JollyPirate - are you there? Please can I have some of your advice and thoughts...

[DawnAS]

Sorry to request you specifically, but as an HV I thought you might be able to put my mind at rest as I'm stressing with every feed that my 18 week old baby does/doesn't take!!

My LO was born on the 25th centile. Following breast surgery I struggled to BF and only managed it for a couple of days and had to move on to FF. From about 1 week old I noticed a coating on her tongue but kept being told (by my HV) that it was just milk residue. Our DD used to take two hours over a bottle but at each weekly weigh-in, still seemed to be maintaining her centile.

At her 8 week check, she was still on the 25th centile, but I mentioned my concern about her mouth. The GP immediately diagnosed thrush and gave us some medicine. After 2 weeks, it was much better and she told us to stop with the medicine. I wasn't convinced but didn't want to seem neurotic, I wish now that I'd gone with my instincts.

At 12 weeks she had her jabs and I took her to the GP at the same time because I still wasn't happy with her mouth. She confirmed that the thrush was still there and prescribed Daktarin gel. She asked to see her a week later. So I took her along and her mouth had improved dramatically, but because of the change in sensation with her tongue and the taste, she'd started to play about with her food and her feeding that week had become very inconsistent. Some days hardly taking any and some taking a little more, but still not her usual feeding. I asked the GP to weigh her when she checked her at 13 weeks and she'd dropped to the 9th centile. I was devestated but the GP was convinced that it was all to do with her mouth.

So anyway (sorry this is so long, just want to make sure I give you all the info...), the terrible feeding continued for another couple of weeks. We changed bottles, teats etc trying to improve things and it did start to help. She began to take slightly larger amounts and quicker.

I actually think that over this time, she might have lost some weight, due to the feeding issues. When I took her to the HV this Tuesday, she'd dropped to just above the 2nd centile. I broke down in tears over the stress of her feeding and the HV said not to worry and that she's probably still building herself up.

She is taking between 24-30ozs a day is having plenty of wet and dirty nappies daily, is never sick (last time she vomited was about 4 weeks I ago...) and is very happy, alert and is progressing as I believe she should, learning to roll-over, trying to sit up etc. So should I be worried?

I'm getting so upset about this and frequently burst into tears when she only takes a small amount of feed.

From what I've told you, should I be desperately worrying or does it sound to you like she's Ok?

xxx

[DawnAS]

Sorry, just wanted to give you a bit more info...

Ellie is in the same place on the charts that she was at birth, for height and head circumference (between 50 and 75 centiles). I'm not sure if this is relevant but I am 5ft 8 and a size 10-12, DH is also slim build, not sure if it's related at to Ellie at her age...

She is FF and even though people have suggested weaning to me, I'm not keen to do that until she's taking more calories from her milk. Not sure if this is right or not but don't want to put her off food for life by starting her too early!! xx

[DawnAS]

Bump...

[DawnAS]

Bump again just in case you miss it!!

[Drooper]

Not Jolly Pirate but you sounded so worried. This might bump again for you.

I don't think you should worry at the moment. I think she is taking just what she needs for now. As you've probably found, you can't make them feed if they don't want it!

She sounds really lively and active and is probably using up her calories in trying to be so active . I would be reassured that she sounds so bright and mobile!

Waht did the HV at clinic say, I would be tempted not to weigh for at least a month. As the GP doesn't think there is anything else going on i would try and relax about it (easier said than done!!)

She sounds great.

[BertieBotts]

Sorry I am not a HV but it sounds ok to me, please don't worry And I think you are right not to wean yet. Have you started to look at whether you will do purees or BLW yet? Something different to focus on might help.

[DawnAS]

Hi ladies,

Thank you so much for your responses, it's so kind of you to come back to me.

I have been really worried and upset about it because, as a first time parent, I'm trying to do the best that I can but wonder if I'm doing something fundamentally wrong. But you've reassured me that I'm not. I can't force her to take milk if she doesn't want it.

I've actually made the decision not to go back to the HV for some time as the weigh-ins just really stress me out. I'm embarassed to say that I burst into tears this week when I took her and they said that she'd dropped to just above the 2nd...

I haven't decided on the weaning thing yet and unfortunately I'm up against a Mum who thinks that jars are the way to go and a sister who weaned her baby at 12 weeks (he's 5 weeks older than Ellie...) and feeds him Milkybar as a treat??!!

I would quite like to try BLW but will need to read up more about it. I'm sure she'll be ready in the next 6-8 weeks as she already stares very intently at my food and almost shakes with excitement - bless her!! She'll be between 24-26 weeks old then so I guess about time to start giving her the odd cook carrot or broccoli.

Thank you so much again ladies, your responses are so appreciated!!

xxx