-due. I went to 40weeks 6days before they induced me. He was 5lbs 14oz 18 inches long. Now hes a little chunker!! His 2month appt 2 weeks ago he was 11lbs 12oz and 22 1/4 inches long. But he is always wanting to eat. I think he just had some cathcing up to do. Good luck!! Try not to worry about it . . even though as moms we worry about everything!

egsquared · January 2010

Awwwe, I'm sorry your so upset. Does LO seem like she's starving after she eats? I know my DD cries if she was really hungry. Can you make another appointment and go back and see your regular pedi?

Plus, it sounds like your LO is developing great! DD is your LO's age and wieghs about 16lbs, and she can't roll either way yet and for sure does not sleep through the night.

egsquared · January 2010

Just noticing you live in Chicago. Do you live in the city? We're on the North side.

**Gretchen** · January 2010

I'd ask to get in to see your regular pedi. I also have a little kid in terms of weight, but her thighs are humungous, she has rolls around her wrists, etc. She really is a chunker, just a petite chunker. If you went just on weight, you'd think she's underfed.

As for the pumping - is it 2-3 oz after feeding, or 2-3 oz while feeding on the other side? If it's after a feeding, I'd say that's great. If it's while feeding on the other side, what time of day is it? I get substantially less throughout the day (start at 8-10 oz in my left boob in the am (I feed her on right in the am) and get down to 2-3oz by my 3/4pm pump).

nancyandnate · January 2010

My guy is a premie, but we also had a tough 4 month visit due to his weight gain and had to come back two weeks later for a check. He was 11 lbs 6 oz at his 4 month visit. We started supplementing with formula for a couple reasons--mainly because I had supply issues and burned through my freezer stash, so we didn't have a choice. So we started giving him bottles of 3 oz bm, 1.5 formula 3-4 times a day. Within two weeks, he had gained almost a pound! I attribute a big portion of that to the introduction of formula, although I also started eliminating dairy since he had pretty intense eczema.

He's made fabulous progress since we introduced formula. Good luck with your decision and hope she starts gaining weight soon.

Temp67694062501186 · January 2010

I would talk to your regular pediatrician before doing anything. Different doctors will always have different opinions. My LO has always been on the small side (usually in the 10th percentile for height and weight) and gained weight very slowly in the beginning. She had not doubled her weight by four months (born at 7lbs 8oz, at four months she was 12lbs 8oz). I am mixing BM and formula only on the days when I work because I don't pump enough - when I am home and not working DD is EBF and she is completely content. I usually only get about 3oz total each time I pump when I am at work. So, I'd think from those stats my LO would be starving too, but she is fine and her pedi is ok with her where she is. She is gaining on a steady upward curve and that's what he feels is important - some babies are just small. I don't know if any of this helped, just sharing what we are experiencing.

trs1978 · January 2010

Don't be afraid to use formula esp if it will help her thrive. I say give it a try!! GL!

nancyandnate · January 2010

I should add that he also still gets bottles of straight bm! Don't want to sound like he only gets 18 oz a day. He gets about 28-30 total.

mamamoos · January 2010

if baby is pooping and peeing normally and sems content after eating, she's probably fine. you said she's been following *her* growth curve, right?

furthermore, that other pedi is wrong: what you are able to pump is NO reflection on what you are producing or how much DC is getting at a feeding.some women don't respond well o the pump at all (myself included).

if you are really concerned, maybe try offering the other side after DC is finished with the first. formula isn't poison (DD is supplemented bc when i went back to work i couldn't keep up with what i was able to pump), but why use it if you enjoy BF and it's not necessary, kwim?

missbryn · January 2010

Before you do anything, I'd go see a lactation consultant. She can help you to up your milk supply if needed. Also, get the book MotherFood - good ideas for your diet - it reaaly works to make more milk!. ( Think quinoa) Personally, I wouldn't introduce formula, and I'd cut back on solids and try to nurse more - even just prolonged sucking can give her more milk and increase your supply. (does she use a pacifier? if so, try replacing it with your breast.) Would you be willing to try to give your baby a night feeding (I know that would be rough, but maybe it would help?)? Good luck, sorry you're having a hard time.

MrsDB · January 2010

Personally, i would not do formula and would instead add a dreamfeed in the middle of her long stretch of sleep to get some extra calories in. and instead of rice cereal i would do mashed banana or avacodo (very high in fat!)

https://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T023600.asp

MrsDB · January 2010

https://kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/weight-gain_increase.html

MrsWanee · January 2010

i had a friend whose baby gained weight slowly. at over 18 months, she weighed 21 lbs. she was perfectly healthy though.

they were often told to introduce formula, but each time she was told that, she switched pedis. her little girl is very healthy, well developed and happy.

as long as she is gaining SOME weight, i wouldn't worry. maybe try more tummy time to help her arm strenght?

GL! i understand how frustrating this is! my LO was small to begin with and i EBF as well.

ETA: formula will decrease your supply, so if you add it, it might make you start to wean.

smilelari · January 2010

mamamoos:
if baby is pooping and peeing normally and sems content after eating, she's probably fine. you said she's been following *her* growth curve, right?

furthermore, that other pedi is wrong: what you are able to pump is NO reflection on what you are producing or how much DC is getting at a feeding.some women don't respond well o the pump at all (myself included).

if you are really concerned, maybe try offering the other side after DC is finished with the first. formula isn't poison (DD is supplemented bc when i went back to work i couldn't keep up with what i was able to pump), but why use it if you enjoy BF and it's not necessary, kwim?

this exactly. As long as DC is following her own growth curve and having enough wet/poopy diapers there isn't any need to be concerned. I'd try to get in with your own pedi for a second opinion

jesstibb · January 2010

Breast fed babies are usually smaller than formula fed babies yet all the growth charts are based on formula fed babies if that makes you feel any better.

I agree with the others. As long as DC is growing, not showing hunger signs all the time, etc I'd say you are doing just fine.

BeaverBeliever12 · January 2010

How long is LO? My DD was 12 lbs.15 oz. at her 4 month visit and 25" long. She was born at 7 lbs. 10 oz. so hasn't doubled her birth weight either. I EBF and can barely pump anything (some women just don't respond well to the pump). My pedi is not concerned at all because she is on a steady curve. She's only 25% for weight while being 75% for height, but she was born that way too. My pedi says that this is just her body type.

Talk to your regular pedi. The other one has no right to tell you you are starving your child if she is on a steady curve. Babies come in all shapes and sizes, just like adults.

((hugs))

BeanieWeanie · January 2010

bwralc:
My regular Pedi didn't seem concerned but this one did and actually told me that DD's muscle development is behind b/c of her low weight.
I'm super suprised by that she rolls both ways and tripods, she can also hold her weight when I put her into a standing position. She also STTN 9-10 hour stretches. I did notice myself that she doesn't bare a ton of weight on her arms and they seem a little weak.

I haven't read what other people have said, but I have to agree with you - surely if her muscle development was behind, she wouldn't be able to roll, tripod & bear weigh on her legs. My DS is pretty much the opposite in terms of weight (he's big), but he isn't able to do any more than your DD; actually, he has only rolled over three times and that was over a month ago. Do you do a lot of tummy time with her? Maybe with more, her arms will get stronger - DS doesn't get as much TT as he probably should (he hates it), and he also doesn't bear as much weigh on his arms.

I also think that if she's STTN so well, she must be eating enough. I would definitely go back to your regular pedi - this one doesn't know your child as well as her. Sorry you had to deal with this.

camrah16 · January 2010

I am not on this board anymore but I wanted to chime in. DS is also small, he did not double his birth weight until 6 months and even then, he was only 1 ounce over doubling. He was EBF until 6 months which is when we began solids and my Pedi was very supportive. Also like a pp also said, your pumping output is NOT an indicator of your supply. A month into solids, DS is still not packing on the pounds but I am still BFing and will not give him formula just to have him gain weight. Not all babies are meant to be chunkers! Be strong and follow your gut. GL!!

amber_tynan · January 2010

First, growth charts used at the ped are for formula fed babies. Here's a link to BF baby growth charts. Is LO on track for her percentile you don't need to worry. B has always been on the 5% track at the ped's office, small but on track for his percentile.

Please don't feel forced to introduce formula if you don't want to. If DD is not acting hungry, is having consistent wet and dirty diapers, and isn't lethargic or not acting normal I'm sure she's fine. She would let you know if she were hungry. If she needed to eat in the middle of the night she'd wake and let you know!

Pumping is not a reliable indicator of how much LO gets at the breast. LO is much more efficient than a pump and some women just can't pump. I can only get 1 to 2 oz per pumping session, and that's on a good day. I agree with pp regarding seeing an LC. They can weigh her before and after a feeding and you'll get an understanding of how much she takes in. You'll be surprised at how much those babies can eat! GL!

ND'sWife · January 2010

I had a similar situation this week when I brought DS in for his 4 month check up. His weight had dropped from consistantly being in the 90th percentile down to the 25th percentile at 4 months. He was also fussy during the day and seemed to be a little hungry regardless of how often I nursed him. At the ped's recommendation I started giving him formula after nursing him and am planning to add rice cereal in the next week or so. He is so much more content an happy since adding the formula. It's been a huge relief for me- I was constantly stressed about if he was eating enough and why he was so fussy. It's been wonderful. Obviously you have to do what you feel is best for you and your LO, but for us, supplementing with formula has been the best possible decision.

starlingrose · January 2010

Im so sorry your dealing with this. It sounds like your lo is doing great, meeting all her milestones. I would talk to your original pedi before introducing formula. You could feed her and then offer 1-2 ounces of formula to see if she is still hungry? It might be difficult to get a 5mo ebf fed baby to accept a bottle and formula though so keep that in mind. She might not take to it the first few tries. Dont worry too much, it really sounds like she is doing great she is just a little teeny girl naturaly.

returnhomegnome · January 2010

MrsDB:
Personally, i would not do formula and would instead add a dreamfeed in the middle of her long stretch of sleep to get some extra calories in. and instead of rice cereal i would do mashed banana or avacodo (very high in fat!)
https://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T023600.asp

I totally agree with this: formula is NOT as good as breast milk, and rice cereal is rubbish nutritionally. If you want to add healthy calories do mashed banana or avacado, and add a sleep feed or two!

Is this your first kid? If the kiddo is active and learning and happy then I wouldn't worry: some babies are just smaller! If you baby is lethargic, or sleeps a lot, then you need to be working towards increasing the healthy food intake for a month and see what happens.

I have a friend who has had 5 now, all in the 20th percentile, and her kids (oldest now 14) are all intelligent, healthy, normal sized bundles of fun. With the 5th kid she finally learned to tell the Pediatrician to take a hike, that her kid was happy and learning well and that the size should not be a concern.

Seriously though, formula is NOT going to help: do more breastmilk if you can... and make sure YOU get plenty of healthy fats (fish, avocado, etc) and keep taking your prenatal vitamins.

Personally I would not trust a Pedi that recommends formula over breast milk, or rice cereal if they are concerned about a kids nutritional/caloric intake. And the Pedi's comment about how much you could pump is just plain false! Pediatricians are NOT always very knowledgeable about breastfeeding (see a Lactation Consultant if you are truly concerned; they're worth the fee).

LizBusch · January 2010

audrey was almost the exact same as your LO when she was born (at just under 38 weeks)...she was 6lbs, 18.5 inches.

we had our 4 month appt yesterday and she was 11 lbs, 8 oz...so she didn't double her birth weight, either. she took a GIANT percentile leap in her height, though (i think from 25% to 50% this time)...our pedi was just fine with that and told us absolutely no solids until 6 months. i wouldn't do anything without talking to your actual pediatrician.

sometimes babies are just petite.

bwralc · January 2010

Thank you so much for all of your responses. I am going to book another apt. with her regular pedi. It didn't occur to me for some reason to have them check her height at this apt. I know that she did get taller since last month b/c a lot of her jammies are getting small. I will try the dream feed technique and see if that will work to get in extra calories. I totally think that formula is fine for sure b/c it is food also but when I offered it to her today in her cereal she wouldn't take it.

Also, for those that asked DD doesn't seem hungry after a feeding and she is EXTREMELY active. Like I don't get a minute to myself and she spends most of her day on her tummy b/c that is the way she wants to be. I put her on her back and she instantly rolls over to her tummy. I am also going to do the lactation consultant thing. Thank all of you ladies for support, and links etc. Right Hug

Annabelle7 · January 2010

mamamoos:

if baby is pooping and peeing normally and sems content after eating, she's probably fine. you said she's been following *her* growth curve, right?

furthermore, that other pedi is wrong: what you are able to pump is NO reflection on what you are producing or how much DC is getting at a feeding.some women don't respond well o the pump at all (myself included).

if you are really concerned, maybe try offering the other side after DC is finished with the first. formula isn't poison (DD is supplemented bc when i went back to work i couldn't keep up with what i was able to pump), but why use it if you enjoy BF and it's not necessary, kwim?

Exactly this. I had a small preemie as well. Do you offer both breasts per feeding?

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12.2 lb 5 Month Old :( (Long...please help..)

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