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Infant feeding

EBF 5mth old not gaining weight

21 replies

pipnchops · 30/03/2017 19:43

I'm feeling really low and exhausted. Took 5mo DD2 to be weighed today and she hasn't gained anything in the past two weeks. Two weeks ago when I had her weighed she had only gained 2oz in a month.

I ebf on demand. Lately I've been feeding her constantly trying to get her weight up and it's not working. Lots of wet and dirty nappies and she looks healthy and alert. Just the scales don't agree.

Health visitor's advised me to start offering top ups and said she's not ready for weaning yet. I find it very hard to express so I've bought formula. She is refusing to take a bottle. I've tried syringing milk in and she just screams and spits it out.

She's a bit poorly, cough and runny nose, but she wasn't doing well on the weight charts before she got ill so I don't think it is related. Since being ill though she's been fussy on the boob. Maybe due to blocked nose.

I co sleep with her so I'm a bit hazy on how often she's waking at night as I feed lying down and just pop a boob in her mouth when she stirs then go back to sleep. She seems to wake about four times for a feed, if I was too hazard a guess though.

I have a 2 year old DD too and feel like I'm really neglecting her as I'm either feeding or holding DD2 and if I do get DD2 to sleep somewhere other than on me for a very short time I have a long list of things that need doing around the house.

I just feel like I'm failing them both right now. What can I do? I feel helpless.

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 30/03/2017 20:06

Sorry I can't help you on this pip but it does sound like you are giving it your best. This article on low weight gain might help and hopefully @tiktok is around.

Have you called one of the Bfing Helplines too? Have you got the numbers?

pipnchops · 30/03/2017 20:57

Thank you, have had a good read of that link. Wondering if I'm not letting her drink for long enough on each side. I do swap sides a lot. I'm going to pop along to my local bf support group tomorrow if I can, if not I'll try a helpline.

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 30/03/2017 20:58

That sounds like a good idea Smile

MsComplicated · 30/03/2017 21:04

Im with you on the neglected eldest child, Im bf DC2 and feel like she is either feeding or asleep on me 80% of the time and what little time shes happy and settled I need to wash up etc. just do what you can and try to remind yourself that this stage doesnt last forever. Make sure you swap sides each time if she is only taking on side each feed, especially at night and try to encourage she drains the breast before switching so she gets the richer stuff.

pipnchops · 30/03/2017 21:15

The side switching thing is difficult for me as I genuinely can't tell when my boobs are full or drained, they always feel the same. She feeds so regularly I just assume they're always drained. They certainly never feel full. So I'm just winging it with when to switch sides.

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 30/03/2017 21:26

How often would you say you switch? Have you tried breast compressions too?

pitterpatterrain · 30/03/2017 21:29

Has she dropped down across the centiles?

pitterpatterrain · 30/03/2017 21:34

Sorry pressed post too soon - did they ask you to come back so soon?

How often is she feeding? DD2 is nearly 5 mo now and I am finding she gets quite distracted in the day, still 7-8 feeds in 24 hours

MsComplicated · 30/03/2017 21:43

When DC was tiny I used a bracelet, and changed the wrist I wore it on depending on which breast Id used, I never feel 'full' though unless she does a big stretch at night unexpectedly.

I wouldnt switch sides until she seems finished on one though if that makes sense.

BABYLOVE02 · 30/03/2017 22:25

I felt the same regarding neglecting dc1, while constantly feeding dc2.

Feeding in a sling helped at least we could all go out for a walk etc.

Jilted is right about breast compression and also bf consultant advised me to not just think of having two sides but swop 3 or 4 times for further let downs.

What about trying a feeding cup, rather than bottle or syringe, for top ups

Colds and snuffling can cause havoc with feeding, so hopefully that's passed now.

Maybe in another month dc will be ready for some solids and that will make a real difference to you all. It should help with weight gain especially when on to things like avocado! Also solids start to allow more flexibility so maybe you can leave dc2 with husband/partner/grandparents for maybe an hour or so and do something like swimming with just you and dc1.

Sounds like you are doing great. Before you know it dc will be playing together and feeds will be so quick!!

tiktok · 30/03/2017 23:35

OP, can you give more info? Exactly what has been her growth on the charts? Has there been a history of low gain from the start or was it later she slowed?

The difficulty with solids is that until your baby eats lots of solids, they don't really have an impact on weight gain. It sounds to me that if you have a problem - and you may not - then solids are not the solution.

Goldmandra · 31/03/2017 00:02

Don't worry that your breasts aren't full. They produce milk straight from your bloodstream as your baby is feeding.

If your baby is happy, comfortable and producing lots of wet nappies, you're clearly doing something right. Try not to worry too much.

There are some really well informed posters who will no doubt come across this thread soon and give you some better advice.

TheLaughingGnome · 31/03/2017 00:16

Is she moving a lot? I remember feeling dreadful when my DD went through the same thing, but now I look back (she's 10 now!) it kind of made sense. By the time she was 5 months, she was pulling herself around and crawling by 6 months (walked at 9, eep) so obviously she used a lot more calories than most of her peers who were still hardly sitting up. Seriously, try not to sweat it, if she hates the bottle as mine did, just breast feed, she'll get what she needs. Don't know if it's a pttern but she also hated being spoonfed and that made me feel shit as well until someone (possibly my mum) told me to try to let her feed herself, which she did and ate anything. She's v. independent and looking back I think she probably always was.

pipnchops · 31/03/2017 07:23

Thanks for all your replies. Haven't tried compressions, will get them to show me how today at the support group.

She was born between 75th and 91st centile then has steadily dropped to just above 9th. More rapid dropping lately. The hv want to see her every two weeks.

I seen whenever she comes off the boob naturally as I assume that means she's finished.

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pipnchops · 31/03/2017 07:25

She doesn't move around much but likes sitting up or standing on her legs (with support) a lot and seeing what is going on. She hates laying down down and really hates tummy time.

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pipnchops · 31/03/2017 07:26

*switch not seen

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pipnchops · 31/03/2017 07:40

So I just fed her for 5 mins on right then she came off, went back on and off again a few times then started to look around then started squirming around so I popped her on the left and she's now drinking more. So that makes me think right was empty.

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pitterpatterrain · 31/03/2017 16:41

Pipnchops DD2 is a fast feeder and I get that kind of reaction and also assume to change over as she won't stay on the first side anyhow

How often are you feeding in 24 hours?

pipnchops · 31/03/2017 19:55

I don't keep count really but I'd say I'm feeding about 8 times in 24 hours, does that sound about right?

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blue2014 · 01/04/2017 20:33

There's no reflux is there? We think DS might be bringing up too much hence him loosing weight

Best wishes to you op

pipnchops · 02/04/2017 17:10

No reflux but lots of poos so I'm wondering if it just goes straight through her system! Not sure what to do about that. I'm feeding lots on one side before switching to the other to see if that helps. Time will tell!

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