Moving from breast to formula due to baby losing weight...

[MummyViola]

My DD will be 4 weeks old tomorrow and has continually lost weight since birth. She has fallen from just over 8lbs to just under 7lbs. I have been bf, which was going ok, I thought. HV referred us to doctor last week, who advised us to introduce 1 or 2 formula feeds a day as well as bf every 2-3 hours rather than on demand (all the time), to encourage my supply to build up.

I am now so concerned with DD weight loss that I am considering switching to formula completely, or possibly also topping up with formula after each breast feed.

Has anyone else been in this position? I want to keep bf but need to do whatever will get dd to gain weight.

Thanks for all your posts folks. I've spoken to HV again, who was a bit more supportive, and am now topping up after each bf. If no weight gain dd will be back at dr for bloods etc. Hopefully she'll start to put on this week.

Would you give an indication as to where you are? I live in the sticks too, but there is bf support around if you know where to look for it (and most of it is very good). Sadly, GPs/HV are more likely to push formula than signpost to bf support in my area

how are things today?

Just to say, I've just topped DS up (who lost 15% of birth weight in 5 days) with formula, but was able to with a little cup so as not to interfere with bfding. I've got a thread about it here thread as I was also expressing like a maniac which worked as I've now got an immense supply! We have come out the other side now, I hope you will soon.

It's such a horrible experience, you have all my sympathy.

Good that your HV is being more supportive now.

Top ups are undeniably needed to stop the weight loss for now. That said, it would be really useful to see someone in real life who can get to the root of what caused such a drop.

You could ask them to check the latch as someone else suggested and have a really good look for tongue tie.

I agree with the GP talking rubbish, and also with that you need a second opinion... But one small detail also jumped out at me: you said the baby is stripped off? My DS was born prematurely and I was told, by MWs in hospital, to strip him off so he stays awake for feeds... He kept losing weight and we had to stay in longer... Until one night a new MW told me that all his energy was going on keeping warm (he was in a vest and nappy most of the time)... I put his clothes back on and his weight went up :)

as I said, not necessarily the issue here, but just had to share...

op, can you please take your baby and get a second opinon, or preferably, just take your baby to a & e and let someone listen to her heart, and watch her breathing. I know its none of my business, but i would really like you to tell us that there is nothing serious wrong. that its really just a breast versus formula issue and there is absolutely no other reason to worry.

MummyViola- how are things?