not gaining weight

[notjustamum86]

Has anyone else here had a child who struggles to gain weight. My 17 month old, was only 4lb at birth but now is still only 13lb7oz. She seems to lose weight as quickly as she gains it. so, in the last six and a half months she has only put on 1lb. Has anyone had anything similar? If so, what did the drs do / not do? What advice was helpful (other than, don't worry!)?

[LatinForTelly]

Was she 4lbs at term, OP? If so, she could well have problems with eating and/or gaining weight. It's a well-known thing with some IUGR (small for dates) babies (although noone told me when I had mine many years ago - they just said, take him home and he'll catch up ).

You could make contact with the Child Growth Foundation who support children with growth disorders and their parents / carers. This includes IUGR babies. They have a facebook group, and a website with helpline number on it here.

[notjustamum86]

Thank you. Yes, she was IUGR, induced at 37 weeks due to lack of growth.

[LatinForTelly]

I'd definitely contact the Child Growth Foundation. They have been such a huge support to me. You will find loads of parents with lots of the same issues, and the people who run the helpline have been through it all and are great too.

Is your daughter under a paediatrician? Is her height completely below the chart? Her weight must be I think, from memory? Don't let people fob you off with such guff as 'she's growing along her own centile' etc. Ideally she should be monitored by a paediatric endocrinologist as well.

I could ask you a load more questions but don't want to bombard you! PM me if you want. Take care.