Anyone have some supplementing tips? (help with weight gain)

Indiechixor · October 2010

Just got back from our 4-month well check, and little N isn't gaining as much as he should. He's barely gained anything in the last month, but is growing lengthwise. I hate throwing out percentiles, but he's dropped from 35% to the 8%. Uggh.

So, Pedi wants us to Supplement with Rice Cereal.. I told DH (SAHD) to feed him 3 or 4oz of BM, then switch to an ounce of Rice Cereal mixed with BM.

I'm hearing suggestions on skipping the Rice Cereal and just giving formula, because it has more calories... thoughts?

(also, I have ZERO clue about formula, so any help on that aspect is needed!)

fotobird · October 2010

I personally wouldn't want to give LO formula, I think rice cereal mixed with BM is a better alternative.

Don't know, it's all preference though.

fotobird · October 2010

P.S You're from Tacoma? I'm in Olympia! Smile

Indiechixor · October 2010

nice! I'm actually on McChord, but saying "Lakewood" just doesn't feel right.

Indiechixor · October 2010

is your family on the small size? DH was born skinny, I was born close to 10lbs

mom and dad both petite? Neither, we're both 5'7"

has number of nursing sessions gone down due to teething, interest in the outside world or other? Not that I know of, DH is the one feeding. We usually just feed on demand

does he nurse on both sides for a fairly short time or on one side per feeding? I feed him until he starts fussing at the breast.... then switch. I'm assuming my supply is dropping which is why he is getting fussy =(

does he STTN? Yes, since around 3 months. 8:30pm till 6am, when I wake up for work

excessive pacifier use? He's more of a thumb sucker

was baby weighed right after a big diaper blow out? Negative

do you think you have a low supply? Yes!

I'm going to try and pump more often... but I will consider giving formula.

ncbelle · October 2010

I would NOT give rice cereal - very little in the way of fat or calories so that's not going to help with weight gain. It's just going to fill up his tummy and make him not want to nurse.

I'd start by upping my nursing sessions - I agree with AmyG that you probably need to dream feed him at some point in the night as well as encourage him to stay on the breast longer during the day. 10 hours is a long, long time for a 4 month old to go without eating, especially if there are concerns about weight gain.

I'd also burp him well when he starts fussing and try reoffering the 1st breast before switching - that will encourage your supply and let him get more hind milk (which is what you want). 4 months is a big age for beginning to get distracted while nursing so his fussing is more likely related to him wanting to be "busy" doing something else moreso than your supply. Also try nursing in a dark, quiet room and lying down to encourage him to stay focused.

I'd also get in touch with an LC. Based on the rice cereal advice, your pedi would seem to know very little about BFing. Get in touch with someone who can help you figure out his actual intake.

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Anyone have some supplementing tips? (help with weight gain)

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