Would the kindest thing now be to give in and introduce 1 bottle a day? advice needed please

[PeachyWontLieToYou]

OK- some background.

Bas is 9 weeks, youngest of 4 boys, all of whom started out as slow growing babies and who eventually had botte and formula introduced- ds1 at 3 weeks, ds2 at 4 weeks, ds3 at 4 weeks but some f continued until 16 months.

Ds1 and ds3 are both casein intolerant (milk protein), as am I

B as was born at 8lb 3oz. He dropped to 8lb and sat there for 4 weeks until the wonderful TikTok suggested that I completely removed all traces of milk from my diet, at which point he started to grow about 2 - 6oz a week (not massive but Paeds for the others think that theres a genetic factor).

Now he is slowing right down to 1.5oz this week, he's still only 9lb 4oz.

I know he's getting enough- plenty of we nappies, etc etc. But he is a baby who screeches every time he's put down and has to be close for sleep etc- but this may or may not be due to feeding, HV and I have concerns over both his hearing and eyesight. He also has a high chance of asd as 2 of his brothers have it, and I have heard ales of asd kids being like this (and many who are not, mind!).

Anyway obv. the growth is a concern- I know the latch etc is fine so I am wndering as DH and I are starting to seriously worry now, if I should offer 1 bottle of dairy free formula to see if it helps (expressing not an option, i find it hard and end up stressed.

I have ben really happy about how BF has been going but am wondering if the kind thing is to give the bottle and perhaps this has become more about my physical need to feed, rather than his best interests?

I think we've said to do nothing until weighing on Tuesday, and be extra dairy careful in that time, but is that right?

sorry.... far toolong I know. But having a 9 week old still in newborn is worrying.

[PeachyWontLieToYou]

dropped out of acive convo's already! surely in the true spirit of mn someone will yell at me for considering it?

[BlueDragonfly]

i can yell if you like...

but i will go and read the thread now.

[BlueDragonfly]

sorry peachy i can't help but its bumped for you and the traditional MN yell has been taken care of earlier

Sorry you are struggling

[PeachyWontLieToYou]

what we hope to gain is increased weight gain- the rest i can (usually) deal with, but 1.5oz is well below kellymom etc guidelines isn't it? he looks like a plucked chicken, all skinny (he is normal length)

[Littlefish]

Bump for Peachy

[scorpio1]

Peachy

i think you are doing fab bf, he is putting on weight,

you said your others were the same at this age too, yes? maybe you make them this way! At least it is not a loss.

I woulod be loathe to introduce formula tbh unless very desperate, ie weight loss

I dont know much about asd, i have had to ask you about things about my ds1, but i know you know what you are looking for/at, but also remember bf babies are 'clingy' by the very nature of the feeding, as you say

have you tried an electric pump? i can only hand pump 2oz but have heard electric pumps are better? Maybe someone on here will lend you one?

[scorpio1]

can you get some help at home to babymoon?

i just dont want bas to love the bottle iyswim over the breast and then you have to ff fully before you know it.

[isaidno]

You sound like you don't want to introduce the ff. He is still gaining weight so that must be from the bf.

[StealthPolarBear]

Do you mean he needs to suck? HAve you tried him with a dummy? Whether you decide to give him formula or not I mean.You have 4 kids, I have one - feel free to ignore me

[tiktok]

I agree with Starlight - great to have different experiences and support from mumsnet, but actually helping you judge what is best is not really within anyone's scope...it's beyond mine, apart from to say you might be helped by talking it through with a bf-friendly and knowledgeable dietitian or nutrition-minded paed.

I agree, however, that one week's weight reading can't be a basis to make a decision on. But I also agree the situation is one worth watching.

Hope you get some good help.

[tiktok]

PS: I think it's actually beyond the scope of most bfcs, but of course they will listen to you and encourage and support...but they prob won't be able to have an opinion on the best option.

[PeachyWontLieToYou]

/I know it's down to me to make the decision- and I know a lot of it is paranoia. Which tbh I was prepared for when we decided tohave a fourth!

The dummy idea is good; I might go get a selection today actually.

If he does end up wth a bottle it will be one a day, given by DH to avoid confusion.

He's a strong baby- trying to roll over!- so he's nor doing badly as such.

[StealthPolarBear]